The reverse fixture between these two sides came in September where it finished 2-2. Jamie Vardy and Stephy Mavididi put Leicester 2-0 up that day. Jean-Philippe Mateta then netted twice to inspire a Crystal Palace comeback.
While the Foxes have been on some horrendous league form, they will come into this game on a high after having thrashed QPR 6-2 in the Third Round of the FA Cup. This will set up a Fourth Round tie with Man United, who Leicester faced in the EFL Cup Round of 16.
For the visitors, they most recently beat high flying League One side Stockport County 1-0 through an Eberechi Eze strike in the Third Round of the Cup. This has set up a Fourth Round clash with League Two’s Doncaster Rovers. Palace last faced Doncaster in the Fifth Round of this competition six years ago.
In the Premier League, Crystal Palace are on some good form as they have only lost once in their last nine games. This came to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal and during this run they have beaten Ipswich, Southampton and rivals Brighton. During this run of form, Palace have moved five points above the drop zone.
Leicester are without a win in their last six games. However, they have recently faced table toppers Liverpool and champions Man City. Ruud van Nistelrooy has only won one of his seven league games in charge of the Foxes, and this was his very first game West Ham.
This means that they are without a win since 3rd December. They will need to start getting some points on the board soon as they set inside the relegation zone. They are two points below Wolves and Ipswich who are 17th and 18th.
Team News
Ruud van Nistelrooy confirmed that there are no fresh injury concerns ahead of the clash with Crystal Palace.
Mads Hermansen will remain out of action for the next few weeks with a groin injury. This problem has kept the Danish goalkeeper on the sidelines since December’s 4-0 loss against Newcastle at St James’ Park.
Ricardo Pereira is out of the side with a hamstring injury. He is expected to be available again in March.
Jannik Vestergaard was not in the matchday squad against QPR in the 3rd Round. However, he has played a part in team training and is expected to be available.
Wilfred Ndidi is nearing a return to full fitness after a period on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. He last appeared for the Foxes in the 2-2 draw with Brighton.
Ghanaian winger Abdul Fatawu has been ruled out for the rest of the 2024/25 season with an ACL injury picked up on international duty in November.
Loanee Odsonne Edouard is unavailable to face his parent club.
After the Stockport game Oliver Glasner confirmed that Matheus Franca is out of the side again. The Brazilian is in training and has not suffered a fresh setback or new injury. He had a reaction in his hip area and Glasner hopes he will be available for selection in March.
The manager also confirmed that there is uncertainty around Trevoh Chalobah. Chelsea have a recall clause in his loan and it is not known if or when they will do it.
Rob Holding will be out of the side after having fallen out of favour with Glasner.
Adam Wharton is progressing in his recovery from the groin surgery he had in November. If everything goes to plan, he is expected to return to training towards the end of the month.
Will Hughes will be in the squad after having recovered from injury. He has trained in the last few days.
A host of players missed out in the FA Cup through illness. Dean Henderson and Maxence Lacroix did not make the matchday squad while Jean-Philippe Mateta, Caleb Kporha and Tyrick Mitchell were all unused substitutes. However, all of these players are expected to be available for selection.
Young midfielder Justin Devenny has recently put pen to paper on a new contract until 2027.
Likely Line-ups
Stolarczyk; Justin, Coady, Faes, Kristiansen; Winks, Soumare; Ayew, El Khannous, Mavididi; Vardy
Henderson; Munoz, Richards, Lacroix, Guehi, Mitchell; Doucoure, Lerma; Sarr, Eze; Mateta
Key Players
Leicester –Jamie Vardy
The veteran striker still proves to be pivotal to the Foxes frontline. The 38-year-old has scored three times since Ruud van Nistelrooy joined the club.
He has also completed three assists this season. As captain of the side, Vardy’s leadership will be crucial to command his teammates, and he still possesses the ability to bully a defender and finish a chance expertly.
Crystal Palace – Eberechi Eze
Is starting to find his form as he has been on the scoresheet twice and got one assist in Palace’s last three games.
Eze has struggled to pick out the right pass at times this season and has been marked out of games. However, he was afforded more time on the ball against Stockport and was able to dribble past defenders and create space as he often does best.
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The game is being played at Leicester’s King Power Stadium.
What time is kick-off?
The game will kick off at 19:30 GMT on Wednesday 15th January 2025.
Will the game be televised?
The game has been selected to be televised on TNT Sports 4. Live updates will also be available on the Premier League app.
Highlights of the match will be available to view on BBC One at 22:40 GMT on Match of the Day.
