Leicester City will be looking for their fifth consecutive win when they host Sheffield Wednesday. The Foxes are leading the Championship table with 11 points above Southampton in second place. Wednesday, who face relegation, are in 23rd place, five points outside of the safety of 21st.
Preview (Leicester City vs Sheffield Wednesday)
Although Leicester’s elimination from the Premier League in the previous season was unexpected, the Foxes are on track to return to the top division in England for the 2024–25 season. In their 31 Championship games this season, Enzo Maresca’s team has won 24, drawn 3, and lost four. With 75 points, they are 11 points ahead of second-placed Southampton at the top. They are 12 ahead of third-placed Leeds United in the race for promotion. It would be a major surprise if Leicester did not make a return to the top flight for 2024–25. They have been the best team in the second division this season.
The Foxes have won their previous four games across all competitions, including a 2-1 victory over Watford on Saturday. They are also still playing in the FA Cup. They will take on Bournemouth in the competition’s fifth round later this month. Wednesday has struggled away from home. Leicester has the second-best home record in the Championship this season with 37 points from their 15 games. With just seven points earned from their 15 road games this season, the Owls own the second-worst away record in the Championship. Wednesday is attempting to solidify at this level after securing promotion back to the Championship.
After 31 league games this season, Danny Rohl’s team has a record of seven wins, five draws, and 19 losses, good for 26 points and a 23rd-place ranking in the standings. Despite their five-point deficit to Huddersfield Town in 21st position, the Owls defeated Birmingham City 2-0 on Saturday afternoon. Following his recent loan from Troyes, Ike Ugbo scored both of Wednesday’s goals against Birmingham. The 25-year-old forward will be looked on for further inspiration in this match.
Team News
Due to a leg injury, Wilfred Ndidi will not be playing for Leicester again. Meanwhile, Kelechi Iheanacho is unlikely to play because his Nigerian team plays Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday night. Although head coach Maresca has no new injury concerns, Jannik Vestergaard and Marc Albrighton are still sidelined, so it wouldn’t be shocking to see the same team that started the match against Watford playing here. Jamie Vardy is probably going to be on the bench, and Patson Daka will likely continue as the center forward. Abdul Fatawu and Kasey McAteer will also likely play in the latter part of the field.
Regarding Wednesday, injuries will prevent Josh Windass, Calvin Paterson, John Buckley, and Dominic Iorfa from competing. Given the quality of the performance, the visitors may play the same lineup that faced Birmingham because they don’t have any new fitness issues. Following his brace in the team’s most recent game, Ugbo will likely play in a wide area once more, with Bailey-Tye Cadamarteri likely to stay in the final third of the field.
Leicester City 2-0 Sheffield Wednesday
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