Leicester vs Norwich
Premier League Gameweek 27
Venue – King Power Stadium
Kick-off timing – 27 Feb; 3:00 PM (BST)
Leicester take on Norwich City tonight in a game which is being seen as a must-win for Claudio Ranieri’s side if they want to keep their title hopes alive.
This will be the first home game since the dreaded last-minute defeat against Arsenal. Despite the painful loss, Leicester are still the favorites to go on and clinch their first ever Premier League title.
Leicester vs Norwich Tactical Preview
There will be two significant changes in the way tonight’s game at King Power Stadium will be perceived. First of all, Leicester are no longer an outsider in the title race, they belong here and there will be a degree of anticipation among the players and crowd to win this game.
Having said that, there will be an added pressure on Leicester to perform as they are now one of the favorites for the league title. So far, Leicester have enjoyed their football, but it will be interesting to see how they react being seen as the favorites.
Leicester vs Norwich Predicted Starting XI
Leicester starting XI – Schmeichel, Amartey, Huth, Morgan, Fuchs, Drinkwater, Kante, Mahrez, Albrighton, Okazaki, Vardy
Norwich starting XI – Ruddy, Bassong, Klose, Martin, Brady, Dorrens, O’Neil, Howson, Redmond, Naismith, Jeromoe
Leicester vs Norwich Tactical Setup
Leicester have been a delight to watch this season, more so at home in front of their own fans. Mahrez and Vardy have been their outstanding players and will be expected to deliver over the course of next 12 matches as well.
Danny Simpson is ruled out for the game against Norwich and the new signing Daniel Amartey will make his debut for The Foxes.
Shinji Okazaki has been the unsung hero in Leicetser’s title push this season and will play a crucial role in occupying space between Norwich’s central defenders.
Leicester vs Norwich Key Battles
Riyad Mahrez vs Roby Brady
Fascinating is the word that comes to mind when you think of this battle this evening. While Mahrez has been league’s finest dribbler, Brady has made a name for himself in a struggling Norwich side.
Mahrez loves to get forward and so does Brady. The duo would look to cancel out each other and gain an advantage for their side. I have a feeling, which ever team wins this battle, will go on to win the game.
Jamie Vardy vs Sabastian Bassong
Norwich must have drawn several plans to stop Vardy from hurting their defense and the major part of the plan must have been Sabastian Bassong trying to stop the in-form striker. Vardy’s pace is a real threat and he is deceptively good in the air.
Bassong will have to concentrate for all the 90+ minutes and make sure Vardy does not get a sniff at goal, because if he does, he will not hesitate in scoring his 20th league goal of the season.
Leicester vs Norwich Prediction
I want Leicester to win the title like many other fans around the world. I am a bit of romanticist as well thus, I feel Leicester will pull of a dramatic last-minute winner to ease off their pain of losing Arsenal in the 95th minute. Predicted scoreline – Leicester 1 Norwich 0.
Do not forget to come back and comment if Leicester win the game in extra time tonight.
Image credit: getty