League leaders Leicester City take on the ever-inconsistent Southampton on Sunday.
Leicester City will look to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table with a win in a tough match against Southampton on Sunday. Claudio Ranieri's side head into the weekend five points clear of second-placed Tottenham Hotspur, with their unlikely dream of lifting the top flight title looking ever more like becoming a reality. The Foxes have lost only twice all season, and only once since Boxing Day.
However, Southampton are certainly capable of stopping the Leicester juggernaut. Ronald Koeman's side have won two straight games to move within three points of Manchester United and sixth place, including a dramatic comeback win against Liverpool last time out. They may be rather frustratingly inconsistent for their supporters, but when they're on a good day, they're capable of beating anyone.
Key player: Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City)
Leicester attacker Riyad Mahrez has been thoroughly impressive so far this season, and has grabbed the attention -- if rumours are to be believed -- of some of Europe's biggest clubs. Not bad for a player who'd never played a single top flight match before last season. His blend of pace and skill makes him a nightmare for opposition defenders, and he's sure to give Southampton left-back Matty Targett a tough afternoon.
Recent history
These sides drew 2-2 in the reverse fixture at St. Mary's, though Leicester emerged 2-0 winners when they last met at the King Power Stadium back in May. Not since they clashed in the Championship back in 2007 -- when Leicester would go on to be relegated to the third tier, and Southampton avoided the same fate by just a couple of points -- have Southampton won away in Leicester.
Leicester City injuries and suspensions
Out: Matty James (knee). In doubt: None.
Southampton injuries and suspensions
Out: Charlie Austin (hamstring); Florin Gardoș (knee). In doubt: Shane Long (patellar tendon); Jay Rodriguez (foot).
Leicester's only certain absentee is midfielder James, who continues his return from a knee injury. Southampton's injury list is only slightly longer: striker Austin and defender Gardoș are sidelined, while attackers Long and Rodriguez both face late fitness tests.
Match date/time: Sun., 8:30 a.m. ET, 1:30 p.m. local
Venue: King Power Stadium, Leicester, England
TV: NBCSN (US - English); NBC Universo (US - Spanish); TSN2 (Canada); Sky Sports 1/HD (UK)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (US - English); NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra (US - Spanish); Sky Go (UK)
No comments:
Post a Comment