Leicester’s return to the Premier League has been a difficult one, with the team currently sitting 19th in the standings and just two points away from escaping the relegation zone.
Struggling to find any consistent form, they have managed only one win in their last 12 league matches, alongside two draws and nine defeats.
Recent results include heavy losses to Newcastle (4-0), Wolverhampton (3-0), Liverpool (3-1), Manchester City (2-0), and a narrow 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa. Over the weekend, Leicester hosted Queens Park Rangers in the FA Cup.
Crystal Palace, on the other hand, are positioned 15th in the league, enjoying a five-point cushion above the relegation zone. While still not entirely safe, the London side has shown improvement since late November.
Over their last nine games, they’ve suffered just one loss, which came against Arsenal, while recording three wins and five draws. Recent performances include a 2-1 victory over bottom-placed Southampton and a 1-1 draw with Chelsea. Last weekend, Palace faced Stockport County in the FA Cup.
Leicester faces several absences this week, including their first-choice goalkeeper Hermansen, midfielder Ndidi, wingers Fatawu and McAteer, and backup full-back Ricardo Pereira.
However, there are bright spots for the Foxes, as Mavididi, who has three league goals—including one in their last match—could start alongside Buonanotte, who has contributed four goals and two assists, and experienced striker Vardy, with six goals and three assists.
Crystal Palace also has injury concerns, with midfielders Wharton and Hugues unavailable, while Matheus França remains a long-term absentee. Up front, they are expected to rely on Mateta, their top scorer with five goals this season, supported by Eze, who has two goals and three assists, and Sarr, who has chipped in with four goals and two assists.
Prediction
Leicester has struggled at home, losing four of their last five Premier League matches at the King Power Stadium. In contrast, Crystal Palace has been performing well in recent matchups against league opponents and enters this fixture as the favorite.
Prediction: Leicester 0-2 Crystal Palace
