Riyad Mahrez could return for the visitors after being benched in the win at Norwich before the worldwide break, while Nathan Dyer is fit again after a knee injury.
Advertisement
Ronald Koeman: “It’s a hard match, Leicester have had a great start to the season”.
Ahead of the 2-2 draw against Stoke City, Ranieri pledged to treat his players to a pizza if they kept out the Potters, but the Italian is now upping the ante. “I hope (he can) but for now he continues and when we arrive at that moment we’ll keep calm and continue to fight”.
The south coast side ended up with a Europa League place but Koeman has warned Ranieri there is still a long time until May. With a very experienced manager, Ranieri, they play 4-4-2 with good organisation.
As a result, Ranieri gave them the day off from Leicester training, putting their involvement in the Foxes’ match against Southampton at the weekend in doubt.
Southampton will be without Shane Long for the visit of Leicester after the forward injured ankle ligaments while on global duty with the Republic of Ireland.
However, Jordy Clasie could be ready to make his Premier League debut for the Hampshire side after finally shaking off a hamstring injury.
“I was interested, but after that there was also the Greece job – and I made a mistake”.
“I think for Jamie, not only for him but all of the players, it’s important to do what they feel, what their heart, soul and brain says”.
Jamie Vardy has scored eight goals in his last nine Premier League appearances, including in each of his last five matches in the competition. Only Michael Owen (six in 2003), James Beattie (six in 2003) and Daniel Sturridge (8 in 2014) boast a better record this century.
The Foxes have won more points from losing positions than any other top-flight side this season (6).
Advertisement
– Graziano Pelle has missed the target from inside the box 18 times this season – twice as many as the next highest in the category (nine) from Aston Villa’s Rudy Gestede.
