Preview: Leicester City Vs Crystal Palace

Leicester City will look to make it five league wins in a row as they face a rejuvenated Crystal Palace at the King Power Stadium.

Fresh off a five-star display against Southampton, the Foxes seem like an unstoppable force at the moment, and it would take a humongous effort from Crystal Palace if they are to stand any chance against a hot Leicester City at their boisterous home.

Claude Puel’s side have now netted 15 times in their last eight games, a reflection of their free-flowing football that has characterised the Frenchman’s tenure so far; however, it’s worth pointing out that City have also shipped in nine goals in as many games, managing only two clean sheets during the period.

While Leicester’s goalscoring form has meant that the problems at the back have gone unnoticed, it’s something that Puel must be wary of, considering how Crystal Palace have gone about their job since Roy Hodgson’s arrival.

The Eagles will come to the King Power Stadium knowing that if they can weather the early storm – something that has often set the tone for Leicester City – then there’s always a chance of exploiting what is a weak defence, and extending their own unbeaten run to six games.

This is not to suggest that Crystal Palace have any sort of an upper hand over Leicester City ahead of the game, but to merely point to the fact that the Foxes can’t afford to be switched off, or they could pay a price against a team that can otherwise be rolled over if the hosts manage to maintain their intensity.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 13: Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City looks on during the Premier League match between Southampton and Leicester City at St Mary’s Stadium on December 13, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /

Main Man

Yet again, it has to be Riyad Mahrez who Leicester City will look up to. Palace would be unwilling to play and would see out larger parts of the game in their own half with 10 men behind the ball. When a team comes with such defensive tactics, it always comes down to that one man whose trickery and skill can produce a magical moment, and that man for Leicester is Mahrez.

The Algerian has scored three goals in his last four games, and we may well see him add to the tally later today.

Quotes

"“We know it’s an important time,” said Harry Maguire.“Games come near enough every day – you go into a match and then straight away you’re preparing for the next one.“You don’t have much time to think about things, but we know that if we can get a bit of form together over the Christmas period, the momentum will be with us to go into the New Year.“It leaves you in a good position and you’re looking up rather than down. That’s the main aim now. We know we’ve been playing well, but we’ve got three or four big games before Christmas and we’re going to try and carry on the run.”"

Next: Leicester City vs Crystal Palace: Opposition watch

Possible XI

Schmeichel; Simpson, Maguire, Morgan, Chilwell; Iborra, Ndidi, Albrighton, Okazaki, Mahrez; Vardy.