Leeds vs Leicester prediction, lineups, odds and betting tips
Leeds can get within six points of Leicester at the top of the Championship table on Friday night.
If, only a few weeks ago, you had said that Leicester could feasibly be caught at the top of the EFL Championship, everyone around you would’ve laughed.
But, as the Foxes travel due north to second placed Leeds on Friday night, a victory for the hosts would leave them just six points behind Enzo Maresca’s formerly runaway leaders. It would be a huge statement of intent for Daniel Farke’s side.
With Ipswich in 3rd on 69 points, and Southampton in 4th on 67, both breathing down their necks, it is an absolute must-win for both teams in the most exciting automatic promotion race the Championship has seen in years.
Buckle up.
Leeds vs Leicester Prediction
Leeds have been on a barnstorming run of late, winning eight in a row, keeping seven clean sheets and conceding just one, scoring 19 at the other end.
In comparison, Leicester have won five, drawn one and lost two of their last eight, with just two clean sheets and 15 scored.
Leeds’ form has coincided with the return of Patrick Bamford to the fold; he has bagged four in those eight games, adding much needed know-how to their promotion fight.
Willy Gnonto has also exploded into life in recent weeks with three in his last four, while Dan James, Crysencio Summerville, Joel Piroe and Geo Rutter all continue to fire - that’s six players with serious attacking pedigree.
Leicester have scored more than Leeds this season, having the likes of Daka, Vardy, Dewsbury-Hall and Mavididi to call on is equally as useful. And, both sides share the meanest defensive records too, with 26 conceded apiece.
The reverse fixture in November finished 1-0 to Leeds. Despite the attacking threats, I expect defences to be on top in this one, with the White’s form carrying them through and get another 1-0 win.
Leeds vs Leicester Lineups
How are both teams expected to line up on Friday night? Here are the predicted lineups from WhoScored.com with all the relevant team news.
Leeds Predicted Lineup vs Leicester
Meslier; Gray, Rodon, Ampadu, Firpo; Kamara, Gruev; Gnonto, Rutter, Summerville; Piroe
Leicester Predicted Lineup vs Leeds
Hermansen; Pereira, Vestergaard, Faes, Justin; Dewsbury-Hall, Winks; Fatawu, Praet, Mavididi; Vardy
Leeds vs Leicester Team News
Patrick Bamford and Sam Byram are both doubts for the home side ahead of the visit of Leicester this weekend.
No changes are expected from Leeds boss Daniel Farke as the Whites look to extend their impressive run of successive victories.
Enzo Maresca could make a change up top on Friday night with experienced striker Jamie Vardy replacing Patson Daka.
Wilfred Ndidi is the away side's only confirmed absentee for the trip to Elland Road.
Leeds vs Leicester Odds
Despite being the league leaders, Leicester are the outsiders at 12/5 on Ladbrokes, with Leeds rated much likelier to win at 21/20. The draw pays 5/2.
Leeds vs Leicester Betting Tips
Given Leeds’ recent defensive displays, a Correct Score bet of 1-0 to the hosts delivers a very healthy looking 15/2 on Ladbrokes, while the reverse in Leicester’s favour is 10/1.
As for the goalscorers market, usually this one would be easy pickings, and may well be if you envisage a high scoring affair. But it may be tricky to pick this time around. Of the big names, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has the best odds at 9/2.
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