Two of the Premier League's bottom four, located just 48 miles apart across the Midlands, clash at the King Power, with Leicester seeking three successive victories over Wolves for the first time since 2002.
Leicester City vs Wolverhampton Wanderers Preview
Will a change of management cue a change of fortunes for Wolverhampton Wanderers? Last weekend, Molineux had an apocalyptic feel to it, with Wolves beaten 2-1 in the last minute by Ipswich, a result that saw Gary O'Neil sacked the following morning. Given that the Old Gold currently sit second-bottom of the table, five points from safety, having won only three of their last 26 Premier League matches, this news was not overly surprising.
All reports suggest that Vítor Pereira will take over, with Wolves set to be the 14th different senior club he's managed in his 20-year career. The 56-year old has won league titles in charge of Porto, Olympiacos and Shànghǎi SIPG, although Pereira has also endured disastrous spells in charge of Fenerbahçe, 1860 Munich and Flamengo, lasting 37 games, or fewer, at six of his last nine employers. Well, with Man United visiting the Black County on Boxing Day, before a trip to Spurs to come three days later, Wolves could really do with a victory over their fellow-strugglers on Sunday.
Leicester City meantime have also changed manager this month, with Ruud van Nistelrooy making a mixed start to life in the East Midlands. Last weekend, the Dutchman was beaten for the first time since becoming Foxes boss, steamrollered 4-0 by Newcastle at St James' Park, fortunate it wasn't an even more embarrassing scoreline. Prior to this however, van Nistelrooy had overseen a 3-1 victory over West Ham and then a dramatic 2-2 draw with Brighton, in which Jamie Vardy halved the deficit in the 86th minute, before Bobby De Cordova-Reid poked home a stoppage time equaliser, fighting back to earn a share of the spoils out of nowhere.
Nevertheless, the Championship champions have won only one of their last eight, so sit 17th, a mere two points clear of danger. Given that Leicester's next three fixtures are Liverpool (A), Man City (H) and then Aston Villa (A), Foxes fans may feel victory from this all-Midlands affair is a necessity.
Leicester City vs Wolverhampton Wanderers Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 121.
- Leicester City Wins: 42. Draws: 35. Wolverhampton Wanderers Wins: 44.
Leicester City Team News
Abdul Fatawu and Ricardo Pereira have suffered long-term injuries while, concerningly, goalkeeper Mads Hermansen was substituted at half time on Tyneside due to a groin strain. The Dane has made the second-most saves of any keeper in the division this season so, if he's not fit, Danny Ward will start a Premier League match for the first time since March 2023 and the Welshman, with all due respect, is a massive downgrade.
Last season's back-up keeper Jakub Stolarczyk is also out due to an ankle issue. Meanwhile, in defence, Ruud van Nistelrooy has favoured Jannik Vestergaard alongside Conor Coady, after Caleb Okoli and Wout Faes had been the first-choice pairing under Steve Cooper. Boubakary Soumaré can return in midfield, following a one-match ban, which is a boost in the continued absence of Wilfred Ndidi and Harry Winks. Lastly, Oliver Skipp and Jamie Vardy would both miss the Boxing Day visit to Anfield if cautioned.
Leicester City predicted lineup vs Wolverhampton Wanderers: (4-5-1): Hermansen; Justin, Vestergaard, Coady, Kristiansen; Soumaré, Skipp, El Khannouss, Buonanotte, Mavididi; Vardy.
Leicester City Player to Watch vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Jamie Vardy has six goals to his name this season, while he has netted during three of his last five appearances against Wolves.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Team News
As this is Vítor Pereira's first match in charge, it's tough to predict how he might shake things up. For starters, José Sá and Sam Johnstone have started ten and seven Premier League matches so far respectively, so it'll be interesting to see which goalkeeper the new boss favours. Out-field, Yerson Mosquera, Boubacar Traoré and Saša Kalajdžić all remain sidelined, while Rayan Aït-Nouri's red card, brandished his direction after full time last weekend, mean he is suspended. In better news, João Gomes can return following a one-match ban of his own, albeit Toti and Mario Lemina would miss the meeting with Man United if cautioned.
Wolverhampton Wanderers predicted lineup vs Leicester City: (3-4-2-1): José Sá; Dawson, Toti, Bueno; Semedo, André, Lemina, Doherty; Bellegarde, Strand Larsen; Cunha.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Player to Watch vs Leicester City
Matheus Cunha fired home his eighth of the campaign in vain against Ipswich, on target in four successive Premier League away games earlier this season, so can he add to his tally at the King Power?
Leicester City vs Wolverhampton Wanderers Prediction
This game is so difficult to call, hence why we're sitting on the fence and forecasting a draw that doesn't really help either side involved: Leicester City 1-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Leicester City vs Wolverhampton Wanderers FAQs - Premier League
How to watch Leicester City vs Wolverhampton Wanderers Premier League game on TV channel?
Leicester City vs Wolverhampton Wanderers Premier League game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: Peacock
- Canada: Fubo Sports Network Canada
How to watch Leicester City vs Wolverhampton Wanderers Premier League game on live streaming?
Leicester City vs Wolverhampton Wanderers Premier League game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: Peacock
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Leicester City vs Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League?
Leicester City vs Wolverhampton Wanderers takes place on Sunday 22 December 2024, with kick off at 14:00 (GMT), 9:00 (EDT) & 6:00 (PST).