After a mesmerizing comeback last month in Russia, Leciester City looks to confirm their Europa League status this week when they take on Spartak Moscow. The match schedules for Thursday at the King Power Stadium, with kickoff at 11 pm.
Both sides fiercely contest the top spot in Group C, with only one point separating the two sides.
Although Leicester’s European aspirations seemed crushed at the end of the first half in Moscow, one person refused to give up hope. Patson Daka single-handedly brought the Premier League club back into play for a place in the knockout stages.
Former Salzburg striker Patson Daka scored four times from four shots on target, and the game ultimately finished 4-3 to the visitors.
When Daka scored the winner against United, he contributed to Leicester to get 2 points from 2 games. That momentum carried over into another victory against Brentford and another against Brighton in the League Cup.
Last season, Spartak suffered some heavy losses after they faced Leicester. The outcome of these matches was so bad. After his team saw themselves go down four goals behind in the first half, the Portuguese manager was left in despair and ultimately finished the game with only a consolation in the second half.
Spartak has been playing defensively, perhaps because they’re aware of the defensive deficiencies which have led them to be 9th in the table.
Leicester City vs. Spartak Moscow Head to Head
Both sides have one game against each other, with Leicester City taking one win. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Leicester City 0-2 Arsenal
- Leicester City 2-2 Brighton
- Brentford 1-2 Leicester City
- Spartak Moscow 3-4 Leicester City
- Leicester City 4-2 Manchester United
Away
- Spartak Moscow 1-1 FC Rostov
- Zenit St. Petersburg 7-1 Spartak Moscow
- Spartak Moscow 3-4 Leicester City
- Spartak Moscow 2-2 Dynamo Moscow
- Napoli 2-3 Dynamo Moscow
Leicester City Team News
Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi could make his first start in over a month, having missed City’s last seven matches due to a hamstring injury. The Nigeria midfielder was back on the bench during the loss to Arsenal and could help shore up a defense that has conceded 12 goals in Leicester’s last six games.
Spartak Moscow Team News
Rui Vitoria must consider two things: the twin aims of picking up an essential three points and combating Leicester’s potentially electric attacking play. To that end, he may opt for a 3-5-2 formation rather than the bolder system he used to such effect away at Sporting.
Prediction and Odds
This is a crucial match for Leicester City. A win puts them within touching distance of the last 16, while a loss means their chances will be ended.
- Leicester City Win
- Double Chance
- Both Teams to Score
