EPL: Leicester v Stoke preview

Leicester v Stoke preview

Stoke will look to put pressure on their relegation rivals in the lunchtime kick-off against Leicester City.

Stoke have taken 25 points from 27 games - their worst points return at this stage of a Premier League season and sit second bottom ahead of their visit to the King Power Stadium.

Paul Lambert has been in charge of four Premier League games for Stoke, winning five points. Stoke had won only four points from their previous eight games prior to that.

But Leicester manager Claude Puel is taking nothing for granted despite Stoke's recent woes, saying: "It will be a tough game against this team because for me, we will not be playing against a 19th-placed team. They play well with good football on the floor, quality, good pressing, fighting spirit.

"At this moment, this is not a team playing for relegation. We need to be careful about this team because it has good potential. With (Xherdan) Shaqiri and (Joe) Allen, they can make the difference at any moment."

Jamie Vardy says the squad have moved on from Riyad Mahrez's transfer saga after the Algerian explained the situation in the dressing room

 

Peter Crouch remains sidelined for Stoke with an ankle infection while 18-year-old fellow striker Tyrese Campbell may be involved.

Bruno Martins Indi is set to be part of the 18 after missing the last three games, while Stephen Ireland (calf) is still unavailable.

 

Leicester captain Wes Morgan is available after a hamstring injury, although Shinji Okazaki will be sidelined, but is expected back in full training next week.