In a high-stakes clash at the King Power Stadium, Leicester City will host Wolverhampton Wanderers for a crucial match which could have serious implications for both teams’ survival in the Premier League. The meeting, scheduled for December 22, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. GMT, is an essential victory for both teams, who find themselves entrenched in the relegation zone.
Wolves are coming off a disappointing home defeat to newly promoted Ipswich Town, which led to the sacking of manager Gary O’Neil. The club currently sit in 19th place, five points from safety, leading to a rapid change in direction. Vitor Pereira, a former member of Saudi Arabia’s Pro League side Al-Shabab, has been named the new head coach, and his first challenge will be to steer the team away from the quagmire of relegation.
Pereira’s arrival brings a sense of urgency to the Wolves camp. A defeat against Leicester could seriously dent their hopes of avoiding relegation, making this match a crucial test for the new manager. Meanwhile, Leicester City, currently 17th, also find themselves in a precarious situation. A defeat could see them slip into the relegation zone for the first time this season, increasing the pressure on the Foxes.
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Match details:
Date: December 22, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m. GMT
Venue: King Power Stadium, Leicester
Team news:
Leicester City will be without key players due to injuries, including Ricardo Pereira, Wilfred Ndidi and Abdul Fatawu, who are all out. Mads Hermansen is doubtful, with a late fitness test planned to determine his participation. However, the Foxes will benefit from the services of Harry Winks, Jakub Stolarczyk and Boubakary Soumare, which should strengthen their midfield.
On the other side, Wolves are dealing with their own injury issues. Yerson Mosquera, Enso Medina, Sasa Kalajdzic, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Matheus Cunha are all ruled out of the match. Boubacar Traoré, Pablo Sarabia and Jose Sa could feature, but their physical fitness remains uncertain.
Match Preview:
Leicester City suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Newcastle United last weekend, a result which leaves them just two points above the relegation zone. The Foxes will be eager to bounce back in front of their home fans, but they must be wary of any potential ‘new manager bounce’ Wolves could experience under Pereira’s leadership. Wolves’ short preparation time could work to Leicester’s advantage, as Pereira is likely to implement a new tactical approach.
Both teams have struggled defensively this season. Leicester have conceded 34 goals, with an expected goal against (xGA) of 33.5, while Wolves have allowed 40 goals with an xGA of 27.2. Pereira’s immediate task will be to strengthen Wolves’ defense and ensure they avoid defeat. Wolves are expected to adopt a more defensive strategy, allowing Leicester to control the game while looking to exploit counter-attacking opportunities.
Leicester have the attacking talent to challenge Wolves, but they must remain vigilant during transitions, a phase where they have been vulnerable. The return of Soumaré and Winks is a significant boost for Leicester, promising a more robust midfield than what was seen against Newcastle.
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As Leicester manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy aims to maintain his impressive record of never losing a home game, the Foxes will also look to extend their remarkable 17-year unbeaten streak against Wolves at home.
Expected starting lineups:
Leicester City:
-Danny Ward
–James Justin
-Conor Coady
–Jannik Vestergaard
–Victor Kristiansen
– Boubakary Soumaré
– Harry winks
– Bilal El Khannouss
–Facundo Buonanotte
–Jamie Vardy
– Stéphy Mavididi
Wolverhampton Wanderers:
–Sam Johnstone
– Nélson Semedo
-Santiago Bueno
–Toti Gomes
-Matt Doherty
-André
– Mario Lemina
–Rodrigo Gomes
–Joao Gomes
– Mathéus Cunha
–Jorgen Strand Larsen
As both teams prepare for this crucial encounter, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With relegation looming, every point is vital and the King Power Stadium is gearing up for an electrifying showdown. Fans from both sides will be hoping for a performance that can turn their season around and secure their place in the Premier League.