Premier League preview and odds: Leicester City vs Middlesbrough

Published on: 25/11/2016

Premier League preview and odds: Leicester City vs Middlesbrough

November 26, 2016 15:00pm - King Power Stadium

Referee: L. Mason

Premier League

Having secured progression the knockout stages of the Champions League at the first time of asking, Leicester City will now look to improve their form in the Premier League when they face newly-promoted Middlesbrough at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

Leicester City looking to avoid third-straight league defeat

After defying the odds in the league last season, Leicester City have performed yet another sporting miracle by qualifying for the knockout stages of Europe`s elite competition at the first attempt.

Claudio Ranieri`s men progressed with a game to spare after winning four and drawing one of their first five games, conceding just a single goal in the process.

The Foxes can now turn their attention to reviving their limp Premier League title defence that has left them just two points clear of the relegation zone. While a second English league crown is almost certainly out of the question, the East Midlands side will be looking to at least finish in the top half of the table. They come into this game on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Watford in the league and a 2-1 victory over Club Brugge in Europe.

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough can leapfrog their opponents with a win on Saturday afternoon. The north east side have won just one of their last 10 Premier League matches and have drawn four of their last five on the road.

Last time out, they battled well to restrict pace setters Chelsea to a single goal in a 0-1 home defeat. Despite the lack of points, there would have been plenty of positives for boss Aitor Karanka to have taken from that performance.

Team news

Leicester City will continue without several key players including Leonardo Ulloa (back), Kasper Schmeichel (hand), Nampalys Mendy (ankle) and Ben Chillwell (ankle), while Islam Slimani will face a late fitness test after suffering from a calf strain.

Meanwhile, Daniel Ayala (ankle) remains a doubt for the away side, while George Friend (knee) will remain on the sidelines.

Recent form (League):

Leicester City: LLDWL

Middlesbrough: LDWDL

Betting odds and tips

So far this season, 75% of Leicester City`s matches have produced more than 2.5 goals. Their recent loss against West Bromwich Albion was their only league defeat at home in the last 14 months.

While Leicester have excelled at home, Middlesbrough have won more (64%) of their points on the road. In addition, they have lost just one of their last six away games. As a result, a draw looks like a decent bet this weekend.

You can back the draw at 13/5 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 25/11/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (25/11/2016 17:16:18) but are subject to change.