Leicester City are fancied to compete for a top six finish in this Premier League season. They will offer a stern test for Tottenham following a rocky start to the season. They failed to win in the Champions League as they blew a two goal lead for the second time this campaign. It will be unlikely to cost them in Europe, but it will be a worry for Mauricio Pochettino as he continues to build the club. This match should be one of the games of the weekend, with both teams possessing the attacking talent to cause the other problems.
Brendan Rodgers has had a positive first few months in charge at the KP Stadium. He looks like he could take them to a new level and compete with the top six on a regular basis. The summer transfer window activity showed both ambition and shrewdness. Their decision not to splash the Harry Maguire money looks to be a good one, as better value will be available to them down the line. Last weekend’s defeat to Manchester United will lower expectations, but there is no doubting their ability to get something this weekend.
Tottenham will be looking to push on over this campaign and establish themselves as the third best team in the country. They will need to show an improvement over the coming months if they are to do that. They have already dropped points against lesser teams this season. There would be no shame in not winning against Leicester. However, a strong performance and three points could kickstart their season.
Interesting stats
- Leicester City have kept only one clean sheet this season and that came in the first game of the campaign.
- Tottenham managed to score three goals in the first half an hour in their last fixture. It was the first time they have managed this in a home game since February 2012.
Key men
Vardy
The English frontman has been one of the most consistent strikers in the Premier League in recent seasons. He comes alive in matches against top-six teams and he will be relishing the opportunity to show his quality this weekend. Vardy has already scored three times in the Premier League this season and he will be the primary goal threat for the Foxes this weekend. Tottenham will likely dominate possession for long periods and this could play into the hosts’ hands, as there will be room in the final third for their pacy striker to operate. Davinson Sanchez has found wanting at the back at times this season. During Tottenham’s loss to Newcastle, Joelinton got plenty of joy in behind. There is certainly a weakness there and Vardy has the tools to exploit them. Although he is only averaging 1.2 shots per game, he is offering a threat and another 15+ goal season.
Eriksen
In another universe, Eriksen is playing for a different club. He made no secret of his desire to leave the club this summer, but the interest wasn’t there and he will be in North London for at least one more season. It would be a big blow if the club lose him for free, but they will be hoping that he can lead them to a successful campaign. They are obviously a better team with him in the line-up and the injury to Giovani Lo Celso means that he will have an important part to play over the coming weeks. Despite a lack of playing time, Eriksen is averaging two shots and two key passes per ninety minutes, which underlines the impact that he has in the team. Leicester have talented midfield players, but Tottenham have the quality to dominate in those areas. If they do and get Eriksen on the ball, he can make the difference on Saturday.
Team news
Ben Chilwell is expected to be back for the home side. Leicester have no major injury concerns going into this weekend and will be confident of getting a result.
Serge Aurier and Danny Rose are both expected to start against Leicester after being rested in the week. Lo Celso and Ryan Sessegnon won’t be available.
Verdict
This should be a great game for neutral fans to watch and it will be a good indicator of where’s both teams are. If Leicester want to be pushing the top six, they need to win their home matches against them. It is a good time to play Tottenham, as they have struggled to get going until now. There will be goals at both ends, with both attacks having a lot of quality. An entertaining score draw looks to be a smart prediction for this one.
Leicester 2-2 Tottenham
