Premier League: Leicester vs Crystal Palace match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at the King Power Stadium

(Leicester City)

Bottom of the table Leicester entertain fellow relegation strugglers Crystal Palace, knowing a win could potentially lift the Foxes out of the drop zone if results go their way. The home side have won just one of their last eight home Premier League games and are three points away from safety.

The Midlands club, after a ten-year absence from the top flight, have struggled for goals at home, with just three goals in their last seven games at the King Power Stadium.

The Foxes were busy in the January transfer window, signing veteran keeper Mark Schwarzer on a free transfer from Chelsea, as well as Andrej Kramaric and Stoke City’s Robert Huth on loan.

Alan Pardew's Palace, without captain Mile Jedinak for Saturday’s contest, brought in seven signings most notably Shola Ameobi, Yaya Sanogo, Jordon Mutch and Wilfried Zaha on a permanent deal.

The 13th placed Eagles will hope their fresh blood can fire them to victory after failing to score in five of their last seven away Premier League games.

Marouane Chamakh misses out with a broken nose, goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel (foot) and striker Chris Wood (ankle) are doubts and winger Yannick Bolasie is still on Africa Cup of Nations duty.

If results potentially go their way, a win for Nigel Pearson’s side could catapult them out of the drop zone whereas Palace could go seven points clear ahead of 18th placed Hull.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Crystal Palace 2 (Campbell, Jedinak) Leicester 0, Premier League, September 2014

Crystal Palace 2 (Gabbidon, Dobbie) Leicester 2 (King, Wood), Championship, April 2013

Leicester 1 (King) Crystal Palace 2 (Delaney, Ramage), Championship, October 2012

STATS…

Leonardo Ulloa has committed more fouls in the Premier League than any other players this season (44).

Leicester City are on a 16 match losing streak against London clubs in the Premier League (W0 D5 L11).

The Foxes have won 18 games against Palace, with the Londoners winning 17 and drawing 14.

If Premier League games ended at half-time this season, Palace would be bottom of the table.

ODDS…

Leicester to win: 2.4

Crystal Palace to win: 3.4

Draw: 3.3

CLASSIC MATCH

Leicester City 4-4 Crystal Palace (02/01/1988)

One for the neutrals. Eight goals were shared between the two sides in this thrilling contest with both sides feeling aggrieved not to come away with the win.

The draw remains the highest scoring contest between the two now Premier League sides.

Only do this if you have time – the preview will work without. If you do have time however – pick out a memorable match or incident from the past that will invoke a memory in the reader – whether it be from last season or years ago is fine. I.e. The time the two teams drew 4-4, or when there managers had a bust up, or when someone scored a spectacular goal etc. Keep it short – no more then 3/4 lines.

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.30pm.