Tottenham host Leicester City on Saturday, in one of the seven Premier League matches scheduled to take place this weekend. There were fears that this game would be postponed, due to it taking place in London, but the Premier League have announced that it will go ahead, at the time of writing. These two teams have had differing starts to the season, but Spurs’ defeat in the week means that there is a small amount of pressure on them to bounce back. Meanwhile, the visitors are rooted to the bottom of the table with a single point.
Antonio Conte will have big ambitions for Tottenham this season and their start in the Premier League should give him hope that they can achieve something. Spurs are currently in third position level on points with Manchester City and just one below rivals Arsenal. A win this weekend will maintain the pressure on the other pair and it could set up a mouth watering North London derby following the international break. The defeat in the Champions League in the week could provide a reality check, but supporters will hope it leads to a much better performance this weekend.
Brendan Rodgers remains in post, but there is growing pressure on his job. Leicester City are currently bottom of the table with just a single point. They trail the team in 19th by three points, which shows how poor their start has been in comparison with the rest of the league. With the international break to follow, a heavy defeat this weekend could lead to a managerial change. Leicester have issues in their squad, but they have too much talent to be battling relegation. Rodgers desperately needs a result on Saturday.
Interesting stats
Tottenham are currently on a run of six successive wins at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This is their longest winning run at their new stadium.
If Jamie Vardy plays, he will move to 277 Premier League appearances and become the player with the most Premier League appearances for Leicester City.
Key men
Kane
Harry Kane has started the season in fantastic form and he deserves his status as one of the league’s best players once again. Last season, he started slowly, but he has not shown the same rustiness at the beginning of this campaign. He has been helped by the appointment of Antonio Conte and being more settled in his own mind. The misfiring form of Son Heung-min means there is greater emphasis on Kane to deliver in the final third. His return of five goals in the first six matches doesn’t look impressive compared to Erling Haaland. However, it represents a positive start for Kane and it would be a surprise if he doesn’t surpass his 2021/22 return of 12 goals. The World Cup will be in the back of his mind as England captain and he will want to continue his strong form into that tournament. The defensive issues of Leicester means that he will be confident this weekend. He has scored 17 goals in just 14 Premier League matches against the Foxes. That record will be at the front of Leicester supporters’ minds this weekend.
Maddison
Leicester have had a poor start to the campaign. They will need to improve their defensive record if they are to climb the table, as they already have an array of excellent attacking players. Despite the team’s poor start, James Maddison has started the season well and looks ready to make a late push for the England World Cup squad. His long term future at the club is uncertain, due to Newcastle’s interest. Leicester managed to keep hold of him during the summer, but his contract situation will be a concern in the coming months. For the time being, his focus will be on performing well for the Foxes. He has two goals and one assist in five matches so far. Maddison is the type of player that can produce moments of quality out of very little and Leicester may require that on Saturday.
Team news
Lucas Moura is unlikely to feature this weekend. Son Heung-min could be taken out of the starting eleven, due to his poor form.
Ricardo Pereira will be missing until 2023. Ryan Bertrand is the other absentee for Leicester.
Verdict
If this match was played in Leicester, there would be a greater chance for the Foxes. Tottenham have been very strong at home under Antonio Conte. They have won their last six matches at home and that run is likely to continue. Leicester’s defence just doesn’t look strong enough to hold out and their attack will need to score three or four just to give them a chance.
Tottenham 3-1 Leicester City
