Leicester vs Wolves Preview

• Draw or Leicester win
• Vardy to score

Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers meet at the King Power Stadium in a crucial Premier League clash that pits two relegation-threatened sides against each other.

With new managers at the helm for both clubs, the stakes are high in this Midlands derby as each team seeks a vital pre-Christmas boost.

Leicester City: Van Nistelrooy’s Rebuilding Job Begins

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s tenure at Leicester City began on a disappointing note with a 4-0 defeat to Newcastle, compounded by an injury to goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.

While Van Nistelrooy waits for reinforcements in the January transfer window, he must navigate his first Midlands derby and guide the Foxes to much-needed points.

Leicester’s home record against Wolves offers encouragement. They are unbeaten in their last seven home meetings with their Midlands rivals (W5, D2), including a 2-1 win in the most recent clash. Remarkably, four of their last five home victories in this fixture have come with a clean sheet.

However, with Leicester owning one of the league’s worst defensive records, replicating that defensive solidity will be challenging.

A win here would lift spirits and push the Foxes further from the relegation zone as they seek to establish consistency under their new manager.

Key Player: Jamie Vardy

Vardy has a strong record against Wolves, scoring three times in his last five appearances against them. Notably, all of those goals came in ‘to nil’ victories, showcasing his ability to finish off games.

Wolverhampton Wanderers: Pereira’s Tough Start

Wolves turn to Vítor Pereira after parting ways with Gary O’Neil, hoping the experienced Portuguese manager can inject discipline and stability into a side struggling near the bottom of the table.

Pereira has a track record of starting strongly, winning four of his last five managerial debuts by a 1-0 margin, but replicating that feat here will be no easy task.

Wolves’ away form has been dismal, with just one win from their last 14 Premier League road games (D4, L9).

Sitting in 19th place, five points behind Leicester, Wolves must find a way to shore up their leaky defence, which has gone without a clean sheet since November 9th.

Key Player: Matheus Cunha

Cunha has been a bright spot for Wolves, scoring their only goal in last weekend’s defeat to Ipswich and netting in their last meeting with Leicester. His ability to convert chances will be vital if Wolves are to upset the odds.

Tactical Battle

• Leicester’s Approach:
   Van Nistelrooy will look to take advantage of Leicester’s positive home record against Wolves, focusing on their attacking strengths. Jamie Vardy and Kelechi Iheanacho could exploit Wolves’ defensive vulnerabilities, while Wilfred Ndidi anchors the midfield to limit counter-attacks.
• Wolves’ Approach:
  Pereira’s debut strategy will likely focus on defensive organisation and hitting Leicester on the break. With Cunha leading the line and Pedro Neto providing width, Wolves will aim to capitalise on any defensive lapses from the Foxes.

What’s at Stake?

For Leicester, a win would put further distance between them and the relegation zone, easing pressure on Van Nistelrooy and boosting confidence heading into the festive period.

At the same time, victory is critical for Wolves to close the gap on Leicester and kickstart Pereira’s reign, giving the club a platform to climb out of the drop zone.

Head-to-Head Insights

• Leicester are unbeaten in their last seven home games against Wolves (W5, D2).
• Wolves have won just one of their last 14 Premier League away matches (D4, L9).
• Jamie Vardy has scored three times in his last five appearances against Wolves, all in ‘to nil’ victories.

Prediction

Leicester’s superior home record in this fixture, combined with Wolves’ poor away form, gives the Foxes the edge.

However, both sides have struggled defensively, suggesting this could be a tight, scrappy encounter. Jamie Vardy’s experience and goal-scoring pedigree could prove decisive.

Prediction: Leicester City 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

As Leicester and Wolves fight to escape the relegation mire, this Midlands derby promises intensity and high stakes. Can Van Nistelrooy deliver a morale-boosting win for the Foxes, or will Pereira’s Wolves spring a surprise in his debut? Football fans are in for a gripping battle.

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Leicester v Wolves, 2024/25 | Premier League