Leicester v Brighton: Foxes to stay on course for Champions League

Simon Mail previews Leicester's home match against Brighton and expects the top four contenders to prevail...

Leicester v Brighton
Tuesday, 18:00
Live on Sky Sports Premier League

Foxes well-placed for top-four finish

Leicester have been mightily impressive during Brendan Rodgers' first full season in charge and the Foxes are closing in on a Champions League spot. No-one has been able to live with Liverpool but Leicester are in pole position to finish third. This would be a significant achievement and reward for their consistency, particularly during the first half of the campaign.

The Foxes were involved in the final league game before the season was suspended due to the pandemic with Leicester thrashing Aston Villa 4-0. Unsurprisingly, the side were not at their sharpest after a three-month break as they drew 1-1 at Watford on Saturday. Ben Chilwell's superb 89th minute strike looked to have earned a victory but the Hornets snatched a vital point after Craig Dawson's unlikely overhead kick in injury time.

Brighton boosted by Arsenal win

Brighton headed into the restart under pressure after a nine-match winless run in the Premier League stretching back to the end of December. Graham Potter has been well received for his approach to the game and a willingness to play entertaining football. But Brighton were looking over their shoulders and there is no doubt Saturday's 2-1 victory against Arsenal has provided a huge boost to their chances of avoiding relegation.

The Seagulls looked in trouble, after Nicholas Pepe curled Arsenal into a second-half lead, but Brighton launched a superb comeback to seal the double over their opponents. Lewis Dunk scrambled in an equaliser before striker Neal Maupay scored five minutes into injury time to stun Arsenal. This huge result has taken Brighton five points clear of the bottom three and a major step on the way to safety.

Difficult to oppose favourites Leicester

Leicester are 1.74 favourites for this match and it is difficult to quibble with this based on their form this season. The Foxes have claimed nine league wins at the King Power Stadium and should be too strong for a team they defeated 2-0 away back in November. Leicester have beaten Brighton in four of their last five meetings and it would be a surprise if the hosts failed to win their latest clash.

Brighton are 5.60 outsiders and there is no appeal in siding with the visitors. True, Potter's side claimed an impressive win against Arsenal but their away record is poor with just two victories. One of these came on the opening weekend at Watford and it is difficult to see Brighton pulling off an upset in the East Midlands.

The draw is trading at 4.00 which looks a better option than backing Brighton. The visitors have drawn 11 times this season with four of them coming in their last five games before the suspension in March. But Leicester have only been held six times and ultimately the hosts should have too much quality. A home win is advised but it is worth looking to enhance the odds on a Leicester victory.

Vardy to maintain scoring streak against Brighton

One of the key players in Leicester's success this season has been Jamie Vardy with the striker leading the way in the competition with 19 league goals. Vardy is a potent finisher and boasts an excellent record against Brighton. The striker has scored in the last four games against them and is fancied to continue this run. Combining a home win with Vardy finding the net boosts the odds to 2.52.