PREM: Leicester v Watford preview

Leicester v Watford preview

Jamie Vardy is available to start for Leicester against Watford on Saturday.

The striker has been battling a groin strain and came off the bench last weekend to score as Leicester drew at Brighton.

However, after playing in Tuesday night's Carabao Cup win over Southampton, Vardy is set to lead the line against Watford.

"He can start the game, he can finish the game," said manager Claude Puel. "We have to manage these players with the right feeling, with our staff, and to protect our players and to maintain them in a good level."

Leicester have won once in the Premier League since the death of club owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and four others in a helicopter crash last month.

 

Watford have taken one point from their last three matches, but manager Javi Gracia should be in a positive mood after signing a new four-and-a-half-year contract this week.

He said: "With the players we have in this moment, I think we can improve our best position in the league and we will try to do it. Day by day, with that mentality I think we will be closer to achieving something good for the club."

 

Harry Maguire misses out again for Leicester due to a knee injury.

James Maddison is available after missing the Carabao Cup clash with Southampton due to suspension and Vicente Iborra has been passed fit.

Rachid Ghezzal, Matty James and Daniel Amartey are out.

 

Watford expect to have left-back Jose Holebas available again following a calf problem.

Defender Sebastian Prodl has also been training again following his leg issue, but Venezuela forward Adalberto Penaranda has a foot issue so will not be involved.

Midfielder Tom Cleverley is stepping up his rehabilitation after a combination of hamstring and Achilles trouble, along with defender Daryl Janmaat (knee).