Football Prediction | Leicester City vs Fulham | English Premier League | January 18 – Will Leicester Finally Secure a Win or Will Fulham Add to Their Woes?

Premier League action continues as Leicester City hosts Fulham at King Power Stadium on Thursday, January 18th, 2024, at 9:00 PM (BDT) / IST / 08:30 PM (INR). Leicester City will aim to utilize their home advantage and secure important points as they look to improve their position. Meanwhile, Fulham will be looking to extend their impressive form and continue their push for a higher finish this season.

Leicester City vs Fulham Form Guide

Leicester City

Leicester has shown resilience in certain situations, particularly when coming back from losing positions. They will look to capitalize on their strengths, such as protecting the lead. However, Leicester struggles defensively, particularly against through-ball attacks, counterattacks, and set pieces. They must improve their defense to compete against a strong Fulham team.

Fulham

Fulham is known for their attacking play, especially down the wings. They have an effective style of play, focusing on width and cross attempts. Fulham’s strength lies in their ability to attack down the left, but they have weaknesses in protecting the lead and defending against long shots. Their consistent first XI gives them stability, which will be key in this encounter.

Leicester City vs Fulham Key Battles

Facundo Buonanotte vs Raul Jiménez

Facundo Buonanotte has scored 4 goals for Leicester City, showing potential with his creativity and ability to find space in attacking areas. Raul Jiménez, on the other hand, is Fulham’s top scorer with 8 goals and is known for his physical presence, heading ability, and experience in front of goal. The battle between these two strikers will be key, with Buonanotte looking to build on his promise and Jiménez hoping to continue his goal-scoring form.

James Justin vs Alex Iwobi

James Justin has contributed 3 goals and assists from the defensive wing, making him a dangerous attacking threat down the flank. Alex Iwobi, with 10 goals and assists, has been a standout player for Fulham, excelling in creating chances and contributing both goals and assists. The battle on the wings will be crucial as both players will aim to influence their respective teams’ attacking play. Justin will need to contain Iwobi’s creativity, while Iwobi will look to exploit any space left by Leicester’s defense. 

Also read:- Football Prediction | Brentford vs Liverpool | English Premier League | January 18

Leicester City vs Fulham Tactical Outlook

Leicester City’s key strength is their ability to come back from losing positions, showcasing resilience and a strong mentality. Their solid defensive structure allows them to protect the lead once they gain it, making them a tough team to break down when ahead. Leicester’s style often involves playing with width and attempting through balls to exploit spaces in the opposition’s defense. 

Fulham’s main strength lies in their potent wing play, especially their ability to attack down the left and deliver effective crosses. Their style of playing with width and using the offside trap helps control the game and disrupt opposing attackers. While Fulham’s defensive issues include difficulty in protecting a lead and defending long shots, they will look to exploit Leicester’s weakness against attacks down the wings. 

Head-to-Head Encounters

The current head-to-head record for the teams is Leicester City with 3 wins, Fulham with 4 wins, and 1 draw. Fulham are the favorites to win the match, according to the bookmakers, with odds of 1.90 for a Fulham win, 4.00 for Leicester to win, and 3.60 for a draw.

Injury News and Suspensions

Leicester City

Leicester City is managing several key injuries ahead of their upcoming fixtures. Abdul Fatawu remains sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury and is not expected back until early August 2025, posing a significant absence in their lineup. Mads Hermansen is recovering from a groin injury and is anticipated to return by late January 2025. Wilfred Ndidi is also dealing with a thigh injury, with a similar expected return date in late January 2025. Ricardo Pereira’s availability is doubtful, adding further uncertainty to Leicester’s defensive setup. Brendan Rodgers will need to carefully manage his squad depth during this challenging period.

Fulham 

Fulham is facing their own injury concerns as they prepare for upcoming matches. Kenny Tete is sidelined with a knee injury and is expected to return by late February 2025, affecting their defensive options. Reiss Nelson is recovering from a hamstring injury and is anticipated to return in mid-February 2025, while Sander Berge is doubtful due to an ankle injury, further complicating their midfield preparations. Manager Marco Silva will need to make tactical adjustments to compensate for these absences and maintain Fulham’s competitiveness in the league.

Leicester City vs Fulham Possible Playing Squad

Leicester City 

Stolarczyk (GK), Kristiansen, Vestergaard, Faes Justin, Skipp, Soumaré, Khannouss, Buonanotte, McAteer, Ayew

Fulham

Leno (GK), Robinso, Andersen, Diop, Castagne, Cairney, Lukic, Iwobi, Rowe, Wilson, Jiménez

Match Details at a Glance

Match Prediction

Leicester City will look to utilize their home advantage, but Fulham’s attacking prowess and tactical discipline could pose significant challenges. With Fulham having more stability and attacking options, they are likely to come out on top in this encounter.

Score Prediction

A 3-1 victory for Fulham seems plausible, with Jiménez scoring once and Iwobi contributing with goals or assists in a dominant performance.