Leicester City welcome promotion hopefuls Southampton to the East Midlands this evening in one of the most important games of the season.
Enzo Maresca‘s side need two wins from their remaining three games to book their place back in the Premier League, so tonight is a must-win, really.
Saints have nothing to lose as their hopes of a two-top finish look slim, so they’ll be looking to attack the game which could cause the hosts real problems.
Though, equally, that could play into Leicester‘s hands, as there could be space for Abdul Fatawu and Stephy Mavididi to run into in transition.
Maresca will have a close eye on one Southampton player, who he tried to sign during the summer transfer window.
Enzo Maresca will keep a close eye on Taylor Harwood-Bellis
King Power Stadium will stage a plethora of talented players this evening, one of which being Southampton’s centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
Harwood-Bellis joined the South Coasters on loan from Manchester City last year, with the deal becoming a permanent one if they gain promotion.
According to The Telegraph’s John Percy, Maresca wanted to sign the 22-year-old prior to that, so he’ll be keeping tabs on his performance tonight.
With Southampton’s promotion hopes in jeopardy, the England under-21 international could become available in the summer, and if City are to go up, it wouldn’t at all be surprising if they reignite their interest.
Leicester City will need to invest in a defender this summer
If Harwood-Bellis does remain at Southampton, Leicester need to look elsewhere for a defender with pace.
Jannik Vestergaard has enjoyed a marvellous campaign but in the Premier League, he’ll be exposed for his lack of pace, as City found out during their 4-2 FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Chelsea last month.
Vestergaard next to a player with a recovery pace could work as the big Dane has lots to offer in possession and aerially.
Wout Faes has a good turn of pace, which is why he has been favoured over Conor Coady for much of the campaign.
Though, there is clearly a lack of depth in that position so Maresca and his chiefs will no doubt be scouting the market for a Harwood-Bellis-like centre half.
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