Leicester – Brentford : Preview & Prediction
When Leicester City beat Wolves 1-0 on the opening day of last season, fans and pundits alike marveled at the success that manager Brendan Rodgers, with an FA Cup and Community Shield in the trophy cabinet, was achieving for the King Power Stadium. However, an eighth-place finish last season gave the Foxes a dose of reality, with zero summer signings also contributing to a sense of tension in the East Midlands.
Only Manchester City (3.29) saw more goals on average per game than Brendan Rodgers’ side did last season (3.18), so “Foxes” fans could expect another goal-fest if they are to beat a typically resilient Brentford this Sunday. In fact, Leicester won 2-1 in both meetings in this particular clash last season, the only times these teams have met in the league since the turn of the century.
Thomas Frank’s Brentford will be looking to avoid second-season syndrome when they lift the curtain on their 2022/23 campaign. After failing to win away from home in the league for five months between October and March, the ‘Bees looked good in the final six away games to conclude their debut Premier League season (G4, P2), including a scintillating 4-1 thrashing at home to Chelsea.
The free transfer of Burnley captain Ben Mee will no doubt bolster Brentford’s defensive line as they seek their first win over Leicester since 1953, and perhaps correct the alarming statistic that the London club conceded the first goal in 13 of their 19 games on opposition soil last season – only Everton and Southampton fared worse in that department.
Players to watch: With no new Leicester additions to keep an eye on, it will be worth seeing if James Maddison can continue his excellent form from last season – he scored in both clashes in this fixture last campaign. Meanwhile, eight of the 14 official goals scored by Brentford striker Ivan Toney last season were registered away.
Key stat: Five of Leicester’s last six official victories have featured goals from both teams.
Leicester – Brentford : Betting Tips
Leicester – Win Odds: 2.25
