Sven Goran Eriksson’s arrival at Leicester City back in October was greeted with some raised eyebrows as the former England boss’ return to club management in this country came on the back of short-lived and unsuccessful stints in charge of Mexico, Notts County and Ivory Coast. But the Swede has quietly overseen a real change in the Foxes’ fortunes and a charge up the Championship table. Ahead of Friday’s key home game with Bristol City, we look ahead to what could lie in store at the Walkers Stadium when the Robins visit.
If form is anything to go by then, surely, there is only one winner here when looking at the match odds. Leicester, at 2/5, are predictably short favourites such is their fine recent record. Eriksson’s side are on an 11-match unbeaten run in front of their own fans and we can’t see anything other than another three points for the home side in this one. Don’t be tempted by the visitors’ price of 15/2 to cause a surprise.
Such has been Eriksson’s impact at the club that Leicester have not lost at the Walkers since he took charge. They are now seeking their seventh win in eight Championship games and their fifth straight victory as they chase down Leeds in sixth place.
The Foxes remain four points off a play-off spot at the minute but are looking in great shape to challenge as we begin the countdown to the end of the season.
It is with that in mind that a bold prediction of 4-1 in the correct score market (16/1) is made as we envisage Eriksson’s men racing into an early lead, roared on by an expectant home crowd.
The Foxes’ boss has no fresh injury worries either ahead of the game, although Yuki Abe could be recalled in place of Matt Oakley. On-loan striker Yakubu has spoken about how much he is enjoying his time under Eriksson and he has clearly benefited from the drop down in a division, scoring three times so far. A good bet, then, at 4/1 to score first in this game.
Bristol City are aiming for their first league double over Leicester since 1915 but the 2-0 win at Ashton Gate earlier in the campaign seems extremely unlikely to be repeated here.
The 4-0 rout of Preston aside, Keith Millen’s men have bore all the hallmarks of a side lacking confidence in the past few months and have slipped further down the table as a run of just two wins in 11 has left the Robins, who could have striker Nicky Maynard back after a lengthy absence, staring worryingly at a relegation scrap.
Even a draw, on offer at 10/3, looks beyond them but Maynard to score at any time (9/4) could be worth a punt, even if it is only a consolation.
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