Leicester City prepare to play host to play-off hopefuls West Bromwich Albion this weekend in what is a must-win game.
Enzo Maresca‘s side have Southampton breathing down their neck after their convincing win against Preston North End last night.
It’s now a four-horse race for the automatic promotion spots and Leicester must get back on track after suffering back-to-back defeats.
The Foxes occupy second, a point above Leeds United and four clear of Southampton, so there is little room for error in the run-in.
Three wins from their remaining four games will be enough to seal automatic promotion and they’ll be up against a West Brom side who are missing their top scorer.
Brandon Thomas-Asante ruled out of Leicester City clash
Brandon Thomas-Asante has netted 12 goals this term and is West Brom’s leading goalscorer, though, he’ll be out of this weekend’s game.
The 25-year-old forward picked up a second yellow card in the 1-0 defeat to Sunderland on Saturday and will have to serve a one-game suspension.
Thomas-Asante was a handful in the reverse fixture against City, which ended 2-1 after Harry Winks netted a dramatic stoppage-time winner.
Josh Maja, who netted against The Foxes back in December, is expected to step in and will be eager to make an impression having only started one league game all season.
The visitors will also be without key stars Daryl Dike and Jayson Molumby, both of whom are continuing their recovery from injury.
Enzo Maresca must be willing to use his substitutes v West Bromwich Albion
Carlos Coberan’s side have the third-best defensive record in the league, with only Leeds United and Leicester conceding fewer goals.
So it’s expected to be a cagey affair this weekend, with perhaps a late goal needed to separate the two sides.
With that said, it’s vitally important Maresca utilises his substitutes bench, as the game may be won and lost on the touchline.
Fans have been critical of the Italian head coach for not making his changes earlier and he can’t afford to get that wrong on Saturday against one of the best managers in the division.
With such a talented squad at his disposal, The Foxes boss shouldn’t hesitate to bring on the likes of Tom Cannon and Kelechi Iheanacho, who have both hardly featured of late.
The post West Bromwich Albion hit with major blow as key player ruled out of Leicester City clash appeared first on Leicester City News.