Premier League: Jesse Marsch set for first Leeds game at Leicester

Leeds hoping for new manager bounce

The Marcelo Bielsa era is over at Elland Road. The Leeds United board wielded the axe after a 4-0 thrashing by Tottenham Hotspur last weekend left the Whites just two points above the relegation zone. Despite a dismal run of form which saw them lose four games on the bounce, Bielsa remained popular with the Leeds faithful right to the end.

Jesse Marsch will therefore be under pressure to instigate an upturn from the get-go. If he is unable to, the fans will wonder why Leeds did not just stick with Bielsa.

The problem for Marsch is that this team has been hardwired to play the Bielsa way over a number of years. There could be teething problems as the new man looks to introduce a zonal marking system and tighten up the Premier League’s leakiest backline. Leeds conceded three goals or more in each of Bielsa’s last five games at the helm. A price of 2.38 on over 3.5 goals at the King Power Stadium is tempting.

Leicester looking to build consistency

It has been a case of one step forward, two steps back for much of this season for Leicester City. After back-to-back fifth-place finishes in 2019/20 and 2020/21, the Foxes have been unable to mount a challenge for the Champions League places this term. The best they can hope for now is a top-half finish and success in the Europa Conference League.

Brendan Rodgers’ side have not posted back-to-back Premier League wins since October. That is what they will be attempting to do on Saturday, having beaten Burnley 2-0 in a rearranged fixture in midweek.

Leicester have lost only one of their last six home matches. They will look to make a quick start against a Leeds team that will still be finding its feet under Marsch. Go for Leicester to win the first half at 2.28.

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers will be hoping to see his team extend a run of just one defeat in their last six home games

Vardy back in the goals

Jamie Vardy made his long-awaited return to Premier League action at Turf Moor on Tuesday. The former England international came off the bench to score Leicester’s second goal on the night in what was his first appearance of 2022.

Vardy’s absence has been a big factor in Leicester’s stuttering form. He began the campaign brilliantly, finding the net seven times in his first eight outings. The goals dried up a little thereafter, but even at 35 Vardy remains his team's chief goal threat.

He is likely to be involved from the first whistle on Saturday, and Vardy will be licking his lips at the prospect of coming up against a backline which has been breached on 60 occasions this season. At 4.5 he is good value to score the game’s first goal on Saturday.

Recommended bets

Leicester win first half @ 2.28

Over 3.5 goals @ 2.38

Jamie Vardy to score first @ 4.5