Leicester vs Leeds analysis: which team should win?

‘keeper battle

The goalkeeper battle is perhaps the most protracted. They have little choice but to stand between the sticks and suffer either a barren spell of shouting, or an onslaught of chances on his goal. So, let us sing the praises of these two ‘keepers. A battle between the Great Dane Kasper Schmeichel and Illan Meslier.

Using Sofascore to get our statistics, Schmeichel makes 2.9 saves per game, 45 of his 57 total coming from shots within the penalty box. It is worth nothing that 18 of his conceded goals have come from within the box as well. Kasper does little else in the game apart from saving, with only 0.4 clearances per game.

Meslier makes 3.9 saves per game, 49 of his 71 saves have come from within the box, conceding 30 from within the box. Meslier is also very involved in clearances (1.4 per game).

What this tells us is that the Great Dane has acted as an out and out shot-stopper, providing the occasional clearance or aerial duel, whereas Meslier has had to make a lot more saves in a defensively weak Leeds unit, and has been heavily involved in sweeping functions.

Foxes faithful rejoice! For the Great Dane makes crucial saves and manages to marshal the back line into a strong defensive structure. Leeds faithful also rejoice! For the French youngster is highly active and involved. This will certainly be a fun contest.