Burnley v Leicester City
Simply the biggest game between now and the end of the season in the Championship. This time last week Leicester sat comfortably at the top of the table with a 7 point cushion and a game in hand. They do still have an extra game over Burnley, however a win by a 2 goal margin for the Clarets on Saturday will put them top of the table. This one is going to be a classic.
I am reaching the point of running out of superlatives to describe the season Burnley are having. 3 consecutive victories has returned the Clarets to the top of the Championship form guide and swung the title race wide open again. This recent run is even more impressive when you consider that main man Danny Ings has been out injured. In his absence, Ashley Barnes has reaped the rewards of more game time, whilst Junior Stanislas has been on fire down the flanks. A loss on Saturday will by no means be a disaster for the Clarets, but they are within touching distance of both securing promotion and an unbeaten season at home. Michael Kightly has been a great asset down the wings providing Burnley with that something a little bit different. He is this game’s key man.
Despite drawing their last two games the Foxes remain confident and who can blame them. They are unbeaten since the 7th December and have scored in their last 22 league games. Their ability to grind out results with a late goal to pick up a point or all 3 has set them apart from the rest in the Championship this season. That was also the case on Tuesday where Yeovil were minutes away from a historic victory at the King Power, only for Chris Wood to equalise. Like Burnley a loss is no disaster for Leicester, however they would very much like to restore the gap between themselves and Burnley and the chasing pack who are already quite a way behind. David Nugent has netted just a single goal in his last 4 games, but strike partner Jamie Vardy has been playing some his best football of the season at present. If one of the pair can get an early goal it may be a long afternoon for Burnley.
Previous meeting: 1-1 draw
Match odds: Burnley 19/10 Draw 23/10 Leicester 7/5
Score prediction: 2-1 Burnley win
