Leicester v Crystal Palace

Van Nistelrooy finally tasted victory with league-strugglers Leicester as they thrashed QPR 6-2 in the FA Cup, although they remain in the modest of a 5-game losing streak in the league.

Crystal Palace were not quite as emphatic in their nervous 1-0 victory over Stockport but will be somewhat comforted by the 5-point gap between them and the relegation zone. The visitors have lost just 1 of their last 9 in the league, although 5 of those matches have resulted in draws.

⭐ Leicester v Crystal Palace Best Bet

Leicester’s defensive struggles have been well-documented, and there’s little indication that Van Nistelrooy’s appointment will resolve their issues anytime soon.

Their goalkeeper has been called into action frequently, making 4 or more saves in half of their league matches and averaging 3.90 saves per game. Even more concerning is the 6.0 shots on target they concede per match on average.

Crystal Palace, meanwhile, have shown attacking strength this season, forcing opposing goalkeepers to make an average of 3.8 saves per 90 minutes. This selection has landed in 60% of their league fixtures, including each of the last 4, over which period they’ve forced an average of 5.25 saves per game.

🟢 Leicester v Crystal Palace #WhatOddsPaddy Tip

Both sides’ matches have produced an abnormally large number of corners with those of Crystal Palace averaging 11.20 and those of Leicester averaging 10.25.

Similarly, we’ve seen a clear emphasis on attack for both of these sides, particularly in recent games. Both Crystal Palace and Leicester average over 4 shots on target conceded per 90, with Leicester’s average rising as high as 6.00. 14/1 looks a great price for both sides to notch a couple of corners and efforts on goal each in both halves.

👕 Leicester v Crystal Palace Predicted XI

🔍 Leicester v Crystal Palace Players to Watch

🔴 Jefferson Lerma

With an average of 1.80 fouls drawn per 90 minutes, Lerma’s huge price of over 2/1 to be fouled 2+ times seems surprisingly generous. He’s achieved this feat 6 times this season in the league, including in each of his last two appearances in all competitions (v Stockport and Chelsea).

His likely opponents, Soumare and El Khannouss, are averaging 1.40 and 2.02 fouls committed per game respectively, look to Lerma to draw a couple of fouls here.

🔵 Bilal El Khannouss

El Khannouss leads Leicester in fouls committed this season, averaging 2.02 fouls per 90 minutes. He has committed at least 1 foul in all 7 of his league appearances lasting 65 minutes or more.

On Wednesday, he’ll face a tough task against Crystal Palace’s midfield duo of Lerma and Doucouré. The two defensive midfielders have been effective at drawing fouls, averaging 1.80 and 1.43 per 90 minutes, respectively. This pick could also prove a big help in landing our Lerma selection.

🔵 Boubakary Soumare

Soumare has been a reliable fouler this season, averaging 1.40 fouls committed per 90. He has sinned at least once in each of his last 6 starts for Leicester City, his only 6 starts as a defensive midfielder, rather than operating further forward as he previously had - he's expected to feature here again against Palace.

Across those 6 games, Soumare has picked up 5 yellow cards, contributing to a season total of 8 - the most of any player in the league, and an average of one every 105 minutes. Soumare will be coming face-to-face with Ismaila Sarr who’s averaging 2.11 fouls drawn per 90 - the most of any Palace player, as well as Lerma.

📂 Leicester v Crystal Palace Cheat Sheet

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💻 Leicester v Crystal Palace Form and Tactics

The hosts will set up in a 4-2-3-1, aiming to hit Palace on the counter with fast transitionary moves. They’re comfortable off the ball, averaging just 45.6% possession, but may see more of it compared to what they’re used to, given Crystal Palace’s average is a mere 43.5%.

The visitors will operate with their customary 3-4-3, aiming to use long balls to quickly catch their opponents off-guard. 

They average 22.8 accurate long balls per game, ranking 7th in the league for that metric, in stark contrast to their average of 305 accurate passes per game, the 4th lowest in the league.

🏁 Leicester v Crystal Palace Ref Watch

• Referee: Andy Madley
• Madley will take control of this affair, most likely grateful to have VAR back on his side following a few controversial decisions as Arsenal hosted Man United in the FA Cup.

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* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.