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Match Preview: Swansea City vs Leicester City

Managerless Leicester take on a soaring Swansea in Wales

Leicester City v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images

Swansea City 13th (2-2-4) vs Leicester City 18th (1-3-4)

Saturday 10:00 AM ET, Liberty Stadium

A less then inspiring draw against West Bromwich Albion lead to the firing of Leicester’s manager Craig Shakespeare, and now Michael Appleton leads the Foxes up against a Swans side that were 2-0 victors last time out to Huddersfield Town.

How to Watch

Leicester once again find themselves on NBC’s Gold app.

The Competition

The Jacks only have one win so far at home soil, which means they’ll have some home form to prove when Leicester arrive Saturday. Swansea’s man in form is Tammy Abraham, who doubled his total goals this season to four last Saturday. Jordan Ayew is their only other goalscorer so far in the Premier League this season, but they do have danger man Wilfried Bony waiting in the wings, but isn’t healthy enough to take part in this match.

Swansea City v Huddersfield Town - Premier League
Swansea striker Tammy Abraham scores his second goal despite the challenge of Zanka during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Huddersfield Town at Liberty Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Swansea, Wales.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

Swansea have kept three clean sheets so far this season. This is largely in part to their 90 interceptions and 226 clearances as a squad. They’ve also won 40% of the tackles they’ve gone in for.

The Foxes

After the announcement of Craig Shakespeare’s sacking, it was reported many of the players were either unhappy or shocked by the decision. Whether that is the standard go to response after a managerial firing or their real reaction, surely each one of them must realize they played a part in his dismissal. Now a ship without a captain, it will be interesting to see how they respond.

Leicester City v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League
A sparsly popullated directors box during the Premier League match between Leicester City and West Bromwich Albion at The King Power Stadium on October 16, 2017 in Leicester, England.
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

How Leicester failed to create a flurry of shots on obviously injured WBA goalkeeper Boaz Myhill is exactly a sign of the times for this side. Riyad Mahrez missed an absolute sitter that would have given them a 1-0 lead that could have played into the obvious tactic of counter up to Jamie Vardy. Minutes later a silly Kelechi Iheanacho foul lead to another goal allowed from a set piece and the rest is history. To me, it was game that cried for Shinji Okazaki’s presence in the midfield.

The History

Swansea’s only two victories against Leicester in the Premier League were 2-0 and at home. Leicester’s only away win was a 3-0 victory in the title winning season.

The Prediction

Given the situation a 0-0 would likely be a fair result for each club. My heart wants Leicester to go all out and prove they have what it takes to excel under their next manager, whoever that may be. I’m just hoping they leave it all out on the field and give it an honest go, but I guess we’ll have to wait and see.