Foxes of Leicester
Fansided

Preview: Leicester City Vs Sheffield United

By Harneet Singh Sethi

PETERBOROUGH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 27: A Leicester fan holds up a tin foil FA Cup during The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Peterborough United and Leicester City at ABAX Stadium on January 27, 2018 in Peterborough, England (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
PETERBOROUGH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 27: A Leicester fan holds up a tin foil FA Cup during The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Peterborough United and Leicester City at ABAX Stadium on January 27, 2018 in Peterborough, England (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
twitterredditfacebook

Leicester City return to FA Cup action on Friday as they face Sheffield United at the King Power Stadium.

Leicester have already faced the Blades once in the second round of the Carabao Cup this season, winning 4-1 at Bramall Lane with the help of goals from Demarai Gray, Ahmed Musa and Islam Slimani (x2).

But it may not be as easy this time around for Claude Puel’s side, who have failed to win in any of their last three Premier League fixtures following an unbeaten run in six games (all competitions), losing to Manchester City and Everton, and playing out a 1-1 draw against Swansea City.

Sheffield United have a surprisingly identical record to the Foxes in their last six games, winning three, losing two and drawing one. Both the sides are placed eighth in their respective leagues, too.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 10: Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City looks on from the bench during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Leicester City at Etihad Stadium on February 10, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 10: Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City looks on from the bench during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Leicester City at Etihad Stadium on February 10, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

Main Man

The word from the King Power Stadium is that Riyad Mahrez is set to start against Sheffield United, and that can only mean one thing: The Algerian to make the night his own.

He has taken a lot of flak lately, and to be fair, some of it has been a bit undeserved as well. He’d come into the game knowing fully well that he has got to perform, or else, criticism will only get louder and more harder to take.

For a player who has now got about three more months to earn a move to a bigger club, every game matters, and this one will, too. Expect a show from him.

Quotes

"“I think this team has good players,” said Puel.“For example, this team played last season in League 1. They move on and now for the first season in the Championship they play perhaps to move on into the Premier League.“They have this possibility. It’s a strong team and powerful with good attributes in the Championship. They are comfortable with the ball and have ability and spirit on the pitch to give their best.“I’m impressed that they are physical and powerful but also, they have quality and fighting spirit. They don’t like any games and they give their best in all situations. We need to be ready for this team.”"

Next: Claude Puel demands more respect from other teams

Possible XI

Schmeichel; Simpson, Maguire, Dragovic, Chilwel; Ndidi, Silva, Mahrez, Diabate, Gray; Iheanacho.