After a disappointing return to Premier League football, Leicester City will be hoping to turn their fortunes around with a win over Crystal Palace at the King Power Stadium.
The Foxes remain without a win since the restart and are now only three points ahead of Manchester United in fifth, throwing a place in next seasons Champions League into doubt. However, with a slip up from Chelsea on Wednesday evening, Leicester remain third and can strengthen their position with a victory on Saturday.
Brendan Rodgers’ side will be aiming to repeat what the Foxes did back in 2015, where a 1-0 win moved them level on points with the top four and began a seven-game unbeaten streak.
A first half of few chances
With both sides cautious in possession early on, opportunities were at a minimum. Marc Albrighton had the best chance to break the deadlock with his shot that rebounded back off the post. Riyad Mahrez pounced at the rebound but couldn’t keep his composure and scuffed his effort wide.
Crystal Palace then gave Kasper Schmeichel his first and only test of the game when Yannick Bolasie tricked his way down the left hand side. The skilful winger played through Yohan Cabaye, but the Frenchman’s shot was saved comfortably by Schmeichel.
Vardy’s goal streak continues
The only goal of the game came from the in-form Jamie Vardy. He claimed his seventh goal in a row and his tenth of the season after superbly lifting the ball over the onrushing Wayne Hennessey and smashing it into the empty net.
Rodgers will be hoping that Vardy can get back on the scoresheet at the weekend with the striker without a goal since the restart.
This victory began a long unbeaten run for Leicester as they won six and drew one of their next seven games; a streak which put the Foxes at the top of the table at Christmas.
First clean sheet
This was an important win for Leicester as they moved level on points with the top four. It was also their first clean sheet of the season, meaning Claudio Ranieri could finally reward his side with the pizza’s he promised.
The Foxes will be aiming to pick up a similar result at the King Power Stadium this weekend as they look to maintain their position in third place.