Betting tips for Walsall v Leicester City: FA Cup preview and odds

Belfast Telegraph

27 January 2023

Leicester City have the perfect opportunity to return to winning ways when they travel to League Two side Walsall in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday (kick-off, 12:30pm).

The Foxes have struggled since the Premier League season resumed after the World Cup, failing to win any of their five league games.

Leicester’s only wins since the restart have both come in cup competitions and they should be able to continue their progress in the FA Cup this weekend at Walsall.

Walsall vs Leicester City betting tips

Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

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Rodgers in need of cup relief

With pressure mounting on manager Brendan Rodgers at the King Power Stadium, the Northern Irishman cannot afford a shock FA Cup exit at the hands of League Two opposition.

The Foxes don’t return to Premier League action until February 4, which should allow Rodgers to name a strong side for the trip to the Banks’s Stadium.

Leicester’s defence has been a cause for concern in recent weeks, with the East Midlands outfit keeping just one clean sheet in their last seven games in all competitions.

Walsall have scored in seven of their last eight outings in all competitions and might well get on the scoresheet against the Foxes this weekend.

However, with Rodgers expected to name a strong side for the trip across the Midlands, the Premier League side should have enough to secure their place in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday.

Tip: Leicester to win and both teams to score @ 9/4 with William Hill

Barnes a shining light

Amid a tough first half of the season for the Foxes, Harvey Barnes has been enjoying a positive campaign at the King Power Stadium.

With seven goals in 18 appearances in the Premier League this season, the 25-year-old is the joint-highest goalscorer at the club, alongside James Maddison.

Barnes found the back of the net last time out in a 2-2 draw against Brighton and the winger is good value to score at any time at the Bescot Stadium this weekend.

Tip: Harvey Barnes to score at any time @ 5/4 with William Hill

Consider corner and goal combo

When it comes to corners, only Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest have had fewer in the Premier League this season than Leicester’s 78 – an average of 3.9 a game.

With that in mind under 5.5 team corners makes the cut for a #YourOdds double with William Hill.

The other selection to boost the odds to 9/4 is for there to be over 2.5 goals over the course of the 90 minutes on Saturday afternoon.

Leicester have shown their defensive frailties since the World Cup break concluded, while Walsall have displayed promise in front of goal.

As mentioned, Leicester should have the quality and strength off the bench to come out on top and slightly ease some pressure on the shoulders of Rodgers.

That considered, going for over 2.5 goals at Bescot Stadium could be the way to go for this one.

Tip: Correct Leicester under 5.5 team corners and over 2.5 total goals @ 9/4 with William Hill

Walsall vs Leicester City odds

Correct at time of publishing and subject to change.

Walsall team news

New signing Jamille Matt is cup-tied, Manny Monthe is suspended and top scorer Danny Johnson returned to his parent club Mansfield Town last week. Yann Songo’o could make his debut after signing on loan from Bradford City this week.

Walsall predicted line-up (3-4-1-2): Evans; White, Daniels, McEntee; Bennett, Kinsella, Comely, Gordon; Hutchinson, Knowles, James-Taylor.

Leicester team news

Rodgers made a number of changes in the third round with the likes of Daniel Iversen and Ayoze Perez getting minutes. Maddison could make his first start since the World Cup and new signing Victor Kristiansen could make his debut.

Leicester City predicted line-up (4-4-2): Iversen; Brunt, Faes, Vestergaard, Kristiansen; Albrighton, Tielemans, Mendy, Perez; Vardy, Iheneacho.