Sunday 7th November 2:00pm | Elland Road
Leicester City are the visitors to Elland Road on Sunday lunchtime as the Whites try to build on their 2-1 victory at Carrow Road last weekend. Although not their best performance, the three valuable points lifted them above the drop zone. A similar result against Brendan Rodgers' side will certainly lift the dark clouds away from West Yorkshire's finest and give them some breathing space, but it won't be easy. bAfter a disappointing performance against Arsenal last weekend, the Foxes will be desperate to climb back into the top half of the table, but have to contend with Spartak Moscow this evening first in the Europa League.
Striker Patrick Bamford has not played since the draw with Newcastle on 17th September after picking up an innocuous looking ankle injury. But 7 weeks on Bamford still seems no closer to a return to action with Marcelo Bielsa saying; "It's not a simple injury... when he will be available to play, can't be given exactly." It was hoped he would be back after the October international break, but the striker has still not returned to full fitness. The 28 year-old will miss Sunday's clash with Leicester at Elland Road, extending his absence to eight matches and meaning that he has missed more games than he has played this season.
Ayling is nearing a return to action. His knee injury required minor surgery, but returned to light duties a fortnight ago. Junior Firpo could miss his fifth match with a muscle injury. Although minor, if aggravated, could sideline the left back for months. Robin Koch is definitely out. The German centre back underwent surgery in the States for his troublesome groin strain he picked up on the opening game of the season at Old Trafford.
There has been a sickness bug going around Leicester City's dressing room. Harvey Barnes, James Maddison and James Justin have all been sidelined, but hope to play some part of the game. Attacking midfielder Ayoze Perez will return for Blues after a similar illness kept him sidelined for a fortnight. Leicester defender Ricardo Pereira is expected to be fit despite missing Thursday's Europa League game with Spartak Moscow with a hamstring issue. James Justin, Wesley Fofana and Marc Albrighton all remain out.
Leeds are looking to win consecutive league games against Leicester for the first time since December 1999. Leicester have won four of their past five league visits to Leeds, as many as they had on their previous 16 trips to Elland Road. Leeds' tally of 10 points is their lowest after 10 matches of a league campaign since the 2006-07 Championship season in which they were relegated. The Foxes have not recorded a clean sheet since the opening weekend of the season. They have conceded 18 set-piece goals (excluding penalties) since the start of last season; only Crystal Palace have let in more.
