Leicester City face Brighton & Hove Albion in their next fixture of the 2020-21 Premier League campaign.
The Foxes will be looking to get back to winning form, having gone three games without a victory in all competitions.
Brighton are also desperately in need of a win having won just two of their last eight fixtures in all competitions. They sit only five points above the relegation zone and could easily see themselves battling for survival towards the final few games of the season.
While Leicester are struggling for form and suffering with an abundance of injuries, they will be looking to replicate previous performances against the South Coast side.
Back in 2017, the Foxes continued their impressive home run against a relegation fearful Brighton side. Craig Shakespeare was hoping his Leicester side could bounce back from their first game of the season, losing 4-3 to Arsenal in a thrilling game.
Brighton manager Chris Hughton saw his side sit just outside the relegation zone for the clash, with the Seagulls making a shaky start for their first season in the Premier League.
There was much excitement for the home debut of recent Leicester signing Harry Maguire who joined the Foxes from Hull City for £17 million. The fixture was initially overshadowed by the transfer speculation of Leicester winger Riyad Mahrez. The Algerian trickster was linked with a move away from the King Power Stadium as Manchester City were favourites to sign him.
Shakespeare's side were unbeaten in their previous 13 Premier League home fixtures against newly-promoted sides, giving the Foxes an early mental advantage. Hughton's Brighton had been in poor form in front of goal, failing to find the net in four of their last five fixtures.
Promising Starts and Early Goals
Despite the speculation, Mahrez played a key part in Leicester's opening goal after seeing his shot parried by Matt Ryan straight into the path of a waiting Shinji Okazaki. Standing only six yards out from the goal-line, Okazaki rifled the ball past Ryan to put Shakespeare's side ahead.
Okazaki scored in consecutive matches for his first time as a Leicester player after netting the opener against Brighton. His strike was the first goal of the 2017-18 Premier League season scored within a minute, finding the back of the net after 52 seconds.
The Foxes continued to dominate the game with Jamie Vardy seeing his powerful effort saved before scuffing the follow-up attempt.
Brighton struggled for chances throughout the game, with Jamie Murphy's blocked effort the only clear opportunity the visitors had.
Promising Debut
Leicester went two goals up in the 54th minute after Maguire fired in a powerful header from Mahrez's corner. The towering defender looked unstoppable in the air, exciting the Foxes fans even more about their new purchase of the season.
Partnering captain Wes Morgan in central defence, the duo cleared the danger with ease and offered a threat for attacking set-pieces.
With a goal and clean sheet on his debut, Maguire picked up the Man of the Match award, highlighting the excellent start he'd made to life at Leicester.
Aftermath
After bouncing back from their defeat to Arsenal, Leicester were full of confidence heading into their next fixture. They would face Sheffield United in the Carabao Cup, winning the clash 4-1.
Brighton would also have a fixture in the cup, beating League Two side Barnet 1-0. They would eventually survive relegation and remain in the Premier League while the Foxes would finish in ninth place.
