No Rice, no dice - Hammer blow to top four hopes
Sixth take on third in Sunday's early afternoon Premier League kick-off. Both West Ham United and Leicester City have performed far better than most pundits would've predicted, and that David Moyes' men still harbour realistic hopes of claiming a Champions League spot without the star power or financial clout of the other challengers in the top right is indicative of the excellent work at the club. However, what at one point looked like a realistic chance of taking down their rivals has been undermined by two big injuries in recent days. Read our preview here:
Antonio, it's raining again
There is an argument to be made that both club and country both build their midfield around the figure of Declan Rice, so the news that he's out for a month at the very least is of grave concern for both. For supporters of the East London outfit though, it's even more grievous. Whilst Jesse Lingard has rightly been stealing the headlines lately, the selflessness and work rate of Michael Antonio have been another key component in their season to date. Jarrod Bowen, as accomplished as he is, has very little experience leading the line as an auxiliary striker, and stalwart Mark Noble is no longer at the peak of his powers, so the double pivot will suffer from a less metronomic, dynamic partner for Tomáš Souček, who has been outstanding in his own right during 2020/2021. Lingard will be targeted by Wilfred Ndidi, and outside of the two Manchester clubs, it's difficult to think of a tougher customer for the loaner who has forced his way back into Gareth Southgate's plans with his sparkling form in front of goal.
Madd for it
The Foxes were dominated from the outset by Manchester City last time out, and whilst there's no shame in that whatsoever, they need to banish the creeping perception that their place in the top four is under threat, especially from the resurgent Liverpool and Chelsea. The fixture list is relatively kind after Sunday until the final three, and need to make hay whilst the sun is shining. Helping them to do just that will be the returning James Maddison, who featured in that defeat to the near certain champions. Brenda Rodgers' charges haven't suffered as badly for his and Harvey Barnes' unavailability as many would've anticipated, and he should start on Sunday, looking to get beyond Noble at every opportunity to provide support for Jamie Vardy and Kelechi Ihenacho in attack. Ricardo Pereira will resume his forays down the right, offering an excellent platform to launch a counter or to put in crosses from deep towards the far post.
Overcooked Rice
The tie is poised to be an excellent contest in spite of a number of missing individuals. A win for the hosts would see them leapfrog Liverpool and Chelsea, as well as moving to within one point of their adversaries this weekend. Even a draw in a tough fixture would make things extremely tight. Despite Lingard's rise back to prominence, it's hard to overlook the double injury setback, and Rodgers will be keen to exploit those missing pieces. bet365 have odds of 2.30 for a crucial away win.
