Leicester City
Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton & Hove Albion
Leicester aiming to stay in the top four while Brighton are looking over their shoulders
Leicester to win 2-1
Leicester have been performing at such a high level for the past couple of seasons that their lofty position at the top end of the table cannot be called a mere blip.
Rather, it is the continued result of a squad of quality players performing to their maximum potential, led by the experienced Brendan Rodgers.
Their four defeats show weaknesses that will likely prevent them from mounting a full challenge for the title, but they will certainly stand a great chance of a Champions League spot come the end of the season.
Brighton continue to display spirited performances week to week, but things are just not clicking for them at the moment.
They’ve struggled to score multiple goals in games, which isn’t ideal when they’re also conceding at the same rate or worse.
The Seagulls have a fighting spirit, however. They’ll make a good game of it.
Form Guide (all comps): DLLWW
Reasons to be cheerful:
Back on track after rocky period
James Maddison and possibly Wilfred Ndidi could be involved
Reasons to be fearful:
Hectic schedule could catch up with them
Rely heavily on Jamie Vardy
Leicester have continued their good form into their Europa League matches, winning in midweek to seal top spot in their group and progressing through to the knockout phase.
Manager Brendan Rodgers will hope that these extra fixtures are not putting too great a strain on his squad, however, particularly one which relies heavily on the goals of Jamie Vardy.
The English striker has suffered one injury already this season, and Rodgers will be keen to avoid a repeat of that coming up to the busiest period of the campaign.
They will be glad to welcome back players almost on a weekly basis from the injury crisis earlier on, with James Maddison likely fit to play and with Wilfred Ndidi in contention after playing in midweek.
Leicester will be favourites against Brighton, but have often played better away from home.
Star Man – Jamie Vardy
Continues to meet the high expectations set by his club and usually comes up with an important goal or two.
Form Guide (all comps): LDWDL
Reasons to be cheerful
Five points from five has seen them stay above the relegation zone
Neal Maupay could return in attack
Reasons to be fearful
Adam Lallana will miss out through injury
Missing too many chances to move up the table
Brighton continue to show small sparks of life that provide hope to their supporters that they’ll be safe this season.
Although sitting just four points above the bottom three, they are picking up points here and there, including a win over Aston Villa last month.
Their general play has been impressive at times, just often without the end product. They’ve only scored more than a single goal on four occasions this season, while also conceding plenty at the other end.
You feel that if they can become more clinical in front of goal, they’ll steadily rise up the table. Danny Welbeck has helped since joining, but more goals are required.
Star Man – Danny Welbeck
His pace up front has scared defenders but could do with one or two more goals.
Leicester will trouble Brighton and should be favourites
Brighton have played well against the big sides
Returning players could be key
Leicester have the luxury of welcoming back the likes of James Maddison, who can always unlock defences sitting just behind Jamie Vardy.
Brighton have played well against the big sides, drawing against Liverpool while deserving something from their match against Manchester United.
Leicester are in a good moment and will be favourites here, but will need to be near their best to claim three points.
Leicester to win 2-1
