The search for consistency
After the home defeat to QPR last time out, Gary Rowett indicated that a lack of consistency was the biggest problem facing the Foxes. As a result, he hinted strongly that in future only those players who he considers able to perform to a decent standard on a regular basis would be picked.
Not surprisingly, there has been much speculation concerning which players the Leicester boss feels he can trust. My colleague at FoL suggested that Rowett’s new emphasis meant the chop for Hamza Choudhury, Caleb Okoli, Divine Mukasa and Jordan Ayew as well as, particularly given his shocking performance against QPR, possibly Ben Nelson too. Jordan Blackwell at the Leicester Mercury agreed with this judgement whilst also arguing that Jakub Stolarczyk and Abdul Fatawu are also candidates to be ditched on consistency grounds but would survive because of the absence of alternatives.
Both accounts proved to be largely correct as Ricardo Pereira, Jamaal Lascelles, Harry Winks and Patson Daka coming in for Choudhury, Nelson, Mukasa and Ayew. Whether it would make any difference remained to be seen….
 Missed chances prove costly
On paper, getting a result against a Watford side, in reasonable form and still with hopes of a play-off place, looked like a tall order. But then this Leicester side have proved before under Rowett that they can compete with the better sides in the division. Like the Foxes, the Hertfordfshire side have been inconsistent all season.
What transpired was Leicester’s most assured performance for a while. In particular, they looked very solid at the back. Another clean sheet is very welcome. All that matters given the Foxes’ predicament, however, are results. A point is welcome, but this is a match the Foxes should have won with ease. The failure to put away clear cut chances was once again Leicester’s undoing with Patson Daka the main culprit. The failure to replace Jamie Vardy looks like it might come back to haunt the club.
The first half was scrappy, play broken up by numerous stoppages, but it was also eventful. Leicester were the better team, Watford offering very little going forward. The most entertaining part of the half occurred on the 20-minute mark when the referee ran down the tunnel and it was announced that he would be replaced at which point the crowd chanted ‘you’re not fit to referee’. A few moments later, the official came back on. Strange times.
Abdul Fatawu was the only real threat for the Foxes and it was he who was brought down by Formose Mendy in the 40th minute to give the Foxes the chance to take the lead from the spot. There was a strong case for the referee to produce a second yellow for the Watford left back but he failed to do so. This was another dreadful decision by a referee in the Championship. There are far too many of them. Mendy was replaced at half time. I was not the only Leicester fan to be deeply concerned when Daka picked up the ball to take the penalty. Sure enough, the Zambian striker hit the post. Why on earth didn't someone else - Winks or Jordan James maybe - step up.
The second half was a more even and open game but again Leicester had the best chances. Daka missed a sitter on the hour mark when it looked easier to score, Pereira had an attempt cleared off the line and, at the death, Nelson might have settled the game with a spectacular effort.
Where we are now
The results at the bottom of the Championship on Saturday were mixed for the Foxes. Blackburn picked up a point, whereas West Brom won, their second successive victory, and Portsmouth and Oxford lost. It is a salutary fact that, entrenched in the relegation zone, Leicester’s prospects are no longer, at a statistical level, in their own hands. In reality, of course, it is difficult to see the teams at the bottom winning every game. It is now two out of five for the remaining relegation places, although West Brom may now pull away. Goal difference may yet save City. One computer analysis suggests they will survive. Only time will tell but the home form has to improve.