Match Preview: Foxes round out Champions League group stage against FC Porto

The Foxes are through to the Champions League Round of 16 as winners of Group G, but the overall picture in the group has yet to be decided. With the runner-up spot still up for grabs, the Foxes play a key role in determining who they take with them to the next round when they face Porto at the Estádio do Dragão on Wednesday.

Leicester’s 1-0 win over Porto back on September 27 at the King Power Stadium could prove to be the most important result of their season. A win for Porto this week is all but necessary to secure the club’s spot in the next round. Porto leaves no chance of FC Copenhagen catching them with three points, while a loss or draw against Leicester opens up the door for Copenhagen, who are away to Club Brugge.

If Porto lose or draw and Copenhagen are able to even up the goal difference between the two, the Danes hold the crucial tiebreaker between the sides and would go through on away goal difference thanks to Copenhagen’s 1-1 away draw with Porto back in the first match week and a 0-0 draw back in Denmark.

Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Meanwhile, Leicester don’t have much to play for and could allow a bit of rotation in the squad, especially considering their tough upcoming weekend match against Manchester City. A guy like Leonardo Ulloa is one name that comes to mind, having yet to play significant minutes up front for Leicester this season.

Demarai Gray has been sharp coming on in replacement of Riyad Mahrez this season, and could be good value for a shot in the starting XI on Wednesday. A back line shuffle could allow Luis Hernandez a rare start over Robert Huth or Wes Morgan.

With not much to play for, I would expect Leicester to set their main focus on this weekend against Manchester City, but at this point I’m not too sure what to expect. Last Saturday’s loss to Sunderland leaves Leicester with 13 points through 14 Premier League games, with relegation looming large for the Champions.