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Leicester Preview

By: Richard Hubbert
Date: 28/11/2002

THIS is probably the Mariners’ hardest game of the season against a very impressive Leicester side who are more than likely to be around the top end of the table at the end of the year. Only spirit, hard work and a lot of luck will see the Mariners claim any kind of result on Saturday.

Home > 2002-2003 Season > Previews > Leicester (h)


The Bottom Line

A result isn’t vital, but with signs of revival at Sheffield Wednesday and Brighton, any result would do nicely. It won’t be easy though against one of the strongest sides in the league - Leicester.

The Opposition - Any Good?

Actually Leicester have quite a few players that are pretty decent. In goal they have ex England keeper Ian Walker at a cool £1.6 million with another ex England shot stopper - Tim Flowers (left) on the bench. Internationals Matt Elliott and Gerry Taggart fill the backline, whilst Muzzy Izzett went to the World Cup in the summer with Turkey, an illustration of the gap between the two sides. They have a couple of tidy players "up top" too, with the dynamic Paul Dickov and James Scowcroft. Although the Foxes are in administration, it is clear that they do have some talent that will surely see them promoted this season.

Recent Form

 

TownLeicester
LPalace(a)0-2
DPreston(h)3-3
WStoke(a)2-1
DGillingham(h)1-1
WBurnley(h)6-5
LPreston(a)0-2
WRotherham(h)2-1
DMillwall(a)2-2
WWalsall(h)2-0
LMan Utd (Cup)(a)0-2

Players To Watch

 

TownLeicester

Darren Mansaram

Paul Dickov

The 18 year old only signed professional forms recently but has taken to life in the first division extremely well. The gangly forward has formed a useful partnership up front with Steve Livingstone and scored a rocket of a goal two weeks ago at home to Preston whilst also setting up Simon Ford’s goal. How Town play depends a lot on how "Daz" copes with the experienced Leicester backline of Taggart and Elliott.

An experienced forward who was signed by Dave Bassett last season for a nominal fee. Dickov started his career at Arsenal but has spent a large portion of his career at Manchester City where he played in the top flight, whilst also helping them to successive promotions after their quick fall from the top. A lively, determined and hard working forward, Dickov has formed an extremely good partnership with veteran Brian Deane who have bagged seven goals each this term. Will give the Town defence a stiff task to keep at bay.

Top Scorers

 

TownLeicester

Kabba 6
Pouton 4
Campbell 4

Dickov 7
Deane 7
Scowcroft 4

Team News

 

TownLeicester

  • Town will be forced to make one change with Simon Ford suspended after his dismissal against Preston. Paul Groves will take his place in the centre of defence.

  • Elsewhere, the Mariners are expected to keep the same starting eleven with uncertainty around whether George Santos will be able to play. Even if he is able to be selected, a place on the bench will be likely, the same applies to any new forward Paul Groves may bring in within the next day.
  • The Foxes have doubts over Jordan Stewart and Alan Rodgers but they should be fit to keep their place in the side after coming through training unscathed on Thursday. If one of them fails to, Billy McKinlay is on standby to take their place.

  • Micky Adams will have to make one change, with top goalscorer Brian Deane suspended after his red card against Millwall. James Scowcroft will move up front and Nicky Sumerbee or Andy Impey will move on the wing.

  • If Adams decided to keep the former Ipswich man out wide then he may recall Trevor Benjamin, Tommy Wright or Jon Stevenson to partner Paul Dickov up front.
  • Probable Starting XI's

     

    TownLeicester
    Danny Coyne
    John McDermott
    Paul Groves
    Jason Gavin
    Tony Gallimore
    John Oster
    Stuart Campbell
    Stacy Coldicott
    Alan Pouton
    Steve Livingstone
    Darren Mansaram
    Ian Walker
    Frank Sinclair
    Alan Rodgers
    Matt Elliott
    Gerry Taggart
    Muzzy Izzett
    Nicky Summerbee
    Jordan Stewart
    Callum Davidson
    Paul Dickov
    James Scowcroft

    Subs

     

    TownLeicester
    Terry Cooke
    Paul Raven
    David Soames
    Jonathan Rowan
    Sean Allaway (GK)
    Andy Impey
    Jon Stevenson
    Billy McKinlay
    Trevor Benjamin
    Tim Flowers (GK)

    Last Time Out

    The last time the two sides met was in October 1999 in the third round of the Worthington Cup when Martin O’Neil’s side disposed of Town in 2-0 victory at Filbert Street. Town had previously beaten Orient and Carlisle in large victories, while Leicester went on to win the competition, beating Tranmere 2-1 at Wembley.

    Town Team: Croudson, Butterfield, Gallimore, Richard Smith, Groves, Burnett (David Smith), Coldicott, Donovan, Pouton, Ashcroft (Lever), Lester.

    Attendance: 13,701    Report

    Leicester Head-to-Head (54th on The Opposition Ladder).

    Prediction

    Fishy prediction: 2-1 to Town. Reader's POMs

    Directions

    Click on the link for directions to Blundell Park (left).

    Admission Prices

    Click on the link for ticket prices to Blundell Park.




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