Leicester v Leeds: Foxes to foil Marsch's debut

The return of Jamie Vardy is crucial for Leicester and Paul Higham thinks that could prove the difference against Leeds...

Vardy return crucial for Foxes

Jamie Vardy's return came at just the right time for stuttering Leicester as he came off the bench to score and assist in their 2-0 win at Burnley in the week.

That ended a run of five league games without a win and showcased just how important having Vardy and James Maddison in the same is for Brendan Rodgers, who still fancies making a run at the European places.

The Foxes will have to improve their home form to make progress up the table though, as they're winless in their last three despite taking the lead each time.

And the home side doesn't have a good record in this fixture, with the hosts not winning a head-to-head since 2012. Leicester hope Vardy's return can fix that record.

Leeds Marsching on together

Jesse Marsch takes charge of his first game as new Leeds boss, and his first task is to try and sure up Marcelo Bielsa's leaky defence that become the first in Premier League side in history to concede 20 goals in a calendar month.

The omens aren't great with six of the last seven new Leeds managers losing their first league game, and their freefall towards relegation has accelerated with four straight heavy defeats.

Leeds have let in at least two goals in each of their last six league away games, and in fact conceded three or more in all five Premier League games in February - so the size of the task Marsch is facing is evident.

As it's not like this is a Premier League side loaded with stars that are underperforming, with Bielsa arguably getting more out of this team than the sum of its parts, and his system is so entrenched within his players that it'll be tough to shift.

If Patrick Bamford is back on the bench as expected that would be a boost, but it may take Marsch time to settle this sinking ship.

Foxes primed for fast start

Marsch may well be able to tighten his side up, but making such a big change to Leeds' style that was drilled into the players by Bielsa will take some doing - and it won't be immediate.

So Leicester are big 1.83 favourites with Leeds 4.4 outsiders even though they're unbeaten in five away games against the Foxes. The draw is priced at 4.3.

Leeds should at least be able to stop the run of conceding three goals every game you'd fancy, but they could be vulnerable at the start as they get to grips with their new manager.

Leicester could then benefit with a fast start and the 3.1 on them winning in the half-time/full-time market certainly appeals.

As does the rather obvious shout of Leicester to win and both teams to score, but at 3.2 it's still worth backing. Leicester have conceded six in their last three home games.

Vardy bringing the party back

Vardy is understandably just 1.73 to score given the impact he made as a sub at Burnley - plus he's scored and assisted in two previous games against Leeds.

Maddison is also a key man and is 2.8 to score, while Harvey Barnes has actually scored in all three of his Premier League games against Leeds, and is 2.8 to make that four.

Leeds will need Raphinha to step up if they're to get something from the game, as they'll likely have to score at least one to take anything back to West Yorkshire with them.

The Brazilian is a 3.6 chance as anytime scorer while Daniel James looks the other big danger as a 4.5 shot. Three of James' four league goals have come away from Elland Road.

Cards is also an avenue to explore with Leeds as they're 2.1 to have three cards or more, something they've managed in five of the last six games. They'll be going all out to impress Marsch and that could spill over.



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