Leicester City face Wolves at the King Power Stadium on Sunday in a crucial Premier League clash. Both sides are under new management and are desperate to climb out of the relegation zone. Wolves, under Vitor Pereira, aim for a fresh start, while Ruud van Nistelrooy looks to rebuild Leicester’s form after a heavy defeat at Newcastle.
1. Match Overview
Key Details
- Date: Sunday, December 22
- Time: 14:00 GMT / 09:00 ET / 06:00 PT
- Location: King Power Stadium, Leicester
- Referee: Anthony Taylor
- VAR: Michael Salisbury
H2H Record (Last 5 Matches)
- Leicester: 3 Wins
- Wolves: 1 Win
- Draws: 1
- Last Meeting: Leicester 2-1 Wolves (April 22, 2023)
2. Recent Form
Leicester (Last 5 Matches in All Competitions)
- Newcastle 4-0 Leicester (Premier League) – December 14
- Leicester 2-2 Brighton (Premier League) – December 8
- Leicester 3-1 West Ham (Premier League) – December 3
- Brentford 4-1 Leicester (Premier League) – November 30
- Leicester 1-2 Chelsea (Premier League) – November 23
Wolves (Last 5 Matches in All Competitions)
- Wolves 1-2 Ipswich (Premier League) – December 14
- West Ham 2-1 Wolves (Premier League) – December 9
- Everton 4-0 Wolves (Premier League) – December 4
- Wolves 2-4 Bournemouth (Premier League) – November 30
- Fulham 1-4 Wolves (Premier League) – November 23
3. Team News
Leicester City
- In Doubt: Goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, who has been a standout performer this season, may miss out due to injury. Danny Ward is set to deputize but has struggled at this level.
- Returning Players: Boubakary Soumare returns from suspension, and Wilfred Ndidi is nearing full fitness.
- Unavailable: Odsonne Edouard remains a doubt.
Predicted Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Lineup:
Ward; Justin, Vestergaard, Coady, Kristiansen; Soumare, Skipp; McAteer, Buonanotte, El Khannouss; Vardy.
Wolves
- Key Suspensions: Rayan Ait-Nouri is suspended following a red card last weekend.
- In Doubt: Matheus Cunha is available but faces potential disciplinary action after his behavior in Wolves’ loss to Ipswich.
- Returning Players: Joao Gomes is back from suspension, while Boubacar Traore and Pablo Sarabia may return to the matchday squad.
- Unavailable: Goalkeeper Jose Sa is sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Predicted Formation: 3-5-2
Predicted Lineup:
Johnstone; Semedo, Bueno, Toti; Doherty, Andre, Lemina, J Gomes, R Gomes; Cunha, Strand Larsen.
4. Tactical Analysis
Leicester City
- Strengths: The Foxes are adept at creating chances, especially at home, with Jamie Vardy spearheading their attack.
- Weaknesses: Defensive lapses and the potential absence of Hermansen in goal could leave Leicester vulnerable to Wolves’ counter-attacks.
Wolves
- Strengths: Wolves’ midfield, bolstered by the return of Joao Gomes, could dominate possession and create opportunities.
- Weaknesses: A lack of defensive depth and the absence of Ait-Nouri could expose them at the back.
5. Key Players to Watch
Leicester City
- Jamie Vardy: The veteran striker remains a reliable goal threat, particularly in home matches.
- Facundo Buonanotte: The young playmaker’s creativity will be key in breaking down Wolves’ defense.
Wolves
- Matheus Cunha: If available, Cunha’s flair and finishing ability could pose a significant threat.
- Joao Gomes: The midfielder’s return adds stability and creativity to Wolves’ engine room.
6. Match Prediction
Why Wolves Could Win
- The arrival of Vitor Pereira might inject energy and focus into a struggling Wolves side.
- Leicester’s defensive vulnerabilities, especially without Hermansen, could be exploited by Wolves’ attacking players.
Prediction:
Leicester 1-2 Wolves
7. FAQs
- What time does the match start?
The match kicks off at 14:00 GMT / 09:00 ET / 06:00 PT. - Where is the match being played?
The game will take place at the King Power Stadium, Leicester. - Who are the referees?
Anthony Taylor will officiate, with Michael Salisbury on VAR duty. - What’s at stake for Leicester?
Leicester need a win to distance themselves further from the relegation zone and build momentum under Van Nistelrooy. - What’s at stake for Wolves?
Wolves aim to climb off the bottom of the table and start a new era under Vitor Pereira with a positive result.
