Leicester vs West Brom Preview, Prediction & Betting Tips

Location: King Power Stadium

Date: 20/04/24

Kick-off: 12.30 pm
The ever-fascinating promotion picture takes centre stage in the Championship once again, as the standout game pits two former Premier League outfits against each other at the King Power. Leicester City will be aiming to gain an advantage in the early kick-off as they host a West Bromwich Albion side looking to secure their place in the playoffs.
Leicester City are currently embroiled in one of the most competitive promotion battles in Championship history alongside Leeds United and Ipswich Town. The hosts will be desperate for promotion as ever-growing concerns over their financial status lingers over the club, heading into next season.

The Foxes will play their scheduled game in hand over the weekend before the likes of Ipswich Town and Leeds United play on the following Monday. Enzo Maresca’s side are currently second in the league and only within a point of Ipswich Town, meaning a win for the home side would leave Leicester City on top of the league for the weekend.
A defeat would leave more pressure on Enzo Maresca who is already facing questions based on their recent performances. This promotion race between the three teams is quite remarkable considering at one stage this season, Leicester City boasted a 17-point advantage over the teams below.

Leicester City could fall to third placed in the league if they fail to pick up all three points and if Leeds United were to beat Middlesbrough on Monday. It is worth noting also, that Southampton could potentially be within a point off Leicester if the Saints were to win their games in hand and Leicester fail to win any of their respective fixtures.
The hosts do have a superior goal difference as it stands to league leaders Ipswich Town but one less than Leeds United. Leicester City have accumulated 88 points from 42 games played – which averages at slightly below 2.1 points per game. In the attacking areas, Maresca’s side have been consistent. The Foxes have scored 79 goals in 42 games – averaging 1.88 goals per game.

The defensive side of their game is where they have been the strongest. The home side currently boast the second-best defence in the league, only behind Leeds United. Leicester City have conceded 38 goals in 42 games – averaging 0.8 goals conceded per game.

The visitors are almost a certainty for the playoffs and a win would almost secure their spot. West Bromwich Albion have accumulated 72 points from 43 games this season – averaging 1.67 points per game. The away side are seven points clear of Hull City who are in seventh place, although a win would confirm their place, it will be likely that the highest finish they could possibly achieve is only fifth.West Bromwich Albion have scored the least number of goals in the top six with 66 goals – averaging 1.53 goals scored per game. It’s their defensive area which has provided a great basis for their success this season, as they currently boast the third best defence in the league.

The recent meeting between the two teams ended in a 2-1 win for the Foxes. West Bromwich Albion were on the verge of securing a draw late on but were foiled in the final minute. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s opener was cancelled out by Josh Maja until Harry Winks won the game in the 94th minute for Leicester City.

The recent history between the two sides also suggests that Leicester City will be the favourites for this game. The hosts have won four out of the last five league games against West Bromwich Albion and they have scored 13 goals past their opponents in those five.

The last time West Bromwich Albion beat Leicester City was in 2017 at the King Power coincidentally. Goals from James Morrison and Matt Phillips took place either side of an equaliser from Islam Slimani.

At one point Leicester City were 17 points clear, however their recent form in the last ten league games have drawn them into this promotion battle. Over the last ten games, Leicester City have only won three games, losing six and drawing only once.

The hosts have lost their last two league games but will find solace in the fact that neither Leeds United nor Ipswich Town have taken advantage of this opportunity. In their last league against Plymouth Argyle, Maresca’s side were left heavily frustrated.

Plymouth Argyle took one of their few opportunities as Leicester City failed to convert any of their 17 shots on goal. Possession wise they dominated their hosts in the recent game having 70% of the ball and once again failing to use that to full effect.

Leicester City’s most recent victory was against Birmingham City. The Foxes recorded a 2-1 win thanks to a late goal from Stephy Mavididi. Their home form is excellent having only lost four from 20 games, having averaged 2.3 points per game at the King Power Stadium. The home side have also averaged 1.88 goals per game at home this season.
As for the visitors, they boast a rather respectable away record in recent games. Since the defeat against Norwich City in January, they have remained unbeaten in every away game since.

The Baggies have accumulated 11 points from a possible 21 available since the defeat against Norwich, having won twice and drawn the remaining five games. Their most recent away win was against struggling Huddersfield Town, where they won 4-1 thanks to a brace from Mikey Johnston.

West Brom’s most recent win in the league was a 2-0 win over already relegated Rotherham United, although in their last league game they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Sunderland at the Hawthorns.

Grady Diangana is the one to look out for in this game for the visitors. Diangana has 15 goal contributions in 26 starts this season and averages 1.1 shots per game.

Leicester

There are no injury concerns for Enzo Maresca heading into this important game. Harry Winks, Jamie Vardy and Wilfred Ndidi are all at a risk of suspension.

West Brom

Jayson Molumby and Daryl Dike are both ruled out with injuries. Okay Yokuslu and Nathaniel Chalobah.

We are expecting goals in this one. Both Leicester and West Brom will be eager to mark their intentions, however we are backing Leicester City to kick on in their promotion hunt. Leicester City 3-2 West Brom