The narrow loss at the King Power Stadium earlier in the season for Palace seems a long way off as a lot has happened to both clubs since.
For Leicester City, the early season form has continued to put them in dreamland and five points clear at the top of the Premier League. In contrast, Palace have had a terrible second half to the season seeing them plummet down the table while saving their best performances for the FA Cup.
After the win at Reading secured a semi final appearance at Wembley, the Eagles will be looking to knuckle down in the league to put a few more points on the board before the date with Watford arrives.
The Foxes will be looking to continue their push for the title with another three points but they could have a battle on their hands in South London. They have rarely been tested by a side that play with two out and out wingers so Alan Pardew will be hoping such a tactic could have an influence on the game.
Team News
Crystal Palace – Marouane Chamakh (groin), James McArthur (ankle) and Kwesi Appiah (knee) all continue to miss out. Connor Wickham (thigh) is doubtful and despite a knock Yohan Cabaye will be available.
Leicester City – Other than Matthew James (knee) who is out for the season, the Foxes have no other injury concerns.
Action Replay
The Eagles last took on Leicester City at home in September 2015. After a goalless first half, two goals in three second half minutes sealed the points for the hosts. Frazier Campbell opened the scoring shortly after the break and Mile Jedinak doubled the advantage soon after. Even the experienced Argentine Esteban Cambiasso could not prevent defeat for the Foxes.
Form Guide
In the last six games Leicester have shown title winning form with four wins and one draw while Palace have been quite the opposite with just two draws.
Palace have the upper hand in the last six games between the two winning three and to Leicester’s two while the other was a draw. Three of those matches were played at Selhurst Park with one win a-piece and one draw.
Form Players (courtesy of Who Scored)
Riyad Mahrez (7.84), N’Golo Kante (7.53), Jamie Vardy (7.52), Yohan Cabaye (7.25), Yannick Bolasie (7.11)
One To Watch
Danny Drinkwater
The former Manchester United academy player has just received his first England call up after what has been a fantastic season for him and the club. The Manchester born midfielder never made any first team appearances at Old Trafford but had plenty of game time on loan at Huddersfield Town, Cardiff City, Watford and Barnsley. After six years at the Red Devils the twenty-six year old moved to Leicester in 2012 for an undisclosed fee. He has represented England at both under 18 and under 19 levels.
Predictions
Final league position – 1st
From being one of the favourites for relegation to title challengers, it has been an unexpected season for Leicester City but even though they have had their doubters throughout, they are top of the table on merit. It is difficult to see who is going to stop their march but if they get through the tough run in and win the Premier League it will be fully deserved.
- TEB prediction – draw
- Jim Knight prediction (see link below) – away win
- Who Scored prediction – away win
Betting Odds (courtesy of Paddy Power)
- Home 19/10
- Draw 9/4
- Away 6/4
Find out what Foxes fan Jim Knight told TEB this week in The Leicester View.
