Leicester – Bournemouth : Preview & Prediction
After sacking Brendan Rodgers, Leicester would have expected a resurrection of sorts under a new manager as they attempt to preserve their top-flight status this season. That was not the case for interim manager Adam Sadler in his first game in charge, with his side losing 2-1 to Aston Villa in midweek to leave Leicester two points adrift of relegation.
Usually returning home would give the Foxes the boost they need, but optimism among the fans at the King Power Stadium could be low after seeing their side go down six times in their last eight home games (G1, E1) in the Premier League (PL). Now they prepare to face Bournemouth, and Leicester have reason to worry as they have lost each of their last three PL matches against newly promoted teams.
Bournemouth are not faring much better than the home side, and are only one place and two points above them after losing to Brighton 2-0 in their previous outing. Despite that defeat, and consequently occupying the relegation zone, Gary O’Neil’s side have improved in what was once a rather gloomy situation, having avoided defeat in half of their last eight league games (G3, E1).
That should give them the confidence they need ahead of this crucial clash with the team immediately below them in the table, and they are now looking to record two wins in a single league campaign against Leicester for the first time since the 1988/89 season after winning 2-1 in the first round of the PL. That will require them to win for the first time ever in PL at the King Power Stadium after five failed attempts (E3, P2) and victories on rival soil have been scarce recently, with just one in their last 12 away appearances (E2, P9).
Players to watch: Leicester desperately need their top PL scorer Harvey Barnes to come to their rescue, having scored in three of his last four PL home starts. As for Bournemouth, Philip Billing can be confident he can score against Leicester again after doing the same in the first leg meeting between the two clubs, considering he scored six of his last eight goals playing away.
Key stat: Leicester has lost six league games this season in which it has opened the scoring – more than any other team in Europe’s top five leagues.
Leicester – Bournemouth : Betting Tips
Leicester – Win Odds: 2.25
