Good morning Bethome punters! The 16th round of fixtures continues today with three key clashes. Let’s take a look at the latest team news and predictions…
Leicester City Vs Sheffield United
Leicester picked up a significant away win against Barnsley on the weekend which boosted both their place on the ladder and their confidence. The “Foxes” opened the scoring on 18 minutes with a goal by Vitor and rounded off their 2-0 victory with an 85th goal by King. Manger Sven-Goran Eriksson congratulated his players at the end of the game. They head into today’s game with no absentee concerns.
Sheffield United are down in the dumps after another loss on home soil against Ipswich (1-2). It was the third loss in a row for Gary Speed’s team. They continue to struggle up front with a lack of scoring options given they have only netted 10 goals in 15 matches. Defender Jordan and forward Henderson miss today’s game.
History:
26/12/2009 Leicester City Vs Sheffield United 2-1
18/08/2009 Sheffield United Vs Leicester City 1-1
05/04/2008 Sheffield United Vs Leicester City 3-0
Selection: Leicester are closer to the win (1)
Swansea City Vs Bristol City
Swansea had their heads in the clouds after the 1-0 away win against bitter rivals Cardiff thanks to a goal from Emnes on 75 minutes. They are one of the strongest teams in the league when they play on home soil as they remain unbeaten in 7 games with 5 wins and 2 draws. The “Swans” lie in third place with 29 points and today they will be without the services of defender Serran.
Bristol City hosted Preston on Saturday and despite going a goal behind after 2 minutes they managed to grab an equalizer thanks to an own goal by Jones in the 71st minute. They head into today’s game with history not in their favour given they haven’t won at this ground since 1993. Defender Ribeiro and forward Maynard are ruled out.
History:
10/04/2010 Bristol City Vs Swansea City 1-0
15/09/2009 Swansea City Vs Bristol City 0-0
18/04/2009 Swansea City Vs Bristol City 1-0
Selection: No surprises that Swansea are favourites (1)
Reading Vs Cardiff City
In the derby between QPR and Reading the 3 points went to the Londoners as Reading put in a poor performance. Despite playing with an extra man for over a half they couldn’t break down QPR’s strong defensive line-up and ended up losing 1-3. The “Royals” are in 10th spot with 22 points from 15 games. Midfielder Gunnarsson and winger Kebe are ruled out today.
Cardiff headed into the weekend’s fixtures at the top of the table but didn’t perform as they would have liked in their home derby against Swansea and lost 0-1, which saw them drop to second place. Manager Dave Jones asked his players to remain calm and not let the defeat get the better of them. Cardiff have won their last three matches on the road and will be without the services of defender Quinn for today’s game.
History:
10/04/2010 Cardiff City Vs Reading 0-0
16/09/2009 Reading Vs Cardiff City 0-1
03/01/2009 Cardiff City Vs Reading 2-0
Selection: This is a derby clash with the draw the most likely prospect (Χ)
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