Leicester City (A) | Match Preview
The Game
Leicester City v Argyle. King Power Stadium. Saturday, 9 December. 3pm. Sky Bet Championship.
The Opposition
Leicester were relegated last season from the Premier League, on the final day of the season. Their response in their attempt to bounce back has been swift and effective. They have won 15 of their 19 games this season, drawing one and losing three.
City won their opening four games, lost at home to Hull City in the fifth, then won nine in a row. Two defeats ensued, at home to Leeds United and away to Middlesbrough, both 1-0, followed by a win against Watford, a draw away at Sheffield Wednesday, then, most recently, a 2-1 win at West Bromwich Albion.
All this leaves Leicester top of the Championship, one point ahead of Ipswich Town in second place, eight ahead of Leeds in third.
The Gaffer
Enzo Maresca was appointed Leicester manager following the club's relegation last season. His sole managerial stint prior to that was a six-month period in charge of Parma, in Italy's Serie B. Either side of his Parma reign, Maresca was the manager of Manchester City's B Team, and after being dismissed by Parma, returned to City to be one of Pep Guardiola's assistants.
As a player, Maresca was an Italy Under-21 International, and played for West Bromwich Albion, Juventus, Fiorentina, Sevilla, Olympiacos, Malaga, Sampdoria and Palermo.
The Squad
In the summer, after being relegated, Leicester lost the likes of James Maddison, Youri Tielemans and Harvey Barnes, but were still able to retain a hugely talented squad, with plenty of international and Premier League experience.
Brought in to the King Power were the likes of Harry Winks, from Tottenham Hotspur, for a reported £10m, as well Conor Coady from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tom Cannon from Everton.
Perhaps less well known, but certain very effective, have been the acquisitions of Mads Hermansen and Stephy Mavididi. Hermandsen is a 23-year-old goalkeeper, a Denmark Under-21 international, signed from Brondby. He is known not only for superb shot-stopping skills, but also how high up the field he plays, as a ball-playing goalkeeper.
To the age of 22, Derby-born Mavididi had spent his career with Arsenal and Juventus, getting game time only with loans out to the likes of Charlton Athletic and Dijon. A move to Montpelier in 2020 saw him play regular Ligue 1 football in France, before his move to Leicester in the summer of 2023. He has started 17 times, scoring three goals, while looking a constant threat on the left side of City's attack.
Three players who remain with the Foxes from previous seasons lead their goalscoring charts this season. Jamie Vardy and Kieran Dewsbury-Hall each have six league goals, Kelechi Iheanacho has five.
Fancy a Stat?
Neither team has won both league meetings in a season since Leicester did the double over Argyle in 1955/56.
The History
The two sides have met 43 times in their histories. Argyle have won 11, Leicester 20, with 12 draws.The most recent games came in the 2009/10 season. At Home Park, the game finished 1-1, with Argyle's goal scored by Craig Noone. Earlier that season an injury-time goal by Andy King game Leicester a 1-0 victory.
A Strip for the Trip
Argyle will be wearing their white away kit for this game.
Tickets
Tickets for this game are now longer available. For information on collections, delivery and so forth, please click here.
Argyle TV
Argyle TV’s pre-match show, with Charlie Price and Brian McGlinchey, will begin at 2pm, and is available to watch for free on YouTube. Commentary will be provided from the King Power Stadium by Rob McNichol and Ryan Brunt. International supporters can buy a match pass to watch the game, here.
