Wrexham A.F.C. host Leicester City Football Club at the Racecourse Ground on Tuesday night at 8pm, in another quick turnaround for the Foxes. Both sides are currently navigating a congested Championship fixture list, and a tight table to be fair. Currently sitting 10th, Wrexham have defied expectations thanks to a disciplined defence. Not to mention 10 goals from talisman Kieffer Moore; who may, typically, return for the latest outing.
Leicester are what some would describe as 'surprisingly stagnant' in 13th. Yet this was predictable for much of the Blue Army fan base due to unsatisfactory investment; and, sadly, an uneven squad. Although, the East Midlands outfit remain dangerous, specifically via input from loanee Jordan James and winger Abdul Fatawu.
Statistically, the Foxes dominate possession (averaging over 60 per cent) but chances aren't always taken, however. City also have the division's third-worst away defence, statistics show. Historically, this is only the two teams' 10th meeting since 1960; September's reverse fixture culminated in a 1-1 draw. Notable shared alumni include Matty James (a Fox during the 2015/16 title triumph, but didn't receive a winners' medal due to injury) Danny Ward and Conor Coady.
Wrexham vs Leicester City
Injury news for each set of players
Phil Parkinson should be able to welcome back Moore, James and Max Cleworth after recent problems. Yet the Welsh club will be without Ward, Andy Cannon and Aaron James.
With respect to LCFC, Marti Cifuentes faces a defensive crisis. Wout Faes has moved to AS Monaco, Harry Souttar remains absent, Jannik Vestergaard was recently unfit, Luke Thomas is totally unsuitable (even at this level) and Victor Kristiansen hasn't helped at all. Attacking midfielder Aaron Ramsey is another to count out; meanwhile anchor Harry Winks has not been considered for selection for months.
Regarding the predictably disappointing Coady, in spite of a high-profile yet ill-advised transfer, he is unlikely to be in the starting lineup. Having been left out of the squad entirely for the recent draw against Norwich City, the veteran is, at best, a bench option for the Red Dragons.
Leicester City predicted XI vs the Robins
Jakub Stolarczyk; Ricardo Pereira, Caleb Okoli, Ben Nelson, Hamza Choudhury; Oliver Skipp, Jordan James; Stephy Mavididi, Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Abdul Fatawu; Jordan Ayew.
Match expectation
Given Leicester's defensive absences and fragility on the road, offset against Wrexham’s momentum at home, logic favors a high-scoring affair. While Leicester arguably have a technical edge, they cannot keep a clean sheet. Though the visitors can and often do score wherever they play. A tough one, indeed!
Score forecast
Wrexham 2-2 City.