Sunday presents something of an opportunity for Leicester City. They face a Nottingham Forest side as heavy underdogs at the City Ground. There is not anyone reasonable who would even risk picking the Foxes to get a draw. Following their latest result against Southampton, the Premier League fixture does give Ruud van Nistelrooy's men a chance to at least put on a respectable showing.
The main issue when previewing any LCFC matches is that their opponents can often look drastically improved and different against the Foxes compared to other teams in the EPL. This is particularly relevant when discussing NFFC.
Nuno EspĂrito Santo is comfortable sitting in, keeping all eleven behind the ball, and looking to solely score on the counter. Against City, however, particularly with the match being at home for Forest, they may very well push 70% possession over the visitors.
Yes, things looked more promising against the Saints. It needs to be recognized that those being relegated are in a different tier compared to the rest of the Prem.
Against Nottingham, RvN's side has to show a full 90-minute spirit and willingness to overcome the odds. It's known that this has been a disaster of a season, and many Foxes supporters will be happy when certain players inevitably leave.
Regardless of what happens, and despite earlier games where City lacked effort, this needs to be a fixture in which Leicester aren't outcompeted. They may be thoroughly outclassed. Not caring and going through the motions is not an option.
There can be some momentum drawn from the previous win, even with the step up in the level of competition.
Outside puncher's chance of Leicester avoiding embarrassment
Because of how Forest are used to playing, if City show up with confidence and avoid the silly avoidable mistakes, particularly in the back, there could be something of a chance to at least keep the scoreline respectable.
Somewhat akin to a fighter being stunned from a jab that wasn't seen or anticipated, LCFC needs to issue the first punch. From there, as long as the work rates are where they should be for the entirety of the match, let the results fall as they may.