On Monday, August 19, the King Power Stadium will play host to a highly anticipated Premier League encounter between Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur. As the Foxes adjust to life without Enzo Maresca, who led them to Championship glory last season, Spurs will be seeking to build on their fifth-place finish in the previous campaign.
A New Era for Leicester City
Steve Cooper, the newly appointed Leicester head coach, will be taking charge of his first competitive match for the club. Cooper’s predecessor, Enzo Maresca, left a lasting legacy at Leicester, but his departure has created an opportunity for Cooper to put his own stamp on the team. Despite a strong start to pre-season, Leicester’s form has been inconsistent, with three consecutive losses to Palermo, Augsburg, and Lens.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Ambitions
Tottenham Hotspur, on the other hand, will be looking to improve on their fifth-place finish last season. Ange Postecoglou’s side has shown promise in pre-season, with a notable 4-0 win over Hearts and a 3-0 victory against Queens Park Rangers. However, two defeats to Bayern Munich have disrupted their momentum. Postecoglou has emphasized the importance of progression over a top-four finish, but Spurs will be eager to make a strong start to the season.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Tottenham will be without Yves Bissouma, who has been suspended for Monday’s match, while Fraser Forster and Richarlison are doubtful due to injuries. Dominic Solanke, the £65m summer signing, is expected to make his full debut for the club. Leicester, meanwhile, will be without Patson Daka, who has undergone surgery for an ankle injury, and Jamie Vardy, who is still recovering from a pre-season knock. Conor Coady and Luke Thomas are also unlikely to feature due to injuries.
Prediction
Given Leicester’s lack of attacking options and their recent poor form, a Tottenham win seems likely. The Lilywhites have a strong squad and a taste for goals, which should subject their hosts to a harsh welcome back to the Premier League. A 2-0 win for Tottenham is predicted, with Dominic Solanke and Son Heung-min potentially getting on the scoresheet.
Data Analysis
For a more in-depth analysis of the match, including data-driven predictions and statistics, please click here.