Match Preview: Leicester City vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

Leicester City (13th, 0-0-1) vs Wolverhampton (10th, 0-1-0)

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

In their first meeting in the Premier League since February 28th, 2004, a dull 0-0 affair, let’s hope for more fireworks when the Wolves come to town.

Wolverhampton

Their first game back in the Premier League since 2012 was a home match against Everton, a team that spent heavily in the off-season. Everton’s big money signing, Richarlison, did not disappoint and his brace should have done enough if it weren’t for some big game heroics in front of the home crowd. Ruben Neves’ amazing free kick after the Phil Jagielka straight red and Raul Jimenez’s equalizer at 2-2. While Phil’s sending off is certainly up for debate, it makes an interesting footnote that he was sent off for a one footed tackle whilst Eric Bailly didn’t even see yellow for his two-footed tackle on James Maddison.

Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images

Ruben Neves coupled with Diogo Jota are a menace in the Wolves midfield. Jota provided the assist that Jimenez buried and sent the home stand into a frenzy. Jota completed 32 passes at a 78% success rate. What he does lack is the defensive edge, which if Leicester can turn their possession into attack like they did against Manchester United, could prove to be difference on the day.

Leicester City

A tough start against United didn’t do a whole lot to stifle the Foxes spirit. A Daniel Amartey handball, while somewhat a fluke had he not extended his arm it would’ve been fine, lead to a Paul Pogba goal from the penalty spot. United’s luck continued to spoil the Foxes as David De Gea made several saves throughout the game as Leicester’s increased possession lead to some fine chances. A freak first touch from Luke Shaw saw him tee-up himself for a volley to make it 2-0. Leicester finally find the net thanks to talisman Jamie Vardy latching on to a terrific cross from Ricardo Pereira that almost went into the net itself!

Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

James Maddison was a fantastic addition to the squad and if his first match in the Premier League is any indicator to how much his talent will grow, we got him on a coup. His one key pass and 37 completed passes at a 78% rate of success gave Leicester a spark around the 18 yard box that they didn’t have last season.

Match Prediction

Leicester need to have a strong season at home to achieve any of their goals this season. With the first home game of the season up against a team newly promoted, it’s the perfect time to get the results right at home. A 3-1 win will do nicely.