Ross Verbals Posted March 8, 2008 Report Share Posted March 8, 2008 Leicester City vs Bristol CityMatch PreviewAfter a credible 1-1 draw at The Valley on Tuesday, the Reds head to Leicester's Walkers Stadium for a crunch tie against long time nemesis Ian Holloway and his Leicester side. With Leicester City's inconsistent form still not pulling them out of a relegation dog fight, and Bristol City currently clinging onto 1st place, the 3 points are vital to both sides for different reasons. Leicester City's unexpected win at Ninian Park against Cardiff last week was followed by a disappointing stoppage time loss at home to fellow strugglers Preston North End. This inconsistency is their downfall, and their supporters are demanding more from Holloway's men who could be the first team to do the double over Bristol City this season. The expectancy of the home crowd has overawed the players at times this season, although since Holloway has taken charge 4 out of 9 games have been won at home. Currently struggling in 19th place, just 4 points ahead of the relegation zone, The Foxes will need points on the board urgently. Bristol City go into the game in first place, knowing that the sides in and around them are all looking to knock them off top spot. A win at the Walkers Stadium will keep them at least 3 points clear with just nine games remaining. A bumper support of 3,200 City fans in the away corner could provide the willingness to defeat Holloway and avenge the loss at Ashton Gate.How They Line UpIn goal is Paul Henderson, following end of Martin Fulop's loan spell from Sunderland. A back four of Stearman, N'Gotty, Kisnorbo and Clapham offers experience and physicality. The midfield will be missing influential captain Stephen Clemence through injury, so it will probably be the electric pace of new loan signing Etuhu and Iain Hume on the wings with former Premiership starlets Lee Hendrie and Matt Oakley in the middle of the park. Holloway has a choice of the targetman Steve Howard, ex GasHead Barry Hayles, or the youth of Matty Fryatt and DJ Campbell up front. Similar to Bristol City, Leicester struggle to score goals, and Iain Hume, who top scores with 8 so far, is widely used as a winger, and despite a wealth of options up front none have scored for fun.City NewsBradley Orr, who was due to return to action following a two game suspension was surprisingly given an extra games ban because of foul and abusive language towards an official, meaning he misses the tie tomorrow with Brian Wilson keeping his slot at right back. Louis Carey finished a half in the reserves this week, giving Gary Johnson a potential selection headache. With Leicester City's pitch resembling that of a sandpit I can see Leicester playing direct football, using Howard as a target, so McCombe is likely to start. Jamie McCallister took a heavy tackle on Tuesday night, but is expected to be fit, if he doesn't make it then makeshift full back Liam Fontaine will fill in with Vasko or Carey taking his place at centre half. Ivan Sproule looks in need of a rest, and all the whispers are of a return to the starting line up for Scotty Murray, or as in Tuesday Night, Carle playing right wing and palying 4-4-2 with Byfield or 4-5-1 with Noble.Likely Line UpBassoWilson McCombe Fontaine McCallisterMurray Johnson Elliott McIndoeCarleAdebolaLatest NewsHolloway has predicted Leicester City's last 10 games of the season to be their most successful so far, beginning with the game against his old nemesis, Bristol City boss GaryJohnson on the other hand speaks of a cautionary tale saying, "We've got to be aware that they've got a lot of stars in their team that have played at the highest level for a long time. If they hit a bit of form then we won't know what's hit us." This match is hard to call, as Johnson has said Leicester possess quality in key areas, and in form teams like ourselves have come away with nothing but a hiding at the Walkers Stadium - see Norwich going down 4-0 a few weeks ago on the back of a 13 game unbeaten run. Both teams are solid at the back but struggle to score goals, so a low scoring game would be the smart bet. A performance that will earn all 3 points for the Reds will need to be high octane, organised and professional. I am predicting a reverse of the score at Ashton Gate this season and a 2-0 win to Gary Johnson's barmy army. C'mon the reds!!!TriviaIn the last three games against Leicester, we have lost 3-0, 1-0 and 2-0. What do we have to do to score around these parts? In their last 6 home games The Foxes have only conceded 3 goals, meaning we need to break down one of the meanest defences in the league... here's to you Boom Boom McCombe!!!Ross Verbals Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingswood red Posted March 8, 2008 Report Share Posted March 8, 2008 Leicester City vs Bristol CityMatch PreviewAfter a credible 1-1 draw at The Valley on Tuesday, the Reds head to Leicester's Walkers Stadium for a crunch tie against long time nemesis Ian Holloway and his Leicester side. With Leicester City's inconsistent form still not pulling them out of a relegation dog fight, and Bristol City currently clinging onto 1st place, the 3 points are vital to both sides for different reasons. Leicester City's unexpected win at Ninian Park against Cardiff last week was followed by a disappointing stoppage time loss at home to fellow strugglers Preston North End. This inconsistency is their downfall, and their supporters are demanding more from Holloway's men who could be the first team to do the double over Bristol City this season. The expectancy of the home crowd has overawed the players at times this season, although since Holloway has taken charge 4 out of 9 games have been won at home. Currently struggling in 19th place, just 4 points ahead of the relegation zone, The Foxes will need points on the board urgently. Bristol City go into the game in first place, knowing that the sides in and around them are all looking to knock them off top spot. A win at the Walkers Stadium will keep them at least 3 points clear with just nine games remaining. A bumper support of 3,200 City fans in the away corner could provide the willingness to defeat Holloway and avenge the loss at Ashton Gate.How They Line UpIn goal is Paul Henderson, following end of Martin Fulop's loan spell from Sunderland. A back four of Stearman, N'Gotty, Kisnorbo and Clapham offers experience and physicality. The midfield will be missing influential captain Stephen Clemence through injury, so it will probably be the electric pace of new loan signing Etuhu and Iain Hume on the wings with former Premiership starlets Lee Hendrie and Matt Oakley in the middle of the park. Holloway has a choice of the targetman Steve Howard, ex GasHead Barry Hayles, or the youth of Matty Fryatt and DJ Campbell up front. Similar to Bristol City, Leicester struggle to score goals, and Iain Hume, who top scores with 8 so far, is widely used as a winger, and despite a wealth of options up front none have scored for fun.City NewsBradley Orr, who was due to return to action following a two game suspension was surprisingly given an extra games ban because of foul and abusive language towards an official, meaning he misses the tie tomorrow with Brian Wilson keeping his slot at right back. Louis Carey finished a half in the reserves this week, giving Gary Johnson a potential selection headache. With Leicester City's pitch resembling that of a sandpit I can see Leicester playing direct football, using Howard as a target, so McCombe is likely to start. Jamie McCallister took a heavy tackle on Tuesday night, but is expected to be fit, if he doesn't make it then makeshift full back Liam Fontaine will fill in with Vasko or Carey taking his place at centre half. Ivan Sproule looks in need of a rest, and all the whispers are of a return to the starting line up for Scotty Murray, or as in Tuesday Night, Carle playing right wing and palying 4-4-2 with Byfield or 4-5-1 with Noble.Likely Line UpBassoWilson McCombe Fontaine McCallisterMurray Johnson Elliott McIndoeCarleAdebolaLatest NewsHolloway has predicted Leicester City's last 10 games of the season to be their most successful so far, beginning with the game against his old nemesis, Bristol City boss GaryJohnson on the other hand speaks of a cautionary tale saying, "We've got to be aware that they've got a lot of stars in their team that have played at the highest level for a long time. If they hit a bit of form then we won't know what's hit us." This match is hard to call, as Johnson has said Leicester possess quality in key areas, and in form teams like ourselves have come away with nothing but a hiding at the Walkers Stadium - see Norwich going down 4-0 a few weeks ago on the back of a 13 game unbeaten run. Both teams are solid at the back but struggle to score goals, so a low scoring game would be the smart bet. A performance that will earn all 3 points for the Reds will need to be high octane, organised and professional. I am predicting a reverse of the score at Ashton Gate this season and a 2-0 win to Gary Johnson's barmy army. C'mon the reds!!!TriviaIn the last three games against Leicester, we have lost 3-0, 1-0 and 2-0. What do we have to do to score around these parts? In their last 6 home games The Foxes have only conceded 3 goals, meaning we need to break down one of the meanest defences in the league... here's to you Boom Boom McCombe!!!Ross VerbalsGood read! wish I was going. It's a mouthwatering game which could go either way, but then a draw wouldn't be disastrous. I predict 1-1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pablo B Posted March 8, 2008 Report Share Posted March 8, 2008 Another Aussie in goal - Henderson was a regular for LC last season, and hope he doesn't spoil the party for BC this time around!Be interesting to see if Carle can put one past Kisnorbo and then beat Henderson to score - that would really be worth something to openhis long overdue account! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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