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Match Preview: Bournemouth versus Leicester City

Leicester looks to take three points in a crucial match before the international break

Leicester City v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images

Bournemouth 19th (1-0-5) vs Leicester City 17th (1-1-4)

Saturday 10:00 AM ET, Vitality Stadium

After an exhilarating match last time out for the Foxes against Liverpool, Leicester look to turn a great performance into a result in against the Cherries.

How to Watch

Leicester once more find themselves on NBC Gold, but don’t be surprised if NBC makes the match available regardless of subscription thanks to the app’s failings over the past two weekends. They’ve also offered a full refund or a $10 credit, so lookout for an email from them if you’ve paid for the service.

The Competition

Bournemouth lost 1-0 last time out against West Bromwich Albion to continue their slow start to the season. Unlike Leicester, the Cherries haven’t faced the majority of last season’s top six. Newcomer Jermain Defoe hasn’t quite hit the mark with his new side like the team had hoped, only scoring one goal in five league appearances, but he isn’t the only issue on the offensive front. Bournemouth have only scored four goals so far this season. Leicester have only been held scoreless once this season, but have also allowed 18 goals, which could play into Bournemouth’s hands.

AFC Bournemouth v Brighton and Hove Albion - Premier League Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images

The Foxes

Craig Shakespeare gave a fitness update on Thursday and gave some extra favorable news on Vicente Iborra claiming he’s ready to feature. Matty James and Robert Huth are unavailable due to their injuries and Jamie Vardy needs hip injections and may be a game-time decision.

Leicester City v Liverpool - Premier League Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

Predicted Lineups

Bournemouth’s predicted starting 11
Leicester’s predicted starting 11

The selected official for this match is Graham Scott.

The History

This will be the fifth match in the Premier League between the two sides. Two of the four matches ended in 1-1 draws, and Leicester have yet to beat them in the league.

The Prediction

This match has the potential to be a trap game for the Foxes, especially since both sides need a positive spark before the international break. If Leicester are without their main talisman Vardy on match day, they’ll need Shinji Okazaki or Islam Slimani to provide an early goal to get the Foxes off and going. If they get that early go, they can win the game on the counter. I’m thinking a 3-1 victory for Leicester.