Football - Leicester v Watford preview
Leicester v Watford preview
Claudio Ranieri is putting no pressure on Jamie Vardy to continue his goalscoring run when Leicester City host Watford at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.
By netting in the 3-2 win at West Bromwich Albion last weekend, Vardy matched the feats of Daniel Sturridge and Ruud van Nistelrooy of scoring in eight consecutive Barclays Premier League appearances.
The England international's league tally for the season now stands at 11 in as many as matches and he will edge closer to Van Nistelrooy's record of goals in 10 successive top-flight matches if he is on target against a Watford side searching for third clean sheet in a row.
Vardy's heroics have helped propel Leicester up to third, three points off leaders Manchester City, but Ranieri just wants the striker to focus on being a team player. "I never speak about it [Vardy's scoring record]. It's important that he's free to enjoy it," said the Leicester manager.
"It's about the team. The team help you play better and to score goals."
Vardy's impressive displays have seen him included in Roy Hodgson's England squad for the forthcoming friendlies with Spain and France, and Ranieri is thrilled that his players are getting recognition. "I'm very pleased when my players are involved in international games. It's a great experience for them," he added.
The 28-year-old may have his work cut out against Watford. The Hornets’ BPL matches this season have seen 20 goals, the fewest in the league. Quique Sanchez Flores' side have conceded the least of any side outside the top five.
"I'm definitely feeling more comfortable,” on-loan defender Nathan Ake said. “I think as a defence we are playing better every week.” "Tactically, [Miguel] Britos is really good and defensively we don't concede many chances. "The whole back four talk to each other throughout the game and the way we are performing is really good. But we can always improve."
As well as having a cohesive defence, 11tth-placed Watford have been able to rely on Odion Ighalo finding the back of the net. Only Vardy has surpassed Ighalo’s tally of seven BPL goals in 2015/16, and he should recover from a knock picked up in the 2-0 win over West Ham United in time to feature.
Jurado could also be in line for a return from a hamstring injury against Leicester, but Joel Ekstrand (knee) is not expected back until 2016. Matty James is Ranieri's only long-term absentee with a knee injury, while Christian Fuchs could be in line for a return after missing out last week.
Leicester City (from): Schmeichel, Schwarzer, Benalouane, De Laet, Fuchs, Huth, Morgan, Simpson, Wasilewski, Albrighton, Drinkwater, Dyer, Hammond, Inler, Kante, King, Mahrez, Schlupp, Dodoo, Kramaric, Okazaki, Ulloa, Vardy.
Watford (from): Arlauskis, Gilmartin, Gomes, Ake, Belkalem, Britos, Cathcart, Hoban, Holebas, Nyom, Paredes, Prodl, Abdi, Anya, Behrami, Capoue, Dyer, Guedioura, Jurado, Watson, Berghuis, Deeney, Diamanti, Ibarbo, Ighalo, Oulare.
Match Appointments
Referee: Roger East Assistants: A Garratt, M Scholes Fourth Official: R Madley