Brendan's boys too much for Bournemouth
Will the Leicester revolution under Brendan Rodgers continue at home to Bournemouth?
Foxes on the front foot
The ‘new manager bounce’ was always expected upon the former Celtic boss being appointed and Rodgers and his new group of players have duly obliged. Two wins from three is already an improvement on the single win Claude Puel managed in the first eight games of 2019.
It’s not just the points on the board fans will be pleased with though. Rodgers, so far, is finding room to fit youngsters Maddison, Gray, Barnes, Tielemans all in the same XI alongside the ever youthful Jamie Vardy, something that cannot be said of the previous regime.
The blend of youth and exuberance available is the ideal fit for Rodgers’ attack minded possession style of play which brought the Northern Irishman a fair degree of success at both Swansea and Liverpool. There’s now a purpose and direction about Leicester’s attack which is likely to see them win more than they lose, as was the case at Burnley last time out in difficult circumstances.
Can Bournemouth address defensive deficiencies?
Earlier this month, Eddie Howe received the Freedom of Bournemouth for his key role in the club’s rise up the league pyramid. But unless he is able to organize a defence incessant on giving a similar degree of freedom to opposing teams, the Cherries boss will find it difficult to take the Cherries to the next level.
A team with a similar depth of attacking options to their opponents in the shape of Fraser, Brooks and Solanke, complementing the efforts of Wilson and King, are frequently let down by a defence not up to the job.
Only Cardiff, Huddersfield, Burnley and Fulham have a higher figure in their goals against column - not that this season’s tally of 56 is a one off. Not by any means. They’re on course to beat the 61 of last season and are only eleven short of the whopping 67 they let in each of the two seasons prior to that.
Match pointers
- Jamie Vardy has scored more home goals (3) in his last two games than he managed in the previous thirteen put together this term (2).
- The Foxes have conceded at least one in their last 10 Premier League games and will have to make do without Harry Maguire on Saturday - he’s suspended.
- A rare away success at basement boys Huddersfield recently ended a dire run of nine straight defeats on the road for Bournemouth who aren’t known for settling for a draw - they’re without one this season (W4, L11).
- Only Fulham (40) have had their goal breached more often away from home than the Cherries (35).
Betting tip
The answer to the question posed at the top has to be a resounding - yes!
Leicester are clearly on the up under Rodgers and I expect them to cash in against a defence susceptible to letting in goals on a regular basis - a clean sheet at lowly Huddersfield does little to suggest they’ve turned the corner in my eyes.
An entertaining clash to go the way of the hosts so a Leicester win/BTTS combo at 5/2 (3.50) is my Saturday tip.
