Tonight, only on talkSPORT, Leicester City travels to Elland Road to face Leeds United in a massive Championship encounter.
The Foxes lead the table by nine points, but their title rivals can trim the distance to six with a key win.
Last time out, Enzo Maresca’s team lost to Middlesbrough, and another setback today would be welcome news for fellow rivals.
Three points for Daniel Farke’s side might be critical to their aspirations of automatic promotion, while Leicester’s dominance may be called into question.
“Why is it so big for them but not for us?”
he explained. “It’s a big game for both of us, but especially for them because they’re nine points behind. This is the only reason.
“Now, if it was the other way around, and we were nine points behind, we would have to win the game.” But I do not have this feeling.”
Leicester City has only lost one of their last nine away league games against Leeds United (W5, D3), falling 1-0 in November 2012.
Leeds defeated Leicester 1-0 at the King Power in November. They last won a league double over the Foxes in 1994-95.
Leeds at Leicester City: Team News
Leeds continue to be without Patrick Bamford due to injury, with Joel Piroe leading the line.
With Wilfried Gnonto in good form, winger Dan James is set to remain on the bench. Wilfred Ndidi remains absent for Leicester, and Ben Nelson is doubtful.
Kelechi Iheanacho could return to the squad following the AFCON, but he will have to battle with three strikers: Jamie Vardy, Tom Cannon, and Patson Daka.
If Leicester City loses this match, their lead at the top of the Championship would be reduced to as little as six points for the first time since December 28. Indeed, as of January 12th, they were 17 points ahead of Leeds.
Leeds United have won their last eight league games; another victory in this game will equal their record for the longest winning league streak of nine games, which was set in November 1931 and September 2009 (excluding play-offs).
What has been stated about Leeds vs. Leicester City?
Leicester player Harry Winks has praised manager Maresca’s performance this season.
“He’s incredible in every way,” Winks said on talkSPORT. “He’s a manager who I believe will rise to the absolute top. His understanding of football is something I’ve never seen before.
“I believe his approachability and man-management are remarkable. I’ve really enjoyed working for him so far, and I’m continuously learning new things every day.
“When you get out on the pitch, you know exactly what to do, how the opposition is going to play, and what you can do to influence that.
“Doing things so simply is the most crucial thing. That’s something many managers certainly struggle with: getting the word across, yet the gaffer does it so well here.
Wilfried Gnonto has five goals in his last five Leeds United appearances in all competitions, which equals the number of goals he scored in his first 52 games for the club. All of those goals, however, have come away from home, with the Italian last scoring at Elland Road in January 2023 against Cardiff in the FA Cup.
Leeds United at Leicester City: talkSPORT coverage
This Championship matchup will take place on Friday, February 23rd.
Kickoff at Elland Road is set at 8 p.m.
Hugh Woozencroft will present exclusive live coverage of the game on talkSPORT.
Courtney Sweetman-Kirk, a former Liverpool Women’s striker, and Jim Proudfoot will provide commentary.
