Match Preview: Leicester City vs Watford

Leicester City 10th (5-3-5) vs Watford 9th (6-2-5)

Live from the King Power Stadium at 10 AM ET on NBC Sports Gold

While the Foxes needed a late penalty to earn a draw after losing James Maddison to two quick yellow cards, Watford are recovering from a 3-0 lashing from Liverpool. With the mid-table at stake, expect a battle from two sides with much history.

The Opposition

The Hornets have only managed one goal in their last three games after scoring in after scoring in six straight to start the season. While their goal scoring has cooled down, their defense has been quite steady, apart from that last match against Liverpool. Watford have kept three clean sheets and limited their opponents to just one goal or less in 7 of their 10 games this season. Leicester will certainly test the Hornets defense as they’ve only been held scoreless once in the league this year.

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He’s always in the action and up for it against Leicester City. While he’s not as prolific, or cheeky, as Jamie Vardy, he definitely riles up the Foxes faithful in a Vardy-esque way. Although he hasn’t scored in six matches, Leicester will need to be very aware of his presence in the box and on set pieces.

The Foxes

Leicester rode of a bit of luck in the penalty kick victory over Southampton in the League Cup, but maybe that clean sheet and a spirited fight back to earn a point against Brighton from a man down will be enough to kickstart a run in the league. The Foxes are exactly the same amount of points, 10, from the top four as they are the bottom three. While a run for fourth might be a bit far fetched, given Manchester United are only 3 points ahead and in 7th, there’s certainly a case to be made they should be fighting for sixth place. While it’s not known exactly what the club’s ambitions are this season, a fight for a spot in Europe would definitely excite the fan base.

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It’s time for Jamie to step up and score more than penalties. While I’m absolutely grateful for each one he takes and scores, even he would tell you he can do more. This is the perfect platform to turnaround his season as everyone in Leicester blue loves a victory over Watford.

The Prediction

Home has been a very friendly place for Leicester this season and home form was what this side lacked last season. I don’t think it will be an easy game for Leicester by any stretch of the imagination, but if they can manage to score first, maybe they’ll sneak a second goal from a quick counter and finish the game out 2-0.