One might expect a team that is leading the league by a decent margin to show up somewhere near the top of many performance metrics.

That is indeed the case with Leicester City. They have scored the most goals in the league, keeping up an average of 2 goals a game, the only team to maintain that at this stage. They are overperforming their xG, but that is to be expected from a team with quality forwards, and even so, their xG total is the best in the league as well.

Leicester’s xG conceded is second only to Leeds, but this is an Achilles’ heel for Ipswich. The Tractor Boys are by no means sloppy, they are 5th for xG conceded, but they are a way behind Leicester in this area, whereas their attacking numbers are almost on a par.

It should also be noted that Ipswich’s numbers in attack are steadily deteriorating in comparison to their nearest rivals. When this fixture was played on Boxing Day, Ipswich were pretty much on par with Leicester leading the division in xG and goals. That is no longer the case, indeed Ipswich have scored only 15 in 13 away games.

A run in the first XI for Kayden Jackson has come about as a result of George Hirst’s injury. Whilst Ipswich are looking for a physical forward, with offers for Blackburn’s Sam Gallagher having been rejected, this opportunity for Jackson means that he looks to be decent value in the shot on target market.

When he has played in the three behind the forward he would be more prone to taking shots from the edge of the box or wide, this #9 role gives him a better chance of taking shots from better areas to get them on target.

Stephy Mavididi is going to have to step up with the lack of depth and alternative options for Leicester. He has been a key difference maker in some of the bigger matches this season and does seem to be the type of player to enjoy the big stage.

Indeed, in some circumstances he could’ve been described as being a bit too selfish. That could be a positive thing with regards to this bet though if Mavididi wants to take the game by the scruff of the neck.

Mavididi has taken the second highest number of shots in the squad this season, just behind Dewsbury-Hall, and averages one shot on target per Championship match usually but has hit multiple shots on target many times this campaign.

Cannon has been overpriced for a foul here. He is likely to play most, if not all, of the 90 minutes and his stats suggest that he is good for at least one foul. Forwards often pick up aerial duel or duel fouls at some point in the match and as the focal point for the team Cannon certainly fits that bill.

Harry Clarke is surprisingly big as well considering his upcoming battle with Mavididi and also James Justin. Whilst the young full back isn’t one of the most regular foulers in the Ipswich line-up the fact that he is up against such a strong ball carrying wide forward as Mavididi makes him a potential target for a caution.

Finally, it is too tempting to not put Lewis Travis into this section for fouls. He will have an important role to play in this Ipswich team and he will be keen to have a strong match to try and displace one of the regular players in this position.

Travis averages around 1.5 fouls a match in the Championship, and was averaging 2 fouls a match this season for Blackburn before his move.