Key events
It seems like Leeds have the stronger bench tonight. For this level, Farke really has the embarrassment of attacking riches.
With Vardy and Iheanacho out, Leicester only have one striker on the bench.
Bamford and Joseph on the Leeds bench, alongside James, who scored ten goals. Could be significant. #lufc #LCFC
— Leon Wobschall (@LeonWobYP) February 23, 2024
Leicester are not in their best moments, as modern managers like to say, despite being at the top of the league. Wilfred Ndidi is out for the long term, Kelechi Iheanacho is still missing and apparently Jamie Vardy also has an injury that keeps him out of the matchday squad. Add to that the Foxes having lost their previous game and Maresca’s men have a few issues to contend with.
However, a win today would likely seal automatic promotion for them, and only four Championship teams (Middlesbrough twice, Coventry, Leeds and Hull) have actually beaten Leicester this season. They’re still an impressive outfit.
Team news
Leeds: Meslier, Gray, Rodon, Ampadu, Firpo, Gruev, Kamara, Summerville, Rutter, Gnonto, Piroe
Substitutes: Klaesson, Cresswell, Cooper, Roberts, Shackleton, James, Joseph, Anthony, Bamford
Leicester: Hermansen, Pereira, Faes, Vestegaard, Justin, Winks, Choudhury, Dewsbury-Hall, Fatawu, Mavididi, Daka
Substitutes: Stolarczyk, Coady, Doyle, Nelson, Praet, Akgün, McAteer, Albrighton, Cannon
preamble
So. What a game that promises. The absolute best of the Championship, a game that is likely to eclipse many Premier League games in terms of quality, format and competitiveness. “This is a special game, that’s why we started playing football,” said Daniel Farke earlier this week as he looked forward to a crackling Elland Road atmosphere under the Friday night lights – it’s second versus first in League Two.
With Leicester currently enjoying a seven-point cushion at the top, it’s likely to be a bigger game for Leeds tonight. They can feel Ipswich and Southampton breathing down their necks, and the teams in third and fourth have fairly friendly home games tomorrow – where they will be expected to capitalize on any slip-ups from Leeds.
Then where is your money? Leeds have won five in a row before this game, while Enzo Maresca’s side suffered a shock 2-1 home defeat to Middlesbrough last time out. When the two sides met at the King Power in November, the Whites emerged victorious by just one goal.
It is a Kick-off at 20:00 GMT tonight and it should be a real blast. Do not miss that.
