English Championship: Game Week 33
Stadium: King Power Stadium
17th February 2024
Leicester City will welcome Middlesbrough at King Power Stadium in Game Week 33 of the English Championship. Leicester targeting fifth win on the trot. Who will come out on top after 90 minutes?
Receive Your Welcome Bonus!Leicester City form
Leicester City is expected to secure promotion soon, but they still need to earn points to solidify their position. This was evident in their 2-0 win against Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday, which extended their lead at the top of the table. With 14 matches remaining, it is not out of reach for them to secure promotion before the March international break, especially with six more games to be played before that time. The upcoming match against Leeds United on February 23 will be crucial, but the team is focused on their current contest and building on their recent goal-scoring success. They have also been performing well at home, with a nine-game unbeaten streak at the King Power Stadium, except for a draw against Ipswich Town on January 22.
Maresca may choose to keep the same Leicester XI, but it would be surprising if he didn't bring back Patson Daka, who was given a rest in the previous game. Despite Jamie Vardy scoring in his absence, Daka has been in great form with three goals in his last two games and should lead the attack. Kasey McAteer might also return in the final third, while the rest of the team is likely to remain unchanged.
Leicester City Predicted Lineup
Hermansen; Pereira, Faes, Vestergaard, Justin; Winks, Dewsbury-Hall; McAteer, Praet, Mavididi; Daka.
Middlesbrough form
Middlesbrough's season seems to be losing steam as they are trailing by seven points for a playoff spot. They have not won a match since January 13, and their only clean sheet in the last 11 games was against Chelsea in the EFL Cup. Despite scoring in their last seven matches, consecutive defeats to Bristol City and Preston North End have pushed them into the lower half of the table. Middlesbrough has the seventh-best away record in the league, although they have only won six out of their 15 away games in the Championship.
Carrick needs to decide on the extent of changes he wants to make in the Middlesbrough lineup, but Josh Coburn's groin injury suggests that Sam Greenwood will continue in the attack. Matthew Hoppe is another option, despite not having played competitively since October, and Lewis O'Brien might be restored to the midfield.
Middlesbrough Predicted Lineup
Glover; Ayling, Van den Berg, Clarke, Thomas; Howson, Hackney; Forss, O'Brien, Azaz; Greenwood.
Leicester City vs Middlesbrough Expert Tips
While it can be argued that Middlesbrough might benefit from playing against a stronger opponent, this game is not coming at the right time for Carrick's team. We expect Leicester to perform as expected, win the game once again, and maintain a clean sheet.