Ihenacho to fire Foxes into the FA Cup final
Sunday evening sees the 'underdogs' in the semi-finals go head-to-head for a place in the 2020/2021 FA Cup showpiece. Between Leicester City and Southampton, the pair have won just one trophy in the world famous competition, and that was back in 1976 for the Saints. At the time of writing, it's not known which of Chelsea and Manchester City have progressed, and despite the Foxes still holding onto third in the Premier League, they would be second favourites should they best their adversaries. In recent weeks, Nigerian striker Kelechi Ihenacho has started to come into prominence and out of Jamie Vardy's shadow. The 24 year old has scored crucial goals, and nobody would be surprised if he added to his haul this weekend. Read our preview here:
Definitely not a Praet
Whilst main force James Maddison is likely to be eased back into the starting XI from cameo appearances from the bench, there has a measure of rotation to fill that gap undertaken by head coach Brendan Rodgers. Initially, Ayoze Perez was tried in the hole behind Ihenacho and Vardy, but this has now changed a couple of times. Belgian duo Youri Tielemans and Dennis Praet will share the creative burden from central midfield, as neither are natural playmakers but both have the vision and stamina to rove between both boxes. The latter has had to be content with being a bit-part player for the vast majority of the campaign, but he has the opportunity (especially with Harvey Barnes also out) to cement his place for the foreseeable future, making Leicester more resolute in the middle without sacrificing their approach play.
Armstrong's shooting for the moon
Very few of Southampton's players in 2021 have covered themselves in glory, although James Ward-Prowse is always the exception to that 'rule'. Another who has shown plenty of effort and endeavour is Stuart Armstrong from the left flank. Although utilised more extensively on the right wing, Theo Walcott will have that berth on Sunday, and being on the opposite side doesn't diminish what the Scottish international can do for Ralph Hasenhüttl's team. In the 4-4-2, defensive contribution is key from both wide men, and the 29 year old does that in spades. Equally, he'll support the front pairing of Danny Ings and Tartan Army teammate Che Adams as they look to get in behind the rearguard trio in blue.
Rodgers the dodger
The build-up to the semi-final has been very low key, with too much attention being shone on the 'blockbuster' game on Saturday. However, recent FA Cup final history has shown that the upstarts can upset the more established clubs, and there is a real opportunity for both teams to not just make the final, but run the other side very close indeed, especially if it's Southampton, who have nothing else to play for this season. Leicester are still battling to make the Champions League through their top tier position, and could have a very memorable campaign indeed if they can combine that with an appearance at Wembley in May. 888sport have odds of 2.40 for Ihenacho to score anytime in the 90 minutes.
