Leicester vs. Fulham Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 18 January 2025 - bettingexpert
This Premier League clash sees Leicester City host Fulham at King Power Stadium on 18 January 2025, with kickoff set for 15:00. It’s a significant match for both clubs; Leicester sit perilously in the relegation zone in 19th place with just 14 points. Fulham, in contrast, are comfortably mid-table in 9th position with 30 points.
Leicester’s form has been dreadful, losing six consecutive matches under Ruud van Nistelrooij. The team has struggled defensively, conceding an average of 2.1 goals per game. Their recent 0-2 defeat to Crystal Palace highlighted these ongoing issues. However, Jamie Vardy remains a talisman for the Foxes, netting six goals this season.
Fulham are the bookmaker’s favourites with odds of 1.89 to win. They’ve shown attacking prowess but also exhibit defensive weaknesses, as seen in their recent 3-2 loss to West Ham. Raul Jimenez, their top scorer with 8 goals, continues to be pivotal.
The recommended bet tips suggest over 2.5 goals due to the defensive frailties of both sides and their recent high-scoring encounters. This prediction is bolstered by the trend of previous meetings and the form stats.
Referee Michael Salisbury will officiate the match, hinting at a game potentially influenced by critical penalty decisions, given his record this season.
Leicester vs Fulham Prediction & Betting Tip
Our recommended betting tip for this Premier League matchup is to go for Over 2.5 Goals. This tip was chosen considering both teams’ defensive weaknesses and their historical tendency to play high-scoring matches. Leicester, who have conceded an average of 2.1 goals per game this season, face a Fulham side that has found the back of the net consistently.
| Leicester vs Fulham Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Over 2.5 Goals | 1.75 |
- Leicester and Fulham’s previous encounters have produced numerous goals.
- Both teams have poor defensive records this season.
- Leicester score in 73% of their home matches, highlighting their consistent attacking threat.
Given the current form and stats, this market offers solid value for punters.
Leicester vs Fulham Odds
When it comes to betting on this Premier League clash at King Power Stadium, the odds show Fulham as the bookmakers’ favourite. Here’s a detailed look at the odds:
| Leicester vs Fulham Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Leicester City | 3.90 |
| Draw | 3.70 |
| Fulham | 1.89 |
Fulham’s impressive position and form this season seem to have influenced their favourable odds. However, Leicester’s attacking threat, led by Jamie Vardy, can never be entirely counted out. With both teams having defensive issues, it might also be worth considering a bet on goals being scored, adding another layer of excitement to this encounter.
Leicester Team Analysis
Leicester Recent Performance
Leicester City has been struggling in recent weeks with a string of poor performances.
Here’s a look at their last five matches:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Leicester City | Crystal Palace | 0-2 (Loss) |
| Leicester City | Queens Park Rangers | 2-1 (Win) |
| West Ham | Leicester City | 4-2 (Loss) |
| Manchester City | Leicester City | 3-1 (Loss) |
| Leicester City | Bournemouth | 0-1 (Loss) |
Leicester’s recent form epitomizes their challenging season, punctuated by their vulnerability at the back and lack of consistency. They have conceded an average of 2.1 goals per match over the course of this season, and haven’t managed a clean sheet in their last five games.
Despite the defensive woes, Jamie Vardy remains a bright spot, having netted six times this season and showing that he can still make a difference upfront.
In their last outing, Leicester succumbed to a 0-2 defeat against Crystal Palace, with Manager Ruud van Nistelrooij admitting it was a particularly low point. This trend highlights the hurdles they face to bounce back against a formidable Fulham side.
Leicester Key Players
Leicester City will be looking to their top scorer, Jamie Vardy, who has found the back of the net six times this season, to lead the charge against Fulham. Known for his pace and finishing, Vardy could pose significant problems for Fulham’s defense, particularly in transition.
In midfield, Harry Winks and Boubakary Soumare will be key in establishing control and providing the link between defense and attack. The potential return of Victor Kristiansen from illness will also be a boost, adding solidity to the backline.
Expected lineup for Leicester:
- Goalkeeper: Jakub Stolarczyk
- Defenders: James Justin, Wout Faes, Jannik Vestergaard, Victor Kristiansen (if fit)
- Midfielders: Harry Winks, Boubakary Soumare, Facundo Buonanotte, Bilal El Khannous, Stephy Mavididi
- Forwards: Jamie Vardy
Given Leicester’s defensive vulnerabilities, individual battles like Vardy against Fulham’s Joachim Andersen will be crucial.
Leicester Suspensions & Injuries
Leicester City are facing several injury woes, which could significantly impact their performance. Here’s a list of their current injuries:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Ricardo Pereira | Hamstring | Mid March 2025 |
| Issahaku Fatawu | Cruciate ligament | Early August 2025 |
| Wilfred Ndidi | Thigh | Late January 2025 |
| Mads Hermansen | Groin | Late January 2025 |
| Kasey McAteer | Knock | Doubtful |
| Victor Kristiansen | Illness | Mid January 2025 |
| Jannik Vestergaard | Physical discomfort | Doubtful |
These injuries, especially to key players like Wilfred Ndidi and Mads Hermansen, could affect Leicester’s defensive setup and overall stability. No suspensions have been reported for Leicester City.
Leicester Tactics and Formation
Leicester City Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: Expected 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Jamie Vardy
- Midfield Support: Harry Winks, Boubakary Soumare, Facundo Buonanotte
- Defensive Line: James Justin, Wout Faes, Jannik Vestergaard (doubtful), Victor Kristiansen
Leicester City, managed by Ruud van Nistelrooij, typically opts for a 4-2-3-1 formation. Jamie Vardy spearheads the attack, supported by dynamic midfielders like Harry Winks and Boubakary Soumare.
Defensively, they rely on a back four, though injuries to players like Jannik Vestergaard and Victor Kristiansen could impact their stability.
Leicester’s strategy often involves quick counter-attacks and utilizing Vardy’s pace and experience. However, their defensive inconsistencies, highlighted by conceding 44 goals so far, pose a significant challenge.
Fulham Team Analysis
Fulham Recent Performance
Recent Form: LWDDW
Fulham have been in decent shape lately, picking up 9 points from their last five matches. Here’s a look at their recent results:
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Fulham | Newcastle | 3-0 (Win) |
| Burnley | Fulham | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Fulham | Everton | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Chelsea | Fulham | 2-0 (Loss) |
| Fulham | Wolves | 4-1 (Win) |
In terms of attacking prowess, Fulham have shown good form, averaging 2.4 goals per game in their last five matches. However, defensive solidity has been an issue—despite recent strong scores, they’ve failed to secure a clean sheet in any of these games.
With the upcoming matchup, they’ll be looking to maintain their attacking momentum while tightening up at the back against Leicester City.
Fulham Key Players
Expected lineup for Fulham:
- Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno
- Defenders: Timothy Castagne, Joachim Andersen, Calvin Bassey, Antonee Robinson
- Midfielders: Sasa Lukic, Andreas Pereira, Harry Wilson, Emile Smith Rowe, Alex Iwobi
- Forward: Raul Jimenez
Raul Jimenez, the top scorer with 8 goals, leads Fulham’s attack. Watch for his battle with Leicester’s defenders, notably Wout Faes and Jannik Vestergaard. In midfield, Andreas Pereira and Alex Iwobi are key playmakers who will likely challenge Leicester’s Harry Winks and Boubakary Soumare.
A strong defensive line featuring Joachim Andersen and Calvin Bassey will aim to contain Jamie Vardy, Leicester’s most prolific scorer. Fulham’s high-scoring recent form suggests that their attacking players will be critical in this clash.
Fulham Suspensions & Injuries
Fulham have a few key players out, which could impact their performance against Leicester. Here’s a look at their current injury list:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Reiss Nelson | Hamstring Injury | Mid February 2025 |
| Kenny Tete | Knee Injury | Late February 2025 |
| Sander Berge | Ankle Injury | Doubtful |
| Harrison Reed | Knee Injury | Doubtful |
| Rodrigo Muniz | Back Injury | Doubtful |
The absence of Reiss Nelson and Kenny Tete weakens their depth, particularly on the flanks.
Moreover, doubts over key players like Sander Berge and Harrison Reed might affect their midfield stability.
However, Fulham’s seasoned squad, including playmaker Andreas Pereira, could still be a formidable force.
Fulham Tactics and Formation
Fulham’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Raul Jimenez
- Creative Midfielders: Andreas Pereira, Emile Smith Rowe, Alex Iwobi
- Defensive Stalwarts: Joachim Andersen, Calvin Bassey
Formation & Strategy:
Fulham typically lines up in a 4-2-3-1 formation that emphasizes both defensive solidity and attacking versatility. Raul Jimenez leads the line as the key forward, supported by Andreas Pereira in the central attacking midfield role.
Midfield and Defence:
The double pivot of Sasa Lukic and Andreas Pereira offers midfield stability, while the back four, anchored by Joachim Andersen and Calvin Bassey, aims to strengthen defensive performance despite recent struggles.
Notable Strategy:
Fulham often looks to exploit the wings through Harry Wilson and Alex Iwobi, applying pressure during the 61-75 minute interval, when they tend to score crucial goals. This balanced approach has helped them stay competitive in the mid-table.
Leicester vs Fulham Head-to-Head Statistics
Analyzing the last five encounters between Leicester and Fulham reveals a pattern of closely contested matches. The results show a mixture of high-scoring games, with Fulham often coming out on top.
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Fulham | Leicester | 2-1 |
| Fulham | Leicester | 5-3 |
| Leicester | Fulham | 0-1 |
| Fulham | Leicester | 0-2 |
| Leicester | Fulham | 1-2 |
The most recent matches have been particularly goal-heavy, suggesting that another high-scoring game could be on the cards. Fulham’s ability to edge past Leicester frequently positions them as favorites going into this fixture.
Odds accurate as of 16.01.2025 15:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
