Preston vs Leicester Predictions for this Championship fixture. Leicester City, aiming to clinch the Championship title, visit Preston North End at Deepdale with high expectations for a victory. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Championship | Gameweek 45 – Apr 27, 2024 at 8pm UK at Deepdale
Preston vs Leicester City Predictions
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Championship Title on the Horizon: Leicester’s Tactical Test at Deepdale
Key Stats
– Leicester City lead the Championship with an average of 2 goals per game.
– Preston have not scored in five of their last six games.
– Leicester have the highest ball possession in the Championship at 61.6%.
As the Championship season draws near its climax, Preston North End host Leicester City in a crucial fixture at Deepdale. While Leicester have already secured a return to the Premier League, their aspirations of clinching the Championship title with a game to spare are still very much alive. Conversely, Preston, positioned tenth in the league standings, have only pride at stake but will look to challenge the potential champions and finish their season on a high note.
Tactical Approaches and Expected Lineups
Leicester City’s Tactical Setup Managed by Enzo Maresca, Leicester City have demonstrated resilience and tactical flexibility throughout the season. Their recent performances have been a mix of grit, as seen against West Brom, and sheer dominance, exemplified in their 5-0 thrashing of Southampton.
Expected to field a strong lineup, Leicester’s probable team includes Hermansen in goal, with a defensive setup of Pereira, Faes, Vestergaard, and Justin. The midfield might feature Ndidi, Winks, and Dewsbury-Hall, providing a blend of defensive solidity and creative spark. The front three could see Fatawu, Vardy, and Mavididi, who have been pivotal in Leicester’s attacking prowess this season.
Preston North End’s Tactical Setup Ryan Lowe’s Preston have shown moments of brilliance this season but have faltered in the latter stages. The likely inclusion of Mads Frokjaer-Jensen should inject creativity into the midfield, with Stewart and Keane leading the line in an attempt to overturn their recent goal drought.
Preston’s expected lineup could feature Woodman as goalkeeper, with a defensive line of Storey, Lindsay, and Hughes. The midfield may see Browne and Ledson playing central roles, supported by Brady and Millar on the flanks.
Key Battles and Strategic Outcomes
The midfield duel between Leicester’s Dewsbury-Hall and Preston’s Frokjaer-Jensen could be decisive. Both players bring creativity and a high work rate, which could sway the game’s momentum. Additionally, the defensive organisation of Preston against Leicester’s dynamic attack, particularly the pace of Vardy and the skill of Mavididi, will be crucial.
Strengths, Weaknesses, and Managerial Insights
Leicester’s strengths lie in their high possession stats and effective passing, with a notable attacking efficiency leading the league in goals scored. However, their recent struggles in away games and potential complacency post-promotion could be areas of concern. Maresca’s leadership has been generally positive, though his inexperience in managing high-pressure scenarios has been critiqued.
On the other side, Preston’s lack of goals is a glaring weakness, with their failure to score in recent games highlighting their offensive issues. Lowe’s management has faced criticism for the team’s drop in form at critical moments of the season, suggesting a need for tactical reassessment and perhaps more aggressive gameplay.
Predictions and Betting Angles
Best Bet: Leicester City to Win
Leicester City are approaching this match with a clear advantage in terms of squad depth, form, and motivation. Despite having already secured promotion, the allure of lifting the Championship title adds a layer of motivation that should not be underestimated. This season, Leicester have showcased their ability to dominate possession and create numerous goal-scoring opportunities, attributes that will be crucial against a Preston side that has been struggling for form.
Historically, teams with nothing but pride to play for can be unpredictable, but Leicester’s consistent performance, underpinned by a strong tactical approach by Enzo Maresca, suggests they have the upper hand. Given Preston’s recent faltering at both ends of the pitch, Leicester’s likelihood of emerging victorious appears considerably high.
Correct Score: Leicester City 2-0 Preston North End
A 2-0 victory for Leicester City is predicated on both their solid defensive record and Preston’s offensive struggles. Leicester have maintained a strong defensive line throughout the season, conceding an average of only 0.9 goals per game, and are coming off a comprehensive victory that showcased their defensive capabilities.
On the other side, Preston have failed to score in multiple recent fixtures, indicating a significant issue in converting chances. The tactical setup by Leicester, focusing on maintaining possession and applying pressure, should see them limiting Preston’s opportunities while creating enough of their own to secure a couple of goals, making a 2-0 correct score prediction both logical and backed by seasonal performance data.
Goalscorer Prediction: Jamie Vardy to Score
Jamie Vardy has been a pivotal figure in Leicester’s attacking force, contributing significantly with 16 goals this season. His ability to exploit spaces in opposition defences, combined with his excellent finishing skills, makes him a prime candidate to score in any given match.
Preston’s defence has shown vulnerabilities, particularly in the latter part of the season, which aligns well with Vardy’s strengths. The expected tactical setup, involving high pressing and quick transitions, should provide Vardy with ample opportunities to add to his tally. His seasoned experience in crucial matches further supports the prediction of him scoring, as he often steps up in important fixtures.
Corner Prediction: Leicester City to Have More Corners; Total Corners Over 10
Leicester’s game strategy, which heavily involves wide play and crosses, naturally results in a higher number of corners. This tactical approach, combined with their need to assert dominance and secure the title, suggests they will continue to press high and force defensive actions from Preston.
On average, Leicester wins more corners per game compared to Preston, which aligns with their overall attacking gameplay that sees them taking numerous shots and crosses into the box. Furthermore, considering both teams’ styles and the stakes involved, the game’s pace is likely to be high, leading to a total of over 10 corners. This not only reflects Leicester’s attacking style but also the potential for Preston to seek scoring opportunities through set-pieces when pushing forward.
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