Leicester – Sunderland

Leicester City takes on Sunderland at the King Power Stadium, as the two teams seem to be going in completely opposite directions right now.

Leicester has been absolutely flawless since sacking Claudio Ranieri, winning all 5 games they played under Craig Shakespeare, scoring 2 or more goals in each of them. The Foxes reverted to the lineup that won them the title last year (with Ndidi in place of Kante) and are back playing that smart aggressive football which made them champions. The hosts are on the back of a solid 2-0 win against Stoke City.

It`s beginning to look very likely that Sunderland will not play Premier League football next season. The Black Cats are playing the worst football in the league for some time now, having an abysmal record of 1 win, 4 draws and 9 losses in all competitions. Sunderland failed to score a single goal in the last 5 matches (losing 5 of them) and in 8 of the last 9 games. The team is coming after another poor performance in a 0-1 loss at Watford.

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Team news & lineups:

Leicester will deal with the same injuries they had last round: Morgan, Wague and Mendy. Albrighton might return, but Gray will probably retain his place on the wing instead of him. Sunderland will miss Pienaar, Watmore, Kirchhoff and McNair. Anichebe and Defoe are doubtful. Defoe would be a huge loss, but he will probably be forced.

Leicester City: Schmeichel – Simpson, Benalouane, Huth, Fuchs – Gray, Drinkwater, Ndidi, Mahrez – Okazaki, Vardy

Sunderland: Pickford – Jones, Kone, O’Shea, Oviedo – Gibson, NDong – Larsson, Januzaj, Borini – Defoe

Leicester’s defense has been solid lately, very similar to last season and looking at Sunderland’s abysmal offense, the Foxes should be able to keep a clean sheet here (especially if Defoe will not play). If a clean sheet happens, you have to feel that the match is almost won, as Leicester scored 2 or more goals in each of the last 5 games, including against teams like Sevilla or Liverpool.

Leicester`s winning streak, combined with Sunderland’s losing streak, obviously gives the Foxes a great chance in this match. But is also determines odds on Leicester to be at an all time low here – and that`s usually a turn off for me.

However, in this case the circumstances are a bit special in the sense that it is a very important game for Leicester. Starting with the weekend, when they face Everton away, they will have a very difficult run of games and will also have to deal with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

A win today would virtually assure Premier League safety and would give Leicester the opportunity to approach the next couple of league games without pressure (maybe even rest some players Sunday against Everton), letting them focus on the big tie against Atletico Madrid. As such, I believe the Foxes will be fully focused to maintain their rhythm and not allow any kind of letdown in this match. That makes an upset unlikely in my eyes.

Sunderland will park the bus so I don`t necessarily expect a blowout – but Leicester does look good for a 2-0 or 3-0 win, or at the very least for a 1 goal win. Sunderland is looking absolutely dreadful right now and I can`t see a motivated Leicester team dropping points against this lot in what is a key moment for the Foxes. Prediction: Leicester City – Sunderland 2-0.

Pick: Leicester City (-1 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 1.79 @ 1xBet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 6.32
Event date: 4 April