Leicester City face an Aston Villa side that have been rather inconsistent this season, however, the Villains pose a much improved threat to the Foxes in comparison to the 4-1 defeat they endured last season against Brendan Rodgers' men.
Leicester played in midweek against a tough Slavia Prague side who held them to a 0-0 draw in the Europa League which continued the Foxes' superb away record this season only losing twice.
Opponents Villa come into this game with two wins, two defeats and a draw in the last five games which signifies the hit and miss side that they have been this season.
Leicester City
Brendan Rodgers' side sit in third place level with Manchester United, who sit in second place on 46 points. This league position has been "no fluke" as James Maddison keeps reiterating. Leicester have impressive this season as they have displayed the ability to change systems and adapt in game to capitalise on the weakness of their opposition.
Of late, Rodgers's has opted with a 4-2-3-1 formation which has allowed Maddison to play further forward in the number 10 role. This system also ensures more defensive solidity with Youri Tielemans playing a slightly deeper role alongside Wilfred Ndidi.
Tielemans has largely impressed this season and he is now a vital member of the team. His leadership qualities are clear to see on the pitch and he will certainly be a future captain.
Leicester are certainly not short of injuries with a lot of key figures out on the treatment table. Wesley Fofana and James Justin are the most notable, with the two youngsters being the standout players this term for the away side.
However, with Timothy Castagne returning to the side it allows for a much more strengthened defence after Daniel Amartey was needed to play right back with Ricardo Periera shifted out to the left in his unfavoured position last time out against Liverpool.
Predicted Line-up:
Schmeichel; Ricardo, Evans, Soyuncu, Castagne, Ndidi, Tielemans, Maddison, Albrighton, Barnes, Vardy.
Aston Villa
Dean Smith's men have been a much improved outfit this season after their relegation struggles in the prior campaign. The summer recruitment enabled Aston Villa to push up the league and sustain a challenge for the top 10.
Emiliano Martinez has been superb since signing from Arsenal in what now looks to be a bargain at £20 million. His form has been a catalyst for change at the back with the defence improving immensely.
Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings have formed a strong partnership in central defence with Matt Targett and Matty Cash either side of them providing a threat down each flank.
Cash has been outstanding this campaign as he has demonstrated his superb running ability whilst also creating many chances. He will however miss this game after sustaining a hamstring injury that will keep him out for several weeks.
Predicted Line-up:
Martinez; Mohamady, Konsa, Mings, Targett, Sanson, Luiz, Mcginn, Trezeguet, Watkins, Grealish.
Verdict
Leicester's brilliant away record this season means it's hard to predict an Aston Villa win. If Harvey Barnes continues his superb form of late and if given the service, he will score.
Jack Grealish as ever will be a threat meaning Ricardo will have to get up to speed quickly. Set pieces have been an issue for the Foxes and with the height of Mings and Konsa, that will be an avenue Villa look to exploit.
However, Leicester possess that bit extra quality in the final third of the pitch and Jamie Vardy will be dangerous on the break.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Leicester City