Leicester v Watford: Match preview and predicted starting XI

Under Rodgers, the Foxes are seeing small improvements each match – bar Chelsea – in their defensive shape and creativity. Of course, in the absence of Youri Tielemans the way the Blues create will likely rely on James Maddison being reintroduced into the midfield.

Under Ranieri, Watford have significantly improved their defensive structure and are focusing on a swift and direct counterattacking style of play. This is unsurprising and can be deadly if not appropriately countered with pacy defenders.

A Foxes’ prediction

I want to use the xG favour and that prediction of improvements in both side’s creativity and defending to predict the result. The averages calculated below are based on form from the last five matches.

On average, Watford create 1.54 n xG per match so can be expected to score at least one. The East Midlands side on average create 1.46 in xG per match so can also be expected to score at least one.

Leicester City will likely look to their success in the Europa League and seek to replicate what went well in the league. As such, we can expect more technical passers and swift breakout play once again.

Rodgers will be happy to see an improvement in the number of chances created, though we will likely still see the same number of high quality chances. The xG should be closer to two. We can expect Jamie Vardy and Harvey Barnes to score as both are on form and are within the four highest xG players for the Foxes.