Preview: Town – Leicester

By Aston
February 24 2006

STB brings you team news, manager previews, betting odds and the officials ahead of Towns game against Leicester City tomorrow afternoon (KO 3pm).

Town will be without Sam Parkin, Nicky Forster, Alan Lee, Jimmy Juan and Gavin Williams but on the positive side Danny Haynes in the squad but he will face a late fitness test before a decision is made on him playing or not, Ricardo Fuller is in the squad and almost certain to make his Town debut and he could be partnered up front by Billy Clarke.

 

Town assistant manager Willie Donachie: “We have been very consistent, playing well and we didn't deserve to lose at Wolves.

 

“It was always going to be hard as everyone was writing us off but we are still in with a chance of the play-offs.

 

“Saturday will be a hard game. I have seen Leicester recently and they have changed entirely from earlier in the season. They are now a very hard working team. Much more aggressive, a much more honest side than previously and we know they won't make it easy.”

 

Leicester will be with out defender Paddy McCarthy, who is suspended, full back Richard Stearman, striker Ryan Smith and defender Patrick Kisnorbo are all minor doubts with injuries but are expected to play.

 

Leicester caretaker manager Rob Kelly: “It's been pointed out to me that we haven't won at Portman Road for some time, but I don't read anything into that. There is no point worrying about something you cannot influence.

 

“It will be the first time that a number of our players have actually played there. We certainly go there looking forward to the match because it is a great ground and I am sure there will be a good atmosphere. But we are under no illusions - it will be a tough game.

 

“Ipswich are not out of the play-off shake up yet and they will fancy their chances.

 

“But we will certainly be going there looking to get something out of the game. I honestly believe that we can compete with anyone in this division.”

 

Officials:

Referee: Paul Taylor (Hertfordshire)

Assistants: Darren Cann (Norfolk) and Simon Beck (Essex)

Fourth Official: Richard Beevor (Norfolk)

 

Match odds from William Hill:

Town: 19/20

Draw: 21/10

Leicester: 5/2

 

Sources: EADT and Leicester City – the official website.  

 

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