Leeds United v Leicester City: YEP Jury give their big match predictions

DAVID WATKINS

Having blitzed Aston Villa last time out it’s tempting to assume we’ll sweep Leicester aside too but something tells me it won’t be as easy as that.

Leicester have started the season well and have already won their three away games; eye-opening victories at Manchester City and Arsenal and a more expected three points at the Hawthorns.

At home they’ve been less impressive, going down 3-0 to West Ham and 1-0 to Villa as well as beating Burnley 4-2.

That means they sit well in contention in the table with 12 points.

Leeds may welcome back Liam Cooper, pronounced fit by Marcelo Bielsa on Friday, so the only big absence will be Kalvin Phillips.

Bielsa would not say whether Pascal Struijk or Jamie Shackleton will fill in but we’ve seen that either can do a job. Leicester have more injury worries than we do with five players definitely missing and Jonny Evans doubtful.

Something tells me that the pace and guile of Jamie Vardy will be a factor in this one so I’m sitting on the fence again.

Prediction: Leeds United 2 Leicester City 2.

JACOB STARR

The Foxes edged past Arsenal last time out and put five past Manchester City earlier in the season, so they have certainly shown their capabilities already.

Main man Jamie Vardy netted from the bench at the Emirates despite not being fully fit, so United’s defence will have to be on top form to keep him quiet.

Leeds’ opposite number Patrick Bamford will be full of confidence after his superb hat trick at Villa Park, and a Leicester defence without Caglar Soyuncu who faces a lengthy time out, could pose another opportunity for him to add to his already commendable goal tally.

The early substitution of Pascal Struijk against Villa could be a sign that Marcelo Bielsa may shuffle things around, although it would not be a surprise to see Bielsa give Struijk another chance in the holding midfield role.

Raphinha will have to be patient for a start, but his two cameos and a goal for the under 23s suggest there is a player there.

Prediction: Leeds United 1 Leicester City 1.

KEITH INGHAM

Leeds return to action once again after most, if not all, of the other teams will have already played their games – not surprisingly United are once again the ‘darlings’ of the TV overlords who know Leeds on live means very good television numbers tuning in to the game.

Hat-trick hero Patrick Bamford will probably have not stopped looking at the match ball he tucked under his arm after the Aston Villa game had ended. It, on review was a superb left footed trio, every one had something different and showed what, with confidence the likeable striker brings to the ‘table’.

Their opponents and ex-champions Leicester City sit above Leeds in the Premier League table and have already beaten Manchester City and Arsenal on their travels.

City, with James Vardy up front will test the Leeds rearguard with his pace and he is a marvellous finisher if he gets a sniff of a chance.

They also have a strong defence and an industrious midfield too.

It’s a tough game to predict, City will sit back and take what Leeds have to offer but their main strength is counter attacking and Leeds could do with an early goal to bring them out and give Helda Costa and Jack Harrison the space they need to feed man-of-the-moment and top scorer Patrick Bamford.

I’m going for a United win by the odd goal.

Prediction: Leeds 2 Leicester City 1.

MATTHEW EVANS

It’s been a long time since Leeds United versus Leicester City was a Premier League fixture.

The Foxes went down with us in 2004 and, even though we had some League One and Championship clashes together since then, we’ve only just made it back to the top flight.

You’d expect this game to be similar to the one against Wolves with an opposition happy to allow United to keep the ball and try to hit us on the break.

Jamie Vardy is their main outlet for that trick and will need careful attention from the Leeds back line.

Liam Cooper is said to be fit and his return should be a boost to a well rested United side that is still basking in the glory of last Friday’s win away at Aston Villa.

In contrast, Leicester have had to do a return trip to Athens during the week and will not relish being run ragged by Bielsa’s Leeds.

I fancy us to grab another impressive win behind closed doors.

Prediction: Leeds United 3 Leicester City 1.

ANDY RHODES

It feels like an age since Leeds last played 10 days ago, but the momentum will still be there as the side chase a fourth win in seven games.

Leicester are the blueprint for all sides promoted to the top division having won the league in just their second season back.

Although United’s plan will take time, they’ve made a great start to life in the Premier League and look like they could beat anyone on their day.

Patrick Bamford is bang in form, while his partnership with Rodrigo is continuing to bear fruit.

There were concerns that Pablo Hernandez’s injury would leave United short in attack, but so far there’s nothing to worry about.

The defence may change again and whoever plays will have to be on their game to nullify the threat posed by Jamie Vardy.

The Foxes have won their last three in all competitions, but long distance European trips may take their toll.

It could be a difficult night for either side, it could be won on the flip of a coin.

Prediction: Leeds United 2 Leicester City 2.

MIKE GILL

With Liam Cooper likely to be fit, most of the team selects itself.

That is, of course with the exception of Kalvin Phillips’ temporary replacement.

Marcelo Bielsa was giving no clues away at his press conference and so it’s anybody’s guess.

Will it be Pascal Struijk to help him restore his confidence or Shackleton because he deserves a chance?

Or maybe some other cunning plan that we have not even considered.

It matters not. Fretting about who has been selected is no longer a pastime that most of us participate in.

Leicester have made a good solid start as they frequently do.

However they followed their memorable 5-2 win at Manchester City with home defeats to West Ham United and Aston Villa. They made amends with a win over Arsenal and two wins in Europe.

The Premier League this season really is a riddle but I’m backing United to win.

Unlike Aston Villa, Leicester won’t be overconfident and it is an intriguing contest.

Prediction: Leeds United 2 Leicester City 1.

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