Leicester City - Crystal Palace Preview: Will Ranieri's men get their home form back on track?

As two high-flying teams clash at the King Power Stadium on Saturday afternoon, can supporters expect an exciting match between Leicester City and Crystal Palace?

Leicester boss, Claudio Ranieri, has already highlighted the difficulty involved when facing Alan Pardew's team but he (as will supporters) will be extremely keen to claim the three points in order to maintain the Foxes' lofty position in the Barclays Premier League.

17 year wait...

Despite the two teams having relatively equal records since their first meeting in 1922, with each winning 23 games out of a possible 63 (17 draws), it is the Eagles who possess the better current form. Having done the double over their Midlands counterparts last season, Foxes' fans should be under no illusion that Crystal Palace will be heading into this match full of confidence.

As a matter of fact, Leicester City have not managed to be victorious over the London outfit in the top-flight for over 17 years. On that day in 1998, current Bolton Wanderers striker, Emile Heskey, scored a brace to assist his boyhood club to a 3-0 win over Attilio Lombardo's men.

However, since then, things have turned sour for the Foxes when facing the Eagles. Having not managed to beat their weekend opponents in any competition in over two years, this clash presents a possibly daunting affair for Ranieri and his troops.

Nevertheless, one thing that should be guaranteed this weekend is goals. Since 1922, the two sides have scored 145 goals between them and with both teams utilising an irresistible attacking style of play so far this season, this one could be one to watch for the neutrals.

Attack, attack, attack

At the start of the current campaign, supporters and pundits alike may not have been expecting Leicester City and Crystal Palace sitting in their current lofty positions of fifth and sixth respectively in the Premier League table.

Both sides have drawn admiring glances from anyone interested in the English top-flight due to their fluent and forward-thinking style of play. Putting emphasis very much on pace and counter-attacking their opponent, both sides have become extremely difficult to deal with.

Having endured a season of struggle in the previous campaign under Nigel Pearson, ex-Inter Milan and Chelsea boss, Claudio Ranieri, has surprised supporters. Utilising an adrenaline-filled, attacking style of play, the Italian has morphed the Foxes into an accomplished Premier League side. Since taking the reins at the King Power Stadium, the 64 year-old and his team have picked up 16 points from only nine games and look well on their way to achieving survival once more.

Also, relying on the pace of Jamie Vardy and the skill of Riyad Mahrez, the Foxes have managed to score 19 goals so far and have been propelled to fifth position.

Similarly, Alan Pardew also adopts a very direct and pacey style of play. Utilising the trickery of Yannick Bolasie but also the class and calmness of recently-signed Yohan Cabaye, the Eagles have obtained a respectable total of 15 points so far this campaign, which includes an impressive win picked up against champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Since taking over in early 2015, the former Newcastle United and Charlton Athletic manager has endeared himself to the Selhurst Park faithful. In his time at the club, the Eagles have been very impressive and have been one of the most hard-to-beat teams in the whole of the Barclays Premier League.

Team News

After making a huge impact in Leicester City's comeback 2-2 draw against Southampton last weekend, Riyad Mahrez and Nathan Dyer may earn starts against Crystal Palace. Having provided an assist apiece in the stalemate against the Saints, the two wide-men may feel they have done enough to earn themselves a place in the first eleven.

One man that the Eagles' defence will certainly have to keep an eye-on, however, is in-form striker, Jamie Vardy. The former Fleetwood Town frontman has been on fire so far this campaign and has become the top-scorer in the Barclays Premier League, having managed to net nine times already.

However, there are a few players that may not be able to make an appearance on Saturday afternoon. Having dropped down the pecking order at the King Power Stadium due to the arrivals of Gokhan Inler and N'Golo Kante, experienced midfielder, Dean Hammond, has gone out on loan to League 1 side Sheffield United in order to gain some minutes.

Also, Ranieri has revealed that last season's top goalscorer, Leonardo Ulloa, will not be fit to face the Eagles. Having picked up a knock in training, the Argentine forward has not yet recovered to play a part in the match.

Nevertheless, Alan Pardew has selection problems of his own to overcome. After being sent off in Palace's 3-1 loss to West Ham United last time around, English striker Dwight Gayle begins his suspension this weekend. Furthermore, Joel Ward and Conor Wickham are also unavailable after picking up injuries.

But, one man who will certainly make an appearance at the King Power Stadium is talented Frenchman Yohan Cabaye. After signing from PSG in the summer transfer window, the former Newcastle United midfielder has impressed since moving to London. The 28 year-old in currently the Eagles' top scorer after netting four times in all competitions (albeit with three penalties).