Leicester City travel to take on Leeds in a huge Championship clash at Elland Road tonight, exclusively live on talkSPORT.
The Foxes are nine points clear at the top of the table but their title rivals can cut that gap down to six with a crucial win.
Enzo Maresca’s side lost to Middlesbrough last time out and another defeat here would be music to the ears of fellow challengers.
Three points for Daniel Farke’s men could prove vital for their chances of automatic promotion while putting some doubt on Leicester’s hopes after their dominating season.
Leeds vs Leicester City: ‘A huge game… for them’
Leicester boss Maresca has got under Leeds fans’ skins after admitting tonight’s game is ‘huge’, but only for the hosts and not his Foxes side.
Speaking at his press conference, the Italian said: “It’s a huge, huge, huge game for them. For us, it’s one more game.”
This comment will serve as motivation for Farke’s men and supporters, meaning there is sure to be an incredible atmosphere in the stands.
Maresca’s initial words seemed provocative but he explained why he considers the game to be more important for his opponents.
“Why for me it’s huge for them but not for us?” he explained. “For us also it’s a huge game, but for them even more because they are nine points behind us. This is the only reason.
“Now, if it was the other way, and if we are nine points behind, yes, it’s the game we have to win. But I don’t have this feeling.”
- Leicester City have only lost one of their last nine away league visits to Leeds United (W5 D3), losing 1-0 in November 2012.
- Leeds won 1-0 against Leicester at the King Power in November. They last completed a league double over the Foxes in the 1994-95 season.
Leeds vs Leicester City: Team news
Patrick Bamford remains out injured for Leeds with Joel Piroe continuing to lead the line.
Winger Dan James is likely to stay on the bench with Wilfried Gnonto in fine form.
As for Leicester, Wilfred Ndidi is still absent while Ben Nelson is a doubt.
Kelechi Iheanacho could come back into the fold following AFCON, however, he has to compete with three strikers in Jamie Vardy, Tom Cannon and Patson Daka.
- Should Leicester City lose this match, their lead at the top of the Championship will be down to as few as six points for the first time since December 28th. Indeed, as recently as January 12th, they were 17 points ahead of Leeds.
- Leeds United have won their last eight league games – another win in this match will see them equal their record for longest winning league run of nine games, set in November 1931 and September 2009 (excl. play-offs).
Leeds vs Leicester City: What has been said?
Leicester midfielder Harry Winks has been speaking about how impressive manager Maresca has been this season.
“He’s incredible in every way,” Winks told talkSPORT. “He’s a manager who I think will certainly go to the very top. His understanding of football is something I’ve never witnessed before.
“I think his approachability and man-management is exceptional. I’ve really enjoyed working for him so much already and I’m still learning so much every day.
“When you go out on the pitch you know exactly what to do and how the opposition are going to operate and what you can do to affect that.
“To do it so simply is the most important thing. That’s a thing a lot of managers probably struggle with – getting the message across, but the gaffer does it so well here.”
- Wilfried Gnonto has scored five goals in his last five appearances in all competitions for Leeds United, as many as he netted in his first 52 games combined for the club. All those goals have been away from home, however, with the Italian last scoring at Elland Road back in January 2023 against Cardiff in the FA Cup.
