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Preview: Leicester City vs. Slavia Prague - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Thursday's Europa League clash between Leicester City and Slavia Prague, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Leicester City play host to Slavia Prague on Thursday evening with the two teams locked at 0-0 after the first leg of their Europa League last 32.

Each team will be relatively satisfied with the outcome of the game in the Czech Republic, keeping the tie in the balance ahead of the fixture at the King Power Stadium.


Match preview

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers pictured in February 2021© Reuters

Brendan Rodgers surprised many Leicester supporters last week by naming a full-strength side for the first leg of this tie, a decision made on the back of several injuries to key men.

However, despite the frustration of only earning a goalless draw, the extra fixture did not prevent the Foxes from seeing off Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday.

Given their lack of recovery time, Leicester were impressive against one of their domestic rivals, earning a result which kept the club in third spot in the top flight.

While qualifying for next season's Champions League remains a priority, Rodgers showed in the Czech Republic that he is eager to win this competition, relishing the tag of dark horses behind the tournament favourites.

Despite only losing one of their last 16 matches in all competitions, Rodgers will know that a couple of slip-ups in defence on Thursday could end their time on the European scene with immediate effect.

Leicester City's Youri Tielemans in action with Slavia Prague's Nicolae Stanciu in the Europa League on February 18, 2021© Reuters

Slavia have lost some momentum in league action of late, drawing their three most recent fixtures to see their lead at the top of the standings reduced to eight points.

Nevertheless, Jindrich Trpisovsky will feel that his side are in a better position than their hosts on Thursday, aware that they can play with a sense of freedom in the East Midlands.

Slavia have put together a 12-match unbeaten streak since their 4-0 defeat away at Bayer Leverkusen in this competition back in December.

Despite being the star of the show since the turn of the year, Jan Kuchta has scored in just one of his last four outings.

Leicester City Europa League form: WWDLWD
Leicester City form (all competitions): WDWWDW

Slavia Prague Europa League form: WWWWLD
Slavia Prague form (all competitions): WWDWDD


Team News

Leicester City full-back Ricardo Pereira pictured in March 2020© Reuters

Rodgers is likely to use many of his senior players for this game, only resting players who have recently returned from injury.

Ricardo Pereira and Timothy Castagne fall into that category, while Kelechi Iheanacho is missing due to a one-match suspension.

Cengiz Under could deputise for James Maddison if the playmaker needs to recover from a couple of knocks sustained in recent matches.

Jakub Hromada is expected to fill in for Tomas Holes after the midfielder picked up an injury during the first leg.

The rest of the team should stay the same with Trpisovsky sensing an opportunity to go deep in this competition.

Leicester City possible starting lineup:
Schmeichel; Amartey, Evans, Soyuncu, Thomas; Ndidi, Tielemans; Albrighton, Under, Barnes; Vardy

Slavia Prague possible starting lineup:
Kolar; Bah, Kudela, Zima, Boril; Provod, Hromada; Sima, Stanciu, Olayinka; Kuchta


SM words green background

We say: Leicester City 2-1 Slavia Prague

Failing to score an away goal last week is not ideal for Leicester, who will fear that Slavia can take full advantage in the East Midlands. However, Leicester may benefit from having to push for victory, something that they have made a habit of this season.



Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting a home win in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Home Win:curl


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Who will progress through to the Europa League last 16

Leicester City
89.4%
Slavia Prague
10.6%
235
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Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers pictured in February 2021
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Rodgers: 'We are in good position to advance in Europa League'
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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City29215361214068
2Manchester UnitedMan Utd28159455322354
3Leicester CityLeicester28165748321653
4Chelsea28148644251950
5West Ham UnitedWest Ham27146742311148
6Everton2714493935446
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs27136846281845
8Liverpool28127947361143
9Aston Villa261241038271140
10Arsenal27115113528738
11Leeds UnitedLeeds27112144346-335
12Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2898112837-935
13Crystal Palace2897123047-1734
14Southampton2896133549-1433
15Burnley2879122036-1630
16Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2776142744-1727
17Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton27511112735-826
18Fulham28511122233-1126
19West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom2839162056-3618
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2842221645-2914

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