Leicester vs. Fulham Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 18 January 2025

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.