Leicester v Bournemouth preview: Jamie Vardy fit to face Cherries
Saturday 2 January 2016 13:56, UK
Leicester look to continue surprise title tilt when they take on Bournemouth on Saturday, with star striker Jamie Vardy passed fit.
The Foxes have relinquished their spot at the top of the Premier League after picking up just one point over the festive period, but they are only second to Arsenal on goal difference.
Vardy's fitness boost will certainly raise the morale around the King Power Stadium, but boss Claudio Ranieri has again had to play down talk that the England forward is for sale in the January transfer window.
Bournemouth have enjoyed a productive December with three wins against Chelsea, Manchester United and West Brom, seeing them sit just above the drop zone.
Saturday's match comes before the Cherries take on several of their relegation rivals in January, and Eddie Howe will be hoping to start the year as they mean to go on at the King Power.
Team news
Vardy's fitness following a virus means Ranieri could name an unchanged squad from the side that drew 0-0 with Manchester City.
Jeff Schlupp remains out with a hamstring injury and midfielder Matty James continues to recover from a long-term knee injury, which has sidelined him all season, but is not yet match fit.
Howe has reported no fresh injury problems. The players involved in the 2-0 defeat at Arsenal on Monday night have been given some extra recovery time this week following the hectic Christmas schedule.
Forward Lee Tomlin was an unused substitute against the Gunners following his return from a groin and pelvic injury so could feature, while the likes of Glenn Murray and Junior Stanislas are also options should Howe look to make changes.
Opta stats
The Foxes are unbeaten in the last five games against Bournemouth (W4 D1).
Bournemouth have kept just one clean sheet in their 10 Premier League away games so far in 2015-16; this coming in a 1-0 win at Chelsea.
After scoring in 18 successive Premier League matches, Leicester City have now failed to score in two consecutive games in the competition.
The Foxes have only conceded eight goals in their last 10 Premier League matches.
Riyad Mahrez (13 goals, seven assist) has been involved in more goals than any other Premier League player so far in 2015-16 (20).
Bournemouth have outrun their opponents in all 19 of their Premier League games so far in 2015-16.
Leicester City have won a league-high seven penalties in the Premier League so far in 2015-16.
Paul Merson's prediction
This is a big game for Leicester. They have gone two games without scoring, albeit against good opposition, but they changed the way they played at home to Manchester City.
I was disappointed with that, instead of playing 4-4-2, they played one up front and I just don't think it worked. They need to win this game to get back on track, but it's a hard one for them.
When you're in a relegation battle like Bournemouth are, the run they have just been on could keep them up. If you get nine points out of nine in three games, that's a quarter of your needed points over three games. It was a nice run, but they may need another before the end of the season.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (15/2 with Sky Bet)
Betting
Leicester City are even-money favourites with Sky Bet to secure three points against Bournemouth (13/5) with the draw also trading at 13/5.
The sides played out a 1-1 draw when they met back in August and a repeat of that outcome is available at 11/2. Both sides have failed to find the net in their last two matches with the Foxes priced at 5/2 to win to nil, while a goalless draw is 12/1.
Jamie Vardy scored the late equaliser at the Goldsands Stadium and the striker is the 7/2 favourite to net the opening goal on Saturday with Riyad Mahrez a 5/4 shot to net anytime and 2/1 to score his 14th league goal of the season.
