Leicester City travel across the Midlands to face Aston Villa with Brendan Rodgers’ side looking to steer themselves away from a relegation battle.
The Foxes have only taken one point from five games since the return from the Qatar World Cup, with Leicester struggling to pick up the form they had before the World Cup.
Aston Villa have undergone a resurgence under Unai Emery, with the experienced Spanish manager steering them away from the bottom of the table, with big wins against Manchester United and Tottenham along the way.
This will be the first meeting of the season between these two clubs after the first meeting was postponed due to the Queen’s death in September. That match is yet to be rescheduled.
Brendan Rodgers was left frustrated yet again after his side conceded late on against Brighton. A late header from Evan Ferguson denied Leicester all three points after the Foxes had come from behind to lead 2-1.
For Aston Villa, an Ollie Watkins winner in the 77th minute was enough to give Aston Villa all three points on their trip to the South Coast to face Southampton.
The January transfer window has now slammed shut, with both sides adding players to their squads this winter.
In Emery’s first transfer window as Villa manager, he added Spanish left-back Alex Moreno and Colombian striker Jhon Durán to his squad.
Leicester needed new signings after a quiet summer window, with Rodgers strengthening in three key areas.
The Foxes brought in a new left-back Victor Kristiansen, with James Justin ruled out until the end of the season, a new winger, Tetê, and deadline day signing, Harry Souttar.
Team News
The Villans have been boosted with the return of John McGinn and Lucas Digne, after a spell on the sidelines.
However, Villa remain without Jed Steer and Diego Carlos, but Emery confirmed that the Brazilian will be training soon.
Bertrand Traore is set to rejoin the squad in training next week.
The Foxes have been plagued with injuries since the turn of the year with Brendan Rodgers struggling to balance minutes and rest.
However, with three new additions coming into the club and the return of key players, Rodgers’ squad depth looks much better.
Jonny Evans and Boubakary Soumare are close to a return to training, with Rodgers confirming they will return next week.
James Maddison came through the FA Cup match with Walsall unscathed and will be available for the trip to Birmingham.
Rodgers did confirm that new signing Souttar will be assessed before the weekends game after joining the club with a hip injury
Wilfred Ndidi will miss the clash with Aston Villa due to personal issues.
Likely line-ups
Martinez; Young, Konsa, Mings, Moreno; Buendia, Kamara, Luiz, Ramsey; Watkins, Bailey.
Ward; Castagne, Amartey, Faes, Kristiansen; Mendy, Tielemans, Maddison; Barnes, Iheanacho, Tetê.
Key Players
Leon Bailey (Aston Villa)
Leon Bailey Looks like a player reborn under Emery after the winger struggled for form in his time under previous manager Steven Gerrard.
The Jamaican winger has scored three goals since Emery took over and has managed to nail down a starting spot for Villa.
Bailey could be up against the inexperienced left-back Kristiansen, whom he could have some joy against, with his pace.
James Maddison (Leicester City)
James Maddison is having one of his best seasons in the Leicester City shirt, with his form before the World Cup earning him a place in Gareth Southgate's England squad.
The England international is vital to the way Leicester play, and when he is not in the team the Foxes look a far worse side.
Maddison has not started a Premier League game for Leicester since November when Rodgers’ side beat West Ham 2-0, after returning from the World Cup with an injury.
Match Details
Where will the match be played?
The match will be played at Villa Park in Birmingham.
What time is the match?
The match will kick off at 3pm on Saturday, February 4th, 2023.
How can you watch the match?
In the UK, the full match will not be broadcast on TV. Highlights will be available after the match has finished.