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Season could be lost, says Uefa boss Aleksander Ceferin
Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin says the current football season could be lost if it cannot be restarted by the end of June.
Most leagues in Europe are suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic, with this summer's Euro 2020 tournament postponed for another year. Ceferin says seasons could be finished behind closed doors.
"If we don't succeed in restarting, the season will probably be lost," the Slovenian said. He told Italian newspaper La Repubblica: "There is a plan A, B and C. "The three options are to start again in mid-May, in June or at the end of June.
"There is also the possibility of starting again at the beginning of the next [season], starting the following one later. We will see the best solution for leagues and clubs."
As it stands there are nine games to be completed by the majority of Premier League clubs, and up to 12 in the Football League.
All football in England is suspended until at least 30 April. Ceferin says that playing remaining games behind closed doors would have to be an option across Europe.
"It's hard for me to imagine all the matches behind closed doors, but we still don't know whether we'll resume, with or without spectators," he said.
"If there was no alternative, it would be better to finish the championships."
BBC
Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin says the current football season could be lost if it cannot be restarted by the end of June.
Most leagues in Europe are suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic, with this summer's Euro 2020 tournament postponed for another year. Ceferin says seasons could be finished behind closed doors.
"If we don't succeed in restarting, the season will probably be lost," the Slovenian said. He told Italian newspaper La Repubblica: "There is a plan A, B and C. "The three options are to start again in mid-May, in June or at the end of June.
"There is also the possibility of starting again at the beginning of the next [season], starting the following one later. We will see the best solution for leagues and clubs."
As it stands there are nine games to be completed by the majority of Premier League clubs, and up to 12 in the Football League.
All football in England is suspended until at least 30 April. Ceferin says that playing remaining games behind closed doors would have to be an option across Europe.
"It's hard for me to imagine all the matches behind closed doors, but we still don't know whether we'll resume, with or without spectators," he said.
"If there was no alternative, it would be better to finish the championships."
BBC
Premier League clubs will 'resume talks on April 3 to discuss football's future amid coronavirus crisis' with FIFA and UEFA set to speak this week
Premier League clubs will reportedly resume negotiations on April 3 to discuss the future of football following the coronavirus crisis.
The sporting calendar has been decimated due to the coronavirus pandemic, with it recently being announced that the suspension of football throughout England has now been extended until April 30 at earliest. And according to Sky Sports, the 20 Premier league clubs are due to resume talks at the beginning of April to discuss what next for football as they desperately battle to salvage the season.
The report also claims that both FIFA and UEFA will hold further talks this week to discuss 'longer-term' fixtures. It was further reported that the Premier League clubs hope they will have more details from the government and football working groups to aid their discussions at the scheduled meeting on April 3.
Footballing authorities are determined to finish the current domestic season with so much still on the line for most clubs, including the title, European spots and relegation.
It was reported earlier on Sunday that the Premier League is formulating a new contingency plan to finish the season which involves fixtures resuming from June 1 and all matches being played within a timeframe of just six weeks.
The Premier League's schedule proposal would allow the 2020-2021 campaign to begin on time, on August 8 - four weeks after the end of the previous season. It could prevent a financial catastrophe for clubs with mammoth wage bills to pay and no matchday revenue to support them. Lucrative TV deals could also be hit, with no football currently available to broadcast.
According to the Telegraph, the June 1 start date, which is in just 10 weeks' time, is not set in stone but more of a target for the Premier League, with the Football Association determined for the season to be concluded.
The Telegraph's report also states that games would be played behind closed doors while the Premier League would require the government to sanction the presence of emergency crews within the ground.
Daily Mail
Premier League clubs will reportedly resume negotiations on April 3 to discuss the future of football following the coronavirus crisis.
The sporting calendar has been decimated due to the coronavirus pandemic, with it recently being announced that the suspension of football throughout England has now been extended until April 30 at earliest. And according to Sky Sports, the 20 Premier league clubs are due to resume talks at the beginning of April to discuss what next for football as they desperately battle to salvage the season.
The report also claims that both FIFA and UEFA will hold further talks this week to discuss 'longer-term' fixtures. It was further reported that the Premier League clubs hope they will have more details from the government and football working groups to aid their discussions at the scheduled meeting on April 3.
Footballing authorities are determined to finish the current domestic season with so much still on the line for most clubs, including the title, European spots and relegation.
It was reported earlier on Sunday that the Premier League is formulating a new contingency plan to finish the season which involves fixtures resuming from June 1 and all matches being played within a timeframe of just six weeks.
The Premier League's schedule proposal would allow the 2020-2021 campaign to begin on time, on August 8 - four weeks after the end of the previous season. It could prevent a financial catastrophe for clubs with mammoth wage bills to pay and no matchday revenue to support them. Lucrative TV deals could also be hit, with no football currently available to broadcast.
According to the Telegraph, the June 1 start date, which is in just 10 weeks' time, is not set in stone but more of a target for the Premier League, with the Football Association determined for the season to be concluded.
The Telegraph's report also states that games would be played behind closed doors while the Premier League would require the government to sanction the presence of emergency crews within the ground.
Daily Mail
Coronavirus: Premier League and EFL suspended until 3 April at earliest
All elite football in England has been suspended until at least 3 April as a result of the spread of coronavirus. All Premier League games, EFL fixtures and matches in the FA Women's Super League and Women's Championship have been postponed.
The Premier League said action would resume on 4 April "subject to medical advice and conditions at the time". The Football Association said England's games against Italy on 27 March and Denmark four days later are off. The EFL, which hopes to resume play a day earlier than the Premier League on 3 April, said clubs were also advised to suspend "non-essential activities" such as "player appearances, training ground visits and fan meetings".
The suspension comes on a day of widespread sporting postponements worldwide.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: "In this unprecedented situation, we are working closely with our clubs, government, the FA and EFL and can reassure everyone the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are our priority."
The Premier League said its "aim is to reschedule the displaced fixtures", while the Football Association said "all parties are committed at this time to trying to complete this season's domestic fixture programme". In total, 10 people have now died in the UK with the virus and there have been 596 confirmed cases across the country.
On Thursday Prime Minister Boris Johnson said suspending major public events such as sporting fixtures was being considered by the government but would be a measure primarily to protect public services, rather than delay the spread.
'Early April an impossible return' - analysisDan Roan, BBC sports editor
These are deeply turbulent times in English football - and across world sport - which is having to face up to a period of disruption and dislocation unprecedented in peacetime.
Privately, all parties admit that resuming matches in early April - when the initial suspension will be reviewed - will be almost impossible.
But the hope is that next week a decision is taken to postpone Euro 2020 for a year, thereby freeing up space in the calendar to reschedule outstanding matches and complete domestic league seasons across the continent at some stage.
This action goes against the government's highly controversial advice to continue staging sports events despite mass gatherings being closed or cancelled across the world.
But Department for Culture Media and Sport officials are known to be supportive of the decision football authorities have taken, given the need to protect employees and the mounting cases of players contracting the virus.
The problem is that the outbreak is expected to be at its peak in May and June so if the suspension keeps on being extended, some clubs may start to push for the season to be declared void, a nightmare scenario for clubs like Liverpool and Leeds, who both stand on the brink of long-awaited glory. But as it stands, there seems to be a determination to complete the season if at all possible.
Simply stopping the season as it stands now seems unlikely given it would run the risk of legal action from clubs relegated or denied promotion. The EFL is expected to ask the government for financial help for some of the clubs who now face even more financial uncertainty but there is no guarantee this will be possible in these extraordinary times.
BBC Sport
All elite football in England has been suspended until at least 3 April as a result of the spread of coronavirus. All Premier League games, EFL fixtures and matches in the FA Women's Super League and Women's Championship have been postponed.
The Premier League said action would resume on 4 April "subject to medical advice and conditions at the time". The Football Association said England's games against Italy on 27 March and Denmark four days later are off. The EFL, which hopes to resume play a day earlier than the Premier League on 3 April, said clubs were also advised to suspend "non-essential activities" such as "player appearances, training ground visits and fan meetings".
The suspension comes on a day of widespread sporting postponements worldwide.
- Uefa has postponed next week's Champions League and Europa League fixtures.
- England's Test cricket series in Sri Lanka has been cancelled.
- Golf's Players Championship in Florida was called off after one round.
- French football's governing body has suspended its top two leagues.
- The French Rugby Federation has suspended all competitions until further notice.
- Formula E is suspended for two months, affecting races in Paris, Seoul and Jakarta.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: "In this unprecedented situation, we are working closely with our clubs, government, the FA and EFL and can reassure everyone the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are our priority."
The Premier League said its "aim is to reschedule the displaced fixtures", while the Football Association said "all parties are committed at this time to trying to complete this season's domestic fixture programme". In total, 10 people have now died in the UK with the virus and there have been 596 confirmed cases across the country.
On Thursday Prime Minister Boris Johnson said suspending major public events such as sporting fixtures was being considered by the government but would be a measure primarily to protect public services, rather than delay the spread.
'Early April an impossible return' - analysisDan Roan, BBC sports editor
These are deeply turbulent times in English football - and across world sport - which is having to face up to a period of disruption and dislocation unprecedented in peacetime.
Privately, all parties admit that resuming matches in early April - when the initial suspension will be reviewed - will be almost impossible.
But the hope is that next week a decision is taken to postpone Euro 2020 for a year, thereby freeing up space in the calendar to reschedule outstanding matches and complete domestic league seasons across the continent at some stage.
This action goes against the government's highly controversial advice to continue staging sports events despite mass gatherings being closed or cancelled across the world.
But Department for Culture Media and Sport officials are known to be supportive of the decision football authorities have taken, given the need to protect employees and the mounting cases of players contracting the virus.
The problem is that the outbreak is expected to be at its peak in May and June so if the suspension keeps on being extended, some clubs may start to push for the season to be declared void, a nightmare scenario for clubs like Liverpool and Leeds, who both stand on the brink of long-awaited glory. But as it stands, there seems to be a determination to complete the season if at all possible.
Simply stopping the season as it stands now seems unlikely given it would run the risk of legal action from clubs relegated or denied promotion. The EFL is expected to ask the government for financial help for some of the clubs who now face even more financial uncertainty but there is no guarantee this will be possible in these extraordinary times.
BBC Sport
GAME OVER? Football in crisis as Boris Johnson reveals UK sport facing ban and Arsenal’s Arteta tests positive for coronavirus
FOOTBALL is in crisis as high-profile coronavirus cases swept across the sport. In a statement after an emergency Cobra meeting Prime Minister Boris Johnson has revealed sporting events could be banned - as Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta reveals he tested POSITIVE for coronavirus.
Less than an hour before Arteta's announcement, Premier League and Football League bosses said they would GO AHEAD with fixtures, despite the number of new cases in football. But then in a dramatic U-turn in light of Arteta's statement, football bosses said an emergency meeting would be held on Friday morning.
It read: "In light of Arsenal’s announcement tonight confirming that their first team coach Mikel Arteta has tested positive for COVID-19, the Premier League will convene an emergency club meeting tomorrow morning regarding future fixtures." And after the massive news, Brighton and Hove Albion announced that their game with the Gunners on Saturday would be called OFF.
In the early hours of Friday morning there was yet another twist, as Chelsea announced teenage star Callum Hudson-Odoi had also tested positive for coronavirus.
The 19-year-old became the first Premier League player to return a positive test. Dozens of football and sports leagues across Europe and the world announced they would suspend fixtures, with many already playing behind closed doors.
Man City's Champions League game with Real Madrid has been postponed after the Spanish side were quarantined, while dozens more games across Europe are being played without fans. LaLiga, Ligue 1, Eredivisie, the Primeira Liga, MLS and the Turkish Super Lig have all now been SUSPENDED - as well as several other major sports leagues in Europe and the US. Euro 2020 is also on the brink of being delayed a year with Euro bigwigs to meet in a crisis summit next week, with this season's Champions League and Europa League also to be discussed.
On a dramatic Thursday in football:
In an announcement on the Arsenal website at around 10.30pm, Arteta said: "This is really disappointing but I took the test after feeling poorly. I will be at work as soon as I’m allowed." Earlier on Thursday, Chelsea axed training after a member of staff showed signs of the deadly virus and Brendan Rodgers confirmed THREE of his Leicester City players had symptoms. At least three other players - now revealed to be Watford stars - were also suspected of having Covid-19.
Speaking at an emergency Cobra meeting on Thursday, Prime Minister Johnson said: "We are considering the question of banning major public events such as sporting fixtures. “The scientific advice is that this will have little effect on the spread but there's also the issue of the burden such events can place on public services.” Earlier, Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers today confirmed three of his team are displaying signs of the deadly disease and have been isolated from the rest of the squad.
In a statement, the club said: "In recent days, all three players presented with extremely mild illness and were advised by Club medical staff, consistent with current government guidance, to stay home." It added: "Their symptoms were consistent with common seasonal illness and a seven-day period of self-isolation was appropriate as a precaution." Another unnamed Premier League side are also said to have a trio showing symptoms with the whole squad due to be tested today.
FOXES FEARS
One of the affected Leicester players first showed symptoms earlier this week and was immediately self-isolated. But after appearing to improve, he is said to have relapsed since. Rodgers said: "We've had a few players that have shown symptoms and signs (of coronavirus).
"We’ve followed procedures and (as a precaution) they have been kept away from the squad." Asked about the effect of the outbreak on Premier League football, The Foxes boss added: "Of course, from a football perspective, it would be a shame, but the public’s health is the most important aspect in all of this.
"Working in football, it’s about having that agility to move with what’s happening in football. "We’re guided by football and federations. We have to press on with our work and prepare as normal. "The game is all about the players and the fans. "If you have one of those not there, it’s obviously not the same."
Leicester's game at Watford on Saturday lunch time will certainly be called off if the results come back positive. But the news puts even greater pressure on English football authorities to suspend all matches in line with their European counterparts.
The Sun
FOOTBALL is in crisis as high-profile coronavirus cases swept across the sport. In a statement after an emergency Cobra meeting Prime Minister Boris Johnson has revealed sporting events could be banned - as Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta reveals he tested POSITIVE for coronavirus.
Less than an hour before Arteta's announcement, Premier League and Football League bosses said they would GO AHEAD with fixtures, despite the number of new cases in football. But then in a dramatic U-turn in light of Arteta's statement, football bosses said an emergency meeting would be held on Friday morning.
It read: "In light of Arsenal’s announcement tonight confirming that their first team coach Mikel Arteta has tested positive for COVID-19, the Premier League will convene an emergency club meeting tomorrow morning regarding future fixtures." And after the massive news, Brighton and Hove Albion announced that their game with the Gunners on Saturday would be called OFF.
In the early hours of Friday morning there was yet another twist, as Chelsea announced teenage star Callum Hudson-Odoi had also tested positive for coronavirus.
The 19-year-old became the first Premier League player to return a positive test. Dozens of football and sports leagues across Europe and the world announced they would suspend fixtures, with many already playing behind closed doors.
Man City's Champions League game with Real Madrid has been postponed after the Spanish side were quarantined, while dozens more games across Europe are being played without fans. LaLiga, Ligue 1, Eredivisie, the Primeira Liga, MLS and the Turkish Super Lig have all now been SUSPENDED - as well as several other major sports leagues in Europe and the US. Euro 2020 is also on the brink of being delayed a year with Euro bigwigs to meet in a crisis summit next week, with this season's Champions League and Europa League also to be discussed.
On a dramatic Thursday in football:
- Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta tests positive for coronavirus
- In the early hours of Friday morning, Chelsea announce Callum Hudson-Odoi is the first player to test positive
- Premier League chiefs say all fixtures will go ahead - before U-turn
- An emergency meeting will now take place on Friday morning to decide whether games are on or off
- Brighton later announce their game with Arsenal on Saturday is OFF
- EFL chiefs say lower divisions also set to be played
- Leagues across Europe follow Serie A's lead and suspend all games until further notice
- Brendan Rodgers confirms three Leicester City players are showing symptoms
- Three Watford players were sent home from training on Thursday after showing symptoms
- Euro 2020 on the brink with crisis talks to take place next week
- Champions League and Europa League also under threat
- Prime Minister Boris Johnson says banning all sporting events is under consideration
- Chelsea players told to stay away from the training ground
- Man City's Champions League game with Real Madrid postponed
- Fifa announced eight South American World Cup qualifiers due to take place this month have been hit
In an announcement on the Arsenal website at around 10.30pm, Arteta said: "This is really disappointing but I took the test after feeling poorly. I will be at work as soon as I’m allowed." Earlier on Thursday, Chelsea axed training after a member of staff showed signs of the deadly virus and Brendan Rodgers confirmed THREE of his Leicester City players had symptoms. At least three other players - now revealed to be Watford stars - were also suspected of having Covid-19.
Speaking at an emergency Cobra meeting on Thursday, Prime Minister Johnson said: "We are considering the question of banning major public events such as sporting fixtures. “The scientific advice is that this will have little effect on the spread but there's also the issue of the burden such events can place on public services.” Earlier, Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers today confirmed three of his team are displaying signs of the deadly disease and have been isolated from the rest of the squad.
In a statement, the club said: "In recent days, all three players presented with extremely mild illness and were advised by Club medical staff, consistent with current government guidance, to stay home." It added: "Their symptoms were consistent with common seasonal illness and a seven-day period of self-isolation was appropriate as a precaution." Another unnamed Premier League side are also said to have a trio showing symptoms with the whole squad due to be tested today.
FOXES FEARS
One of the affected Leicester players first showed symptoms earlier this week and was immediately self-isolated. But after appearing to improve, he is said to have relapsed since. Rodgers said: "We've had a few players that have shown symptoms and signs (of coronavirus).
"We’ve followed procedures and (as a precaution) they have been kept away from the squad." Asked about the effect of the outbreak on Premier League football, The Foxes boss added: "Of course, from a football perspective, it would be a shame, but the public’s health is the most important aspect in all of this.
"Working in football, it’s about having that agility to move with what’s happening in football. "We’re guided by football and federations. We have to press on with our work and prepare as normal. "The game is all about the players and the fans. "If you have one of those not there, it’s obviously not the same."
Leicester's game at Watford on Saturday lunch time will certainly be called off if the results come back positive. But the news puts even greater pressure on English football authorities to suspend all matches in line with their European counterparts.
The Sun
Ricardo Pereira out for season with a knee injury as James Maddison picks up a calf problem
Leicester City's Ricardo Pereira will miss the rest of the season after damaging his knee ligaments in Monday's Premier League win over Aston Villa.
The 26-year-old Portugal full-back, who will also miss Euro 2020, has made 28 league appearances this term.
"It's a blow for us. Hopefully we can get him back for some time around pre-season," said manager Brendan Rodgers.
Rodgers also said that James Maddison has picked up a calf injury that will keep him out two weeks.
It means the England midfielder will miss both Saturday's Premier League trip to Watford and the Foxes' FA Cup quarter-final against Chelsea on Saturday 21 March (both 12:30 GMT).
Rodgers had earlier confirmed that three of the club's first-team players have self-isolated after showing symptoms of coronavirus and "have been kept away from the rest of the squad." (See below)
BBC Sport
Leicester City's Ricardo Pereira will miss the rest of the season after damaging his knee ligaments in Monday's Premier League win over Aston Villa.
The 26-year-old Portugal full-back, who will also miss Euro 2020, has made 28 league appearances this term.
"It's a blow for us. Hopefully we can get him back for some time around pre-season," said manager Brendan Rodgers.
Rodgers also said that James Maddison has picked up a calf injury that will keep him out two weeks.
It means the England midfielder will miss both Saturday's Premier League trip to Watford and the Foxes' FA Cup quarter-final against Chelsea on Saturday 21 March (both 12:30 GMT).
Rodgers had earlier confirmed that three of the club's first-team players have self-isolated after showing symptoms of coronavirus and "have been kept away from the rest of the squad." (See below)
BBC Sport
Coronavirus: Three Leicester City players in isolation after showing symptoms
Three Leicester City first-team players have self-isolated after showing symptoms of coronavirus and "have been kept away from the rest of the squad", manager Brendan Rodgers has said.
Rodgers did not specify which players had been quarantined but added that the club had "followed procedures". The Foxes are due to play Watford at Vicarage Road in the Premier League on Saturday at 12:30 GMT.
"We had a few players that have shown symptoms and signs," Rodgers said. "It would be a shame [if the Watford game were postponed], but the public's health is the most important in all of this."
Asked if the game could be played behind closed doors, Rodgers said: "The game is all about the players and the fans and if you have one of those not there, it's obviously not the same."
Leicester later released a statement saying: "In recent days, all three players presented with extremely mild illness and were advised by club medical staff, consistent with current government guidance.
"All three players were subsequently advised by NHS 111 that their symptoms were consistent with common seasonal illness and that a seven-day period of self-isolation was appropriate as a precaution. There was no recommendation that further testing would be necessary. The club is in regular contact with the relevant players, whose symptoms remain mild and self-manageable."
The UK government is expected to announce on Thursday that it is stepping up its response to the pandemic. It is anticipated the UK will switch to tactics aimed at delaying its spread, rather than containing it, when the government's emergency committee meets.
Delay is the phase in which "social distancing" measures will be considered - which could include restrictions on public gatherings above a certain number of people, although this is not thought likely at this stage.
It comes after the World Health Organization designated the outbreak of the disease a pandemic. There are 484 confirmed cases in the UK and eight people have died.
Top-flight leagues in Spain and Italy have been postponed, while Wednesday's game between Manchester City and Arsenal was postponed as a "precautionary measure".
Five Gunners players were in self-isolation after meeting Olympiakos owner Evangelos Marinakis.
BBC Sport
Three Leicester City first-team players have self-isolated after showing symptoms of coronavirus and "have been kept away from the rest of the squad", manager Brendan Rodgers has said.
Rodgers did not specify which players had been quarantined but added that the club had "followed procedures". The Foxes are due to play Watford at Vicarage Road in the Premier League on Saturday at 12:30 GMT.
"We had a few players that have shown symptoms and signs," Rodgers said. "It would be a shame [if the Watford game were postponed], but the public's health is the most important in all of this."
Asked if the game could be played behind closed doors, Rodgers said: "The game is all about the players and the fans and if you have one of those not there, it's obviously not the same."
Leicester later released a statement saying: "In recent days, all three players presented with extremely mild illness and were advised by club medical staff, consistent with current government guidance.
"All three players were subsequently advised by NHS 111 that their symptoms were consistent with common seasonal illness and that a seven-day period of self-isolation was appropriate as a precaution. There was no recommendation that further testing would be necessary. The club is in regular contact with the relevant players, whose symptoms remain mild and self-manageable."
The UK government is expected to announce on Thursday that it is stepping up its response to the pandemic. It is anticipated the UK will switch to tactics aimed at delaying its spread, rather than containing it, when the government's emergency committee meets.
Delay is the phase in which "social distancing" measures will be considered - which could include restrictions on public gatherings above a certain number of people, although this is not thought likely at this stage.
It comes after the World Health Organization designated the outbreak of the disease a pandemic. There are 484 confirmed cases in the UK and eight people have died.
Top-flight leagues in Spain and Italy have been postponed, while Wednesday's game between Manchester City and Arsenal was postponed as a "precautionary measure".
Five Gunners players were in self-isolation after meeting Olympiakos owner Evangelos Marinakis.
BBC Sport
Harvey Barnes explains Brendan Rodgers impact as Leicester push for Champions League
Leicester maintained their push for a Champions League place by thrashing Aston Villa on Monday night - and in-form Harvey Barnes paid special tribute to his manager Brendan Rodgers
Harvey Barnes says Aston Villa had it coming after Leicester dished out another heavy defeat. The Foxes won 4-0 to add to their 4-1 win at Villa Park earlier this season but it's the Carabao Cup semi-final defeat which still haunts them.
Villa snatched a Wembley date out of their hands with a stoppage time winner and Barnes says that was the lowest point of the season for Brendan Rodgers' men.The 22-year-old scored his first ever double for the club and underlined why people are starting to talk about him.
He's scored six since the turn of the year and is even being linked with a possible England call-up.
Barnes revealed that the hurt of their Cup KO had been mentioned in the dressing room, saying: “Yeah. It was a motivation point for us. We were all so disappointed.
“I think that was probably one of the lowest points of the season so far. So for us to bounce back the way we did tonight was great.
“We knew we owed them one and that showed in our performance. It was a big match in more ways than one.” Barnes added: “The last time we played them in the cup, we were gutted at how that went. Plus we were going into this game on the back of a few poor results as well.
“We knew we needed to get that first win under our belts again, so there were a few factors going into it. “Obviously they were coming here fighting for their lives at the minute. We wanted to get revenge for how the cup games went, so it was going to be a big game and we knew that.”
Academy product Barnes is flourishing under Rodgers and is delighted he's getting paid back with goals. Victory over Villa ended a disappointing run and kept them right in the running for a Champions League spot.
He adds: “The first part of the season I was performing well but the goals weren’t coming. Now since the turn of the year the goals have been flowing in. “I obviously want to score as many as I can so it’s been a really good start to the new year.
“It's definitely boosting my confidence. Playing in this style the manager gives you that. Those attacking players are in the team for a reason – to go and score and create goals. “So when you get the ball in the final third you know you have got the full confidence of the team and the manager to go and show what you’re all about.”
Daily Star
Leicester maintained their push for a Champions League place by thrashing Aston Villa on Monday night - and in-form Harvey Barnes paid special tribute to his manager Brendan Rodgers
Harvey Barnes says Aston Villa had it coming after Leicester dished out another heavy defeat. The Foxes won 4-0 to add to their 4-1 win at Villa Park earlier this season but it's the Carabao Cup semi-final defeat which still haunts them.
Villa snatched a Wembley date out of their hands with a stoppage time winner and Barnes says that was the lowest point of the season for Brendan Rodgers' men.The 22-year-old scored his first ever double for the club and underlined why people are starting to talk about him.
He's scored six since the turn of the year and is even being linked with a possible England call-up.
Barnes revealed that the hurt of their Cup KO had been mentioned in the dressing room, saying: “Yeah. It was a motivation point for us. We were all so disappointed.
“I think that was probably one of the lowest points of the season so far. So for us to bounce back the way we did tonight was great.
“We knew we owed them one and that showed in our performance. It was a big match in more ways than one.” Barnes added: “The last time we played them in the cup, we were gutted at how that went. Plus we were going into this game on the back of a few poor results as well.
“We knew we needed to get that first win under our belts again, so there were a few factors going into it. “Obviously they were coming here fighting for their lives at the minute. We wanted to get revenge for how the cup games went, so it was going to be a big game and we knew that.”
Academy product Barnes is flourishing under Rodgers and is delighted he's getting paid back with goals. Victory over Villa ended a disappointing run and kept them right in the running for a Champions League spot.
He adds: “The first part of the season I was performing well but the goals weren’t coming. Now since the turn of the year the goals have been flowing in. “I obviously want to score as many as I can so it’s been a really good start to the new year.
“It's definitely boosting my confidence. Playing in this style the manager gives you that. Those attacking players are in the team for a reason – to go and score and create goals. “So when you get the ball in the final third you know you have got the full confidence of the team and the manager to go and show what you’re all about.”
Daily Star
Jamie Vardy explains what Pepe Reina told him before penalty vs Aston Villa
Vardy called Reina's bluff just minutes after coming on as former Liverpool keeper tried to play mind games with Leicester forward
Jamie Vardy brilliantly called Pepe Reina's bluff as he scored a penalty just minutes after coming on in Leicester's 4-0 win over Aston Villa on Monday.
He and Harvey Barnes scored twice each as Leicester returned to form, with Vardy's double representing his first two goals in 10 games.
Vardy held his nerve for the first of those goals, drilling a penalty straight down the middle just minutes after coming off the bench. And what was impressive was that just moments earlier, Reina had told him that was exactly what he was going to do, as the Villa goalkeeper tried to play mind games with the Foxes forward.
Asked after the game whether the pressure on the penalty was greater given he had only just got on the pitch, Vardy told Sky Sports: "No, it made it a bit easier.
"The keeper said I was going down the middle - and I was. So he's tried to play my bluff and I've ended up calling his."
Former Liverpool keeper Reina made a howler that led to Leicester's opener as he charged out of his box to close down Barnes, only for the Leicester winger to sidestep him easily and fire home.
Tyrone Mings was then penalised for a handball from a Barnes cross, with Vardy doubling the lead from the spot. Vardy smashed home his second at the near post from inside the box, before Barnes pulled up his double from a Marc Albrighton cross.
The Mirror
Vardy called Reina's bluff just minutes after coming on as former Liverpool keeper tried to play mind games with Leicester forward
Jamie Vardy brilliantly called Pepe Reina's bluff as he scored a penalty just minutes after coming on in Leicester's 4-0 win over Aston Villa on Monday.
He and Harvey Barnes scored twice each as Leicester returned to form, with Vardy's double representing his first two goals in 10 games.
Vardy held his nerve for the first of those goals, drilling a penalty straight down the middle just minutes after coming off the bench. And what was impressive was that just moments earlier, Reina had told him that was exactly what he was going to do, as the Villa goalkeeper tried to play mind games with the Foxes forward.
Asked after the game whether the pressure on the penalty was greater given he had only just got on the pitch, Vardy told Sky Sports: "No, it made it a bit easier.
"The keeper said I was going down the middle - and I was. So he's tried to play my bluff and I've ended up calling his."
Former Liverpool keeper Reina made a howler that led to Leicester's opener as he charged out of his box to close down Barnes, only for the Leicester winger to sidestep him easily and fire home.
Tyrone Mings was then penalised for a handball from a Barnes cross, with Vardy doubling the lead from the spot. Vardy smashed home his second at the near post from inside the box, before Barnes pulled up his double from a Marc Albrighton cross.
The Mirror
Jamie Vardy has not ruled out returning to England duty - but confirmed he hasn't held any talks with national team boss Gareth Southgate
Vardy withdrew himself from England selection in August 2018, telling Southgate he would only return if there was an injury crisis.
Fast forward 18 months and England's first-choice strikers - Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford - are touch and go for Euro 2020, prompting renewed speculation about whether Vardy would consider an England return.
"Who knows?" Vardy told Sky Sports in an exclusive interview. "Gareth and I were both agreed that the door would still be open for whatever reason and then we would sit down and have a talk about it [if needed]. "We've not had the chat or anything yet and nothing has been spoken about. The lads (Kane and Rashford) are out injured, but they're looking to be back in time. So only time will tell."
Vardy returned to scoring form on Monday Night Football, netting twice in Leicester's emphatic 4-0 victory. Vardy had missed the previous two Leicester games with a minor calf injury, which struck following a nine-game scoring drought.
Before that, however, Vardy had been enjoying a prolific campaign, with many observers convinced his domestic form was linked to his absence from the international scene.
"I'm not going to lie, I've had a few extra days off in the international breaks so I've been able to switch off completely from football and it is always beneficial sometimes," said Vardy.
"Knowing that when you get back it's constant again, it's 100 per cent football every day so it's one of those things that has benefited me."
Sky Sports
Vardy withdrew himself from England selection in August 2018, telling Southgate he would only return if there was an injury crisis.
Fast forward 18 months and England's first-choice strikers - Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford - are touch and go for Euro 2020, prompting renewed speculation about whether Vardy would consider an England return.
"Who knows?" Vardy told Sky Sports in an exclusive interview. "Gareth and I were both agreed that the door would still be open for whatever reason and then we would sit down and have a talk about it [if needed]. "We've not had the chat or anything yet and nothing has been spoken about. The lads (Kane and Rashford) are out injured, but they're looking to be back in time. So only time will tell."
Vardy returned to scoring form on Monday Night Football, netting twice in Leicester's emphatic 4-0 victory. Vardy had missed the previous two Leicester games with a minor calf injury, which struck following a nine-game scoring drought.
Before that, however, Vardy had been enjoying a prolific campaign, with many observers convinced his domestic form was linked to his absence from the international scene.
"I'm not going to lie, I've had a few extra days off in the international breaks so I've been able to switch off completely from football and it is always beneficial sometimes," said Vardy.
"Knowing that when you get back it's constant again, it's 100 per cent football every day so it's one of those things that has benefited me."
Sky Sports
Leicester City 4-0 Aston Villa
Braces from Vardy & Barnes consolidate Leicester Champions League place
Jamie Vardy's nine-game goal drought came to an end as he came off the bench to score twice in Leicester City's convincing win over Aston Villa.
The Foxes led through Harvey Barnes' goal after the winger took advantage of visiting keeper Pepe Reina's baffling decision to run out of his box.
Vardy's first touch was to score a penalty after Tyrone Mings' handball, before he smashed in at the near post. Barnes scored his second from a Marc Albrighton cross.
It was third-placed Leicester's first win in five Premier League games, while Dean Smith's side remain in the relegation zone after a fifth consecutive defeat in all competitions.
Leicester had missed Vardy for a couple of weeks with a calf injury, but really they had been missing his goals since 21 December when he last scored against Manchester City. Since then he had gone nine games in league and cup without scoring.
Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers said it was no coincidence their recent blip - two points from four games - came during midfielder Wilfried Ndidi's absence. Ndidi was back, and so too is Vardy.
Leicester were already ahead when the 33-year-old Englishman replaced Kelechi Iheanacho after 59 minutes. The first thing he did was slot a spot-kick down the centre after Mings had been penalised for handball. The ball appeared to hit centre-back Mings' shoulder - but the decision stood after a check by the video assistant referee.
Vardy only had seven touches of the ball - but two of them were goals. His second arrived after his attempted cross had come back to him, allowing him to rifle past Reina at his near post.
That was a particularly impressive goal, starting with defender Jonny Evans winning the ball outside his own box before playing it forward to Barnes, who found Vardy.
Leicester's fourth gave them a scoreline their performance deserved - Barnes, who merited his second goal for an industrious performance, blasting home from Albrighton's cross.
The result boosts Leicester's Champions League chances, with the 2016 title-winners sitting eight points above fifth-placed Manchester United with nine matches remaining.
BBC Sport
Braces from Vardy & Barnes consolidate Leicester Champions League place
Jamie Vardy's nine-game goal drought came to an end as he came off the bench to score twice in Leicester City's convincing win over Aston Villa.
The Foxes led through Harvey Barnes' goal after the winger took advantage of visiting keeper Pepe Reina's baffling decision to run out of his box.
Vardy's first touch was to score a penalty after Tyrone Mings' handball, before he smashed in at the near post. Barnes scored his second from a Marc Albrighton cross.
It was third-placed Leicester's first win in five Premier League games, while Dean Smith's side remain in the relegation zone after a fifth consecutive defeat in all competitions.
Leicester had missed Vardy for a couple of weeks with a calf injury, but really they had been missing his goals since 21 December when he last scored against Manchester City. Since then he had gone nine games in league and cup without scoring.
Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers said it was no coincidence their recent blip - two points from four games - came during midfielder Wilfried Ndidi's absence. Ndidi was back, and so too is Vardy.
Leicester were already ahead when the 33-year-old Englishman replaced Kelechi Iheanacho after 59 minutes. The first thing he did was slot a spot-kick down the centre after Mings had been penalised for handball. The ball appeared to hit centre-back Mings' shoulder - but the decision stood after a check by the video assistant referee.
Vardy only had seven touches of the ball - but two of them were goals. His second arrived after his attempted cross had come back to him, allowing him to rifle past Reina at his near post.
That was a particularly impressive goal, starting with defender Jonny Evans winning the ball outside his own box before playing it forward to Barnes, who found Vardy.
Leicester's fourth gave them a scoreline their performance deserved - Barnes, who merited his second goal for an industrious performance, blasting home from Albrighton's cross.
The result boosts Leicester's Champions League chances, with the 2016 title-winners sitting eight points above fifth-placed Manchester United with nine matches remaining.
BBC Sport
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers welcomes back 'irrepressible' Wilfred Ndidi
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers admits his side have missed the "irrepressible" Wilfred Ndidi and has welcomed the defensive midfielder's return from injury as the Foxes look to seal a place in the Champions League.
Ndidi underwent knee surgery on January 9 after damaging his meniscus in training. Remarkably, he returned just 13 days later as a substitute against West Ham before starting the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at Aston Villa.
With hindsight, his comeback was probably too soon as the 23-year-old was then absent for a month after complaining of soreness following the surgery and was kept out of the first-team picture while he properly rehabilitated his knee.
A second return at Norwich - again from the bench - preceded his first start for over a month against Birmingham in the FA Cup in midweek.
In Ndidi's absence, Leicester failed to win any of their four Premier League matches, scoring just two goals, and Rodgers insists the dip in form was no coincidence.
"I'm not surprised, no. We know we are a better team with him in it, there's no question," said the Foxes boss, whose team host Villa on Monday Night Football.
"We've got some other really good players in our squad who can come in and do a job, but when you're without one of the best players in that position in the league, he's always going to be a miss.
"Some of the guys have come in and done fantastic, and we've won games without Wilf, but just in general, he's irrepressible and what he gives the team and what he allows the others to be able to do. "It was great for him to get 60 minutes on Wednesday night and hopefully he can stay fit now because he's very important for us."
Despite taking only 12 points from their last 12 Premier League games, Leicester remain on course to qualify for the Champions League for only the second time in the club's history.
Rodgers admits the benefits of being in the competition would make it easier to cope with losing a key player like Ndidi in the future, as he will be able to strengthen the squad. "Hopefully by the end of the season, that will be the case," said Rodgers. "Each year you want to improve. There's no doubt that's what our aim would be.
"We're working virtually with a similar squad, by the end of the season, for near on 18 months, so you need to refresh it. You need to keep looking to raise the bar, and that sort of plan is under way.
"I think the key now is to finish the job and give everything to get to where we want to at the end of the season, and then we can look at that." Jamie Vardy is expected to return to the Leicester squad against Villa. The striker, who has scored 17 Premier League goals this season, has missed the last two matches with a calf injury. However, left-back Ben Chilwell is a doubt with a hamstring problem.
Sky Sports
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers admits his side have missed the "irrepressible" Wilfred Ndidi and has welcomed the defensive midfielder's return from injury as the Foxes look to seal a place in the Champions League.
Ndidi underwent knee surgery on January 9 after damaging his meniscus in training. Remarkably, he returned just 13 days later as a substitute against West Ham before starting the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at Aston Villa.
With hindsight, his comeback was probably too soon as the 23-year-old was then absent for a month after complaining of soreness following the surgery and was kept out of the first-team picture while he properly rehabilitated his knee.
A second return at Norwich - again from the bench - preceded his first start for over a month against Birmingham in the FA Cup in midweek.
In Ndidi's absence, Leicester failed to win any of their four Premier League matches, scoring just two goals, and Rodgers insists the dip in form was no coincidence.
"I'm not surprised, no. We know we are a better team with him in it, there's no question," said the Foxes boss, whose team host Villa on Monday Night Football.
"We've got some other really good players in our squad who can come in and do a job, but when you're without one of the best players in that position in the league, he's always going to be a miss.
"Some of the guys have come in and done fantastic, and we've won games without Wilf, but just in general, he's irrepressible and what he gives the team and what he allows the others to be able to do. "It was great for him to get 60 minutes on Wednesday night and hopefully he can stay fit now because he's very important for us."
Despite taking only 12 points from their last 12 Premier League games, Leicester remain on course to qualify for the Champions League for only the second time in the club's history.
Rodgers admits the benefits of being in the competition would make it easier to cope with losing a key player like Ndidi in the future, as he will be able to strengthen the squad. "Hopefully by the end of the season, that will be the case," said Rodgers. "Each year you want to improve. There's no doubt that's what our aim would be.
"We're working virtually with a similar squad, by the end of the season, for near on 18 months, so you need to refresh it. You need to keep looking to raise the bar, and that sort of plan is under way.
"I think the key now is to finish the job and give everything to get to where we want to at the end of the season, and then we can look at that." Jamie Vardy is expected to return to the Leicester squad against Villa. The striker, who has scored 17 Premier League goals this season, has missed the last two matches with a calf injury. However, left-back Ben Chilwell is a doubt with a hamstring problem.
Sky Sports
Leicester not looking for revenge mission against Aston Villa – Brendan Rodgers
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers insists the Premier League clash against Aston Villa is not a revenge mission for his side.
Monday night’s opponents inflicted heartache on the Foxes a few weeks ago by denying them a trip to Wembley in the Carabao Cup, with Trezeguet’s injury-time goal sealing victory for Villa and sending them to the final. Rodgers revealed that reaching the final of that competition was something Leicester had targeted at the beginning of the campaign. However, he insists the Foxes’ only focus now is achieving another of their pre-season goals – qualifying for the Champions League.
“No, no revenge,” said Rodgers. “We played well in the league game there but in the semi-final Villa played very well and deserved to go through. “In general in the games, we dominated. But they defended very well. We didn’t take our opportunities in the first leg and in the second leg, their keeper made three fantastic saves.
“We set six targets at the beginning of the season and one was to get to the final of the League Cup, we didn’t quite make it. Now, we are entering the last 10 games of the season and our other targets remain very much on track.
“Naturally any team – if you’re in this position – will want to finish in a Champions League position.” While Leicester are hoping to qualify for Europe’s premier club competition, Villa are fighting for their lives towards the bottom of the Premier League table.
Rodgers insists league position counts for little at this stage of the season, saying: “In this period, whoever you’re playing on paper, it doesn’t matter. “You get to this stage of the season, teams are going to be fighting for their lives. Every team is going to be pushing with a purpose and that’s no different to us. “Villa have some very talented players and we know it will be another tough game. But really it’s about how we can hurt Aston Villa and we know that if we can bring our best game, we have a good chance of winning.”
Jamie Vardy is expected to return to the Leicester squad on Monday night. The striker, who has scored 17 Premier League goals this season, has missed the last two matches with a calf injury but Rodgers is optimistic he will have his talisman back in contention.
While Vardy’s return will come as an undoubted boost, Leicester may be dealt a blow by the absence of left-back Ben Chilwell as he is nursing a hamstring problem.
FourFourTwo
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers insists the Premier League clash against Aston Villa is not a revenge mission for his side.
Monday night’s opponents inflicted heartache on the Foxes a few weeks ago by denying them a trip to Wembley in the Carabao Cup, with Trezeguet’s injury-time goal sealing victory for Villa and sending them to the final. Rodgers revealed that reaching the final of that competition was something Leicester had targeted at the beginning of the campaign. However, he insists the Foxes’ only focus now is achieving another of their pre-season goals – qualifying for the Champions League.
“No, no revenge,” said Rodgers. “We played well in the league game there but in the semi-final Villa played very well and deserved to go through. “In general in the games, we dominated. But they defended very well. We didn’t take our opportunities in the first leg and in the second leg, their keeper made three fantastic saves.
“We set six targets at the beginning of the season and one was to get to the final of the League Cup, we didn’t quite make it. Now, we are entering the last 10 games of the season and our other targets remain very much on track.
“Naturally any team – if you’re in this position – will want to finish in a Champions League position.” While Leicester are hoping to qualify for Europe’s premier club competition, Villa are fighting for their lives towards the bottom of the Premier League table.
Rodgers insists league position counts for little at this stage of the season, saying: “In this period, whoever you’re playing on paper, it doesn’t matter. “You get to this stage of the season, teams are going to be fighting for their lives. Every team is going to be pushing with a purpose and that’s no different to us. “Villa have some very talented players and we know it will be another tough game. But really it’s about how we can hurt Aston Villa and we know that if we can bring our best game, we have a good chance of winning.”
Jamie Vardy is expected to return to the Leicester squad on Monday night. The striker, who has scored 17 Premier League goals this season, has missed the last two matches with a calf injury but Rodgers is optimistic he will have his talisman back in contention.
While Vardy’s return will come as an undoubted boost, Leicester may be dealt a blow by the absence of left-back Ben Chilwell as he is nursing a hamstring problem.
FourFourTwo
'Let's finish the job': Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers hopes securing Champions League football will allow him to strengthen his squad
Brendan Rodgers hopes the prospect of Champions League football will allow him to make the changes that are required to the Leicester squad this summer.
Despite a patchy start to 2020, the Foxes remain on track for a top-four finish.
Going into Monday's clash with struggling Aston Villa, Rodgers' men are third in the table with a two-point cushion to fourth-placed Chelsea.
Yet the loss of Jamie Vardy and Wilfred Ndidi at key moments since the turn of the year has shown Rodgers that he will need a deeper squad to further compete next term.
He said: 'Hopefully by the end of the season, that will be the case. Each year you want to improve.
'There's no doubt that's what our aim would be. We're working virtually with a similar squad, by the end of the season, for near on 18 months, so you need to refresh it, you need to keep looking to raise the bar. 'That sort of plan is under way. I think the key now is to finish the job and give everything to get to where we want to at the end of the season, and then we can look at that.' Ndidi is now available again after knee trouble, while Rodgers hopes Vardy will be involved against Dean Smith's struggling side despite missing the last two games with a calf injury.
Leicester are aiming to complete a league double over Villa after winning 4-1 away from home earlier in the campaign, though Villa ended Leicester's Carabao Cup hopes with a 3-2 aggregate victory in the semi-finals. The duel between Leicester's James Maddison and Villa's Jack Grealish will provide an intriguing sub-plot as both players strive for a place in England's Euro 2020 squad, with Rodgers again praising Maddison despite a loss of form in recent games.
He added: 'I think he's still one of the most creative players for us. He's played at a really high level for most of this season. 'He's been 8 or 9 out of 10 virtually every game. If he's dipped below that, it's what happens sometimes.
I'm not worried about him, he's still a fantastic player for us. He's assisted goals and he's scored himself.'
Daily Mail
Brendan Rodgers hopes the prospect of Champions League football will allow him to make the changes that are required to the Leicester squad this summer.
Despite a patchy start to 2020, the Foxes remain on track for a top-four finish.
Going into Monday's clash with struggling Aston Villa, Rodgers' men are third in the table with a two-point cushion to fourth-placed Chelsea.
Yet the loss of Jamie Vardy and Wilfred Ndidi at key moments since the turn of the year has shown Rodgers that he will need a deeper squad to further compete next term.
He said: 'Hopefully by the end of the season, that will be the case. Each year you want to improve.
'There's no doubt that's what our aim would be. We're working virtually with a similar squad, by the end of the season, for near on 18 months, so you need to refresh it, you need to keep looking to raise the bar. 'That sort of plan is under way. I think the key now is to finish the job and give everything to get to where we want to at the end of the season, and then we can look at that.' Ndidi is now available again after knee trouble, while Rodgers hopes Vardy will be involved against Dean Smith's struggling side despite missing the last two games with a calf injury.
Leicester are aiming to complete a league double over Villa after winning 4-1 away from home earlier in the campaign, though Villa ended Leicester's Carabao Cup hopes with a 3-2 aggregate victory in the semi-finals. The duel between Leicester's James Maddison and Villa's Jack Grealish will provide an intriguing sub-plot as both players strive for a place in England's Euro 2020 squad, with Rodgers again praising Maddison despite a loss of form in recent games.
He added: 'I think he's still one of the most creative players for us. He's played at a really high level for most of this season. 'He's been 8 or 9 out of 10 virtually every game. If he's dipped below that, it's what happens sometimes.
I'm not worried about him, he's still a fantastic player for us. He's assisted goals and he's scored himself.'
Daily Mail
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers targets 'historic' return to Champions League
Brendan Rodgers has his sights set on making this a "historical season" for Leicester by bringing Champions League football back to the King Power Stadium.
The Foxes competed in European football's elite competition for the first time in their history during the 2016-17 campaign, following their incredible Premier League title success, and remain on course to qualify again this season despite taking only 12 points from their last 12 Premier League games.
Heading into this weekend's fixtures third-placed Leicester still have an eight-point cushion on Manchester United in fifth place, which is poised to carry qualification if Manchester City fail to win an appeal against their UEFA ban.
For the first time, Rodgers talked openly of the prospect of Champions League football and he believes his team will need to win at least five of their remaining 10 Premier League matches if they are to finish in the top four. "We have an opportunity now with 10 games to go to make it a historical season," said the Leicester manager, whose side host Aston Villa live on Monday Night Football.
"If we can qualify into the Champions League for only the second time in the club's history, you think of the great players and the work that has gone on over many years here to be able to do that, it would be incredible. "But it's going to take a lot of hard work still, a lot of focus. But our aim was to have European football and we're in a great position to do that with just 10 games left.
"We are looking at least to win half of them, maybe more. That's our focus. It's something we are ready to embrace, we've put ourselves into great position, what's gone before is gone and we're in a brilliant position. "If you assess the position we are in, we don't want to finish any lower. Naturally any team if you're in this position will want to finish in a Champions League position.
"We know what we need to do and we'll finish as strong as we possibly can. And if that can keep us up where we are that would signify an incredible season for us."
Rodgers is keen to manage in the Champions League again having twice steered Celtic into the group stages during his time in Glasgow. He said: "Ultimately it is the best club competition in European football so of course you want to be in. The challenge for me here was to take a club outside the top six into the top six, that's why I came."
Jamie Vardy is expected to return to the Leicester squad against Villa. The striker, who has scored 17 Premier League goals this season, has missed the last two matches with a calf injury but Rodgers is optimistic he will have his talisman back in contention.
While Vardy's return will come as an undoubted boost, Leicester may be dealt a blow by the absence of left-back Ben Chilwell as he is nursing a hamstring problem.
Sky Sports
Brendan Rodgers has his sights set on making this a "historical season" for Leicester by bringing Champions League football back to the King Power Stadium.
The Foxes competed in European football's elite competition for the first time in their history during the 2016-17 campaign, following their incredible Premier League title success, and remain on course to qualify again this season despite taking only 12 points from their last 12 Premier League games.
Heading into this weekend's fixtures third-placed Leicester still have an eight-point cushion on Manchester United in fifth place, which is poised to carry qualification if Manchester City fail to win an appeal against their UEFA ban.
For the first time, Rodgers talked openly of the prospect of Champions League football and he believes his team will need to win at least five of their remaining 10 Premier League matches if they are to finish in the top four. "We have an opportunity now with 10 games to go to make it a historical season," said the Leicester manager, whose side host Aston Villa live on Monday Night Football.
"If we can qualify into the Champions League for only the second time in the club's history, you think of the great players and the work that has gone on over many years here to be able to do that, it would be incredible. "But it's going to take a lot of hard work still, a lot of focus. But our aim was to have European football and we're in a great position to do that with just 10 games left.
"We are looking at least to win half of them, maybe more. That's our focus. It's something we are ready to embrace, we've put ourselves into great position, what's gone before is gone and we're in a brilliant position. "If you assess the position we are in, we don't want to finish any lower. Naturally any team if you're in this position will want to finish in a Champions League position.
"We know what we need to do and we'll finish as strong as we possibly can. And if that can keep us up where we are that would signify an incredible season for us."
Rodgers is keen to manage in the Champions League again having twice steered Celtic into the group stages during his time in Glasgow. He said: "Ultimately it is the best club competition in European football so of course you want to be in. The challenge for me here was to take a club outside the top six into the top six, that's why I came."
Jamie Vardy is expected to return to the Leicester squad against Villa. The striker, who has scored 17 Premier League goals this season, has missed the last two matches with a calf injury but Rodgers is optimistic he will have his talisman back in contention.
While Vardy's return will come as an undoubted boost, Leicester may be dealt a blow by the absence of left-back Ben Chilwell as he is nursing a hamstring problem.
Sky Sports
Jamie Vardy expected to return for Leicester in game with Aston Villa
Jamie Vardy is expected to return to the Leicester squad for Monday night’s home clash with Aston Villa.
The striker, who has scored 17 Premier League goals this season, has missed the last two matches with a calf injury but Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers is optimistic he will have his talisman back in contention.
While Vardy’s return will come as an undoubted boost, Leicester may be dealt a blow by the absence of left-back Ben Chilwell as he is nursing a hamstring problem.
Villa’s John McGinn is nearing a comeback from his fractured ankle which has sidelined him for three months.
The midfielder could be available to face Chelsea next weekend but will not feature at the King Power Stadium on Monday
.
Boss Dean Smith has no other fitness concerns and could recall Pepe Reina after he was a substitute in the 2-1 Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City on Sunday.
Leicester provisional squad: Schmeichel, Ward, Justin, Evans, Chilwell, Pereira, Soyuncu, Barnes, Tielemans, Perez, Maddison, Vardy, Morgan, Ndidi, Choudhury, Praet, Albrighton, Gray, Iheanacho, James, Bennett
Aston Villa provisional squad: Reina, Nyland, Sarkic, Guilbert, Engels, Konsa, Mings, Taylor, Drinkwater, Elmohamady, Luiz, Nakamba, Targett, Grealish, Trezeguet, El Ghazi, Hourihane, Jota, Lansbury, Samatta, Baston, Vassilev.
FourFourTwo
Jamie Vardy is expected to return to the Leicester squad for Monday night’s home clash with Aston Villa.
The striker, who has scored 17 Premier League goals this season, has missed the last two matches with a calf injury but Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers is optimistic he will have his talisman back in contention.
While Vardy’s return will come as an undoubted boost, Leicester may be dealt a blow by the absence of left-back Ben Chilwell as he is nursing a hamstring problem.
Villa’s John McGinn is nearing a comeback from his fractured ankle which has sidelined him for three months.
The midfielder could be available to face Chelsea next weekend but will not feature at the King Power Stadium on Monday
.
Boss Dean Smith has no other fitness concerns and could recall Pepe Reina after he was a substitute in the 2-1 Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City on Sunday.
Leicester provisional squad: Schmeichel, Ward, Justin, Evans, Chilwell, Pereira, Soyuncu, Barnes, Tielemans, Perez, Maddison, Vardy, Morgan, Ndidi, Choudhury, Praet, Albrighton, Gray, Iheanacho, James, Bennett
Aston Villa provisional squad: Reina, Nyland, Sarkic, Guilbert, Engels, Konsa, Mings, Taylor, Drinkwater, Elmohamady, Luiz, Nakamba, Targett, Grealish, Trezeguet, El Ghazi, Hourihane, Jota, Lansbury, Samatta, Baston, Vassilev.
FourFourTwo
Why Man Utd are pursuing ‘no-brainer’ transfers for Jack Grealish and James Maddison
Manchester United look set to bolster their midfield in the summer transfer window and Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish and Leicester ace James Maddison fit the profile Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking for
Manchester United are pursuing both Jack Grealish and James Maddison in order to double their chances of landing a midfielder this summer. That’s according to respected journalist David Ornstein, who claims a deal for Leicester’s Maddison will be much harder to pull off.
The Red Devils finally landed their No.1 midfield target in January after snapping up Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon.
But rumours of United’s interest in Aston Villa talisman Grealish and England international Maddison refuse to go away. United signing both players would make little sense and Ornstein feels United are keeping their options open at this stage.
“I think it’s going to be interesting with Grealish because the suggestions have been around Grealish and Maddison mainly for the midfield,” he said on The Warm Down .
“I think, could be wrong here, but it’s about going for both and seeing what you come out with. “Both slightly similar profiles, positions etc.
“I think Maddison will be far tougher because Leicester could well qualify for the Champions League and Manchester might not. “Even if they both do, Leicester are in a really strong position contractually. “He’s not signed an extension and that’s one to watch out for. I think it’s very close and Leicester are hopeful but it’s not done yet.
“I could see him signing an extension with Leicester and then I’m just predicting here maybe in 18 months time we’re having the same sort of conversation again because it would appear his stock is only going to rise. “That would probably suit everyone. He proves himself to the likes of Manchester United at the top level, he develops more personally and professionally and Leicester get maximum value for him.”
With Villa 19th in the Premier League, two points off relegation, and Leicester on course for a Champions League spot, a move for Grealish looks more achievable.
But Ornstein admits the price tag Villa will demand based on their top flight status could be huge. After admitting Maddison is a ‘tougher one to pull off’ Ornstein gave a prediction on the value of Grealish. “Jack will want to leave Aston Villa, not because he’s desperate to leave the badge he’s Villa through and through and loves the club, but to move his career on,” he added.
“If Villa are released it’s a no-brainer and I think as a guess you’d be looking at £40m-£50m. “If they stay in the Premier league then Villa are in a strong position to demand £80m- £90m.
“My prediction would be that’s more likely than James Maddison.”
Daily Star
Manchester United look set to bolster their midfield in the summer transfer window and Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish and Leicester ace James Maddison fit the profile Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking for
Manchester United are pursuing both Jack Grealish and James Maddison in order to double their chances of landing a midfielder this summer. That’s according to respected journalist David Ornstein, who claims a deal for Leicester’s Maddison will be much harder to pull off.
The Red Devils finally landed their No.1 midfield target in January after snapping up Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon.
But rumours of United’s interest in Aston Villa talisman Grealish and England international Maddison refuse to go away. United signing both players would make little sense and Ornstein feels United are keeping their options open at this stage.
“I think it’s going to be interesting with Grealish because the suggestions have been around Grealish and Maddison mainly for the midfield,” he said on The Warm Down .
“I think, could be wrong here, but it’s about going for both and seeing what you come out with. “Both slightly similar profiles, positions etc.
“I think Maddison will be far tougher because Leicester could well qualify for the Champions League and Manchester might not. “Even if they both do, Leicester are in a really strong position contractually. “He’s not signed an extension and that’s one to watch out for. I think it’s very close and Leicester are hopeful but it’s not done yet.
“I could see him signing an extension with Leicester and then I’m just predicting here maybe in 18 months time we’re having the same sort of conversation again because it would appear his stock is only going to rise. “That would probably suit everyone. He proves himself to the likes of Manchester United at the top level, he develops more personally and professionally and Leicester get maximum value for him.”
With Villa 19th in the Premier League, two points off relegation, and Leicester on course for a Champions League spot, a move for Grealish looks more achievable.
But Ornstein admits the price tag Villa will demand based on their top flight status could be huge. After admitting Maddison is a ‘tougher one to pull off’ Ornstein gave a prediction on the value of Grealish. “Jack will want to leave Aston Villa, not because he’s desperate to leave the badge he’s Villa through and through and loves the club, but to move his career on,” he added.
“If Villa are released it’s a no-brainer and I think as a guess you’d be looking at £40m-£50m. “If they stay in the Premier league then Villa are in a strong position to demand £80m- £90m.
“My prediction would be that’s more likely than James Maddison.”
Daily Star
Premier League ban handshakes as coronavirus fears make behind closed doors games 'likely'
Coronavirus has already seen various sporting events already cancelled across the globe and the Premier Leaguer are putting plans in place
The prospect of Premier League fixtures being played behind closed doors is "quite likely." And the coronavirus crisis means the unthinkable prospect of the season’s run-in being played in front of empty stadiums and Liverpool lifting the title with no fans at Anfield.
That is the grim warning from one club executive while the pre-match handshakes before every game were on Thursday night outlawed by the Premier League as the situation gets worse by the day. Everton director Alexander Ryazantsev insists the same prospect is now heading for the Premier League. Ryazantsev told the FT Business of Football summit: "We feel it is quite likely it may happen in the coming weeks.
“It would be a forced decision rather than one we would proactively engage in. “But the whole situation goes far beyond the world of sport. “Of course nobody wants to play behind closed doors and I don’t think it’s inevitable at the moment that it will happen.”
The Premier League has now written to all of the 20 clubs and warned that if one player gets the killer bug then it could even mean that they will struggle to complete the season. That is why handshakes have now been banned and the Premier League have held contingency meetings and are now waiting on Government advice but they are still stressing it is sensible planning rather than imminent changes.
The e-mail from the League to the clubs read: “The first team environment is especially crucial: an outbreak affecting the first team of just one club could make completing the season very difficult to achieve.”
They have also told clubs that a contingency plan has been drawn up which includes copying Italy’s example and playing games behind closed doors as Serie A are doing for the next month. The email said: “After discussion with the Government's crisis planners, the main focus for our contingency planning is consideration of a 'behind closed doors' policy.”
Premier League bosses on Thursday night issued a statement on the pre-match line-up and handshakes before games when germs could be spread. "The Premier League fair-play handshake will not take place between players and match officials from this weekend until further notice based on medical advice," an official statement read.
"Coronavirus is spready via droplets from the nose and mouth and can be transmitted onto the hands and passed on via a handshake.
"Clubs and match officials will still perform the rest of the traditional walk-out protocol ahead of each fixture. "On entering the field of play, the two teams will continue to line up, accompanied by the Premier League music, then players from the home team will walk past their opposition without shaking their hands."
There is also growing doubt about England’s friendly at Wembley on March 27 because Italy has been the worst hit country in Europe so far.
The biggest fear of all is a player testing positive for the virus because that would effectively result in the whole club being shut down for weeks. That would result in a “domino effect” which could stop fixtures being completed with a growing fear some leagues will not be completed this season.
UEFA insisted this week they are pressing ahead with Euro 2020 which is being played across Europe this summer but there are growing fears about the Tokyo Olympics.
The Mirror
Coronavirus has already seen various sporting events already cancelled across the globe and the Premier Leaguer are putting plans in place
The prospect of Premier League fixtures being played behind closed doors is "quite likely." And the coronavirus crisis means the unthinkable prospect of the season’s run-in being played in front of empty stadiums and Liverpool lifting the title with no fans at Anfield.
That is the grim warning from one club executive while the pre-match handshakes before every game were on Thursday night outlawed by the Premier League as the situation gets worse by the day. Everton director Alexander Ryazantsev insists the same prospect is now heading for the Premier League. Ryazantsev told the FT Business of Football summit: "We feel it is quite likely it may happen in the coming weeks.
“It would be a forced decision rather than one we would proactively engage in. “But the whole situation goes far beyond the world of sport. “Of course nobody wants to play behind closed doors and I don’t think it’s inevitable at the moment that it will happen.”
The Premier League has now written to all of the 20 clubs and warned that if one player gets the killer bug then it could even mean that they will struggle to complete the season. That is why handshakes have now been banned and the Premier League have held contingency meetings and are now waiting on Government advice but they are still stressing it is sensible planning rather than imminent changes.
The e-mail from the League to the clubs read: “The first team environment is especially crucial: an outbreak affecting the first team of just one club could make completing the season very difficult to achieve.”
They have also told clubs that a contingency plan has been drawn up which includes copying Italy’s example and playing games behind closed doors as Serie A are doing for the next month. The email said: “After discussion with the Government's crisis planners, the main focus for our contingency planning is consideration of a 'behind closed doors' policy.”
Premier League bosses on Thursday night issued a statement on the pre-match line-up and handshakes before games when germs could be spread. "The Premier League fair-play handshake will not take place between players and match officials from this weekend until further notice based on medical advice," an official statement read.
"Coronavirus is spready via droplets from the nose and mouth and can be transmitted onto the hands and passed on via a handshake.
"Clubs and match officials will still perform the rest of the traditional walk-out protocol ahead of each fixture. "On entering the field of play, the two teams will continue to line up, accompanied by the Premier League music, then players from the home team will walk past their opposition without shaking their hands."
There is also growing doubt about England’s friendly at Wembley on March 27 because Italy has been the worst hit country in Europe so far.
The biggest fear of all is a player testing positive for the virus because that would effectively result in the whole club being shut down for weeks. That would result in a “domino effect” which could stop fixtures being completed with a growing fear some leagues will not be completed this season.
UEFA insisted this week they are pressing ahead with Euro 2020 which is being played across Europe this summer but there are growing fears about the Tokyo Olympics.
The Mirror
Leicester 1 Birmingham 0:
Ricardo Pereira’s late strike sets up Foxes FA Cup quarter-final with Chelsea
RICARDO PEREIRA was a teenager when he became an overnight hero in Portugal for scoring the winner which slayed Benfica in the 2013 Portuguese FA cup final.
How Brendan Rodgers must hope the classy full-back can repeat the feat at Wembley to end the Foxes’ FA Cup hoodoo.
Just as Birmingham City were getting mentally ready for extra-time, the classy right-back stretched his neck muscles to get on the end of Marc Albrighton’s cross to steer the ball beyond Lee Camp to break the Blues’ resistance with eight minutes remaining. Don’t bet against him inspiring Leicester to go all the way this season.
The Foxes, who will host Chelsea in the quarter-final, have never won the FA Cup in 136 years of trying. But then neither had Guimaraes until their lucky charm did the unthinkable, scoring the winner to create the biggest shock in Portuguese cup history. Leicester, currently third in the Premier league and with real ambitions of playing in the Champions’ League, are 90 minutes away from the Wembley semi-final their fans crave – even if this is their least favourite tournament.
The FA Cup may as well have been cast in Kryptonite rather than silver as far as the Foxes were concerned. Because no Leicester skipper has ever managed to get his hands on the famous old trophy – despite the club making it to four previous final.
Rodgers turned this tie on its head when he called on his big guns as Harvey Barnes and Youri Tielemans were sent on to finally put stubborn Birmingham to bed. James Maddison had smacked the crossbar with a deflected effort and was brilliant throughout but it was Pereira who was head and shoulders above the rest when he rose above Jake Clarke-Salter to settle this tense tie.
But they didn’t half make heavy work of it. Leicester hadn’t lost at home in the FA Cup to a side from a lower division since Wycombe beat them 2-1 here in March 2001.
In the 19 years since the Foxes have won 10 times and drawn once at home. So confidence wasn’t exactly in short supply, even if their recent form had dipped of late.
Rodgers side were winless in their last five games and, without their talisman striker Jamie Vardy, this was never going to be an easy passage against their Championship opponents.
Pep Clotet’s Brum arrived with more than 5,000 raucous fans - on the back of a 13-match unbeaten run in all competitions – determined to cause mischief against the Premier League’s third-placed club. Despite being 15th in the Championship – nine points off the play-off places - Birmingham were nobody’s mugs. After all, how many clubs outside of the Premier League who could choose to leave a £50million-rated mainstay out of their team by choice? Yet that’s exactly what Clotet decided to do as he gave 16-year-old sensation Jude Bellingham the chance to have an early night.
he Blues boss feared burning the youngster out after the kid clocked up more than 30 appearances already this season. That decision showed true class by Clotet because plenty of others would have selfishly pushed young growing limbs through another 90 minutes, regardless of the danger signs – knowing he will probably be playing on a bigger stage next season anyway.
Yet even without their exciting young prospect - and injured winger Jeremie Bela who had scored in two of his three FA Cup appearances this season – Birmingham cruised to half-time unscathed. In truth Rodgers men hardly laid a glove on the Clotet’s disciplined defence.
In fact the only time goalie Lee Camp was called on in an instantly forgettable opening 45 minutes arrived six minutes before half-time. James Maddison, by far the best player on the pitch, bobbed and weaved in front of Maxime Colin before seizing the yard of space he needed to rifle in a ferocious right foot shot.
Camp hurled himself to his left, smiling to the cameras no doubt, as he parried the ball away spectacularly. According to the stats Rodgers men had ‘enjoyed’ 76.1% of first half possession yet that was the only shot on target for a side likely to playing Champions’ League football next season.
The Sun
Ricardo Pereira’s late strike sets up Foxes FA Cup quarter-final with Chelsea
RICARDO PEREIRA was a teenager when he became an overnight hero in Portugal for scoring the winner which slayed Benfica in the 2013 Portuguese FA cup final.
How Brendan Rodgers must hope the classy full-back can repeat the feat at Wembley to end the Foxes’ FA Cup hoodoo.
Just as Birmingham City were getting mentally ready for extra-time, the classy right-back stretched his neck muscles to get on the end of Marc Albrighton’s cross to steer the ball beyond Lee Camp to break the Blues’ resistance with eight minutes remaining. Don’t bet against him inspiring Leicester to go all the way this season.
The Foxes, who will host Chelsea in the quarter-final, have never won the FA Cup in 136 years of trying. But then neither had Guimaraes until their lucky charm did the unthinkable, scoring the winner to create the biggest shock in Portuguese cup history. Leicester, currently third in the Premier league and with real ambitions of playing in the Champions’ League, are 90 minutes away from the Wembley semi-final their fans crave – even if this is their least favourite tournament.
The FA Cup may as well have been cast in Kryptonite rather than silver as far as the Foxes were concerned. Because no Leicester skipper has ever managed to get his hands on the famous old trophy – despite the club making it to four previous final.
Rodgers turned this tie on its head when he called on his big guns as Harvey Barnes and Youri Tielemans were sent on to finally put stubborn Birmingham to bed. James Maddison had smacked the crossbar with a deflected effort and was brilliant throughout but it was Pereira who was head and shoulders above the rest when he rose above Jake Clarke-Salter to settle this tense tie.
But they didn’t half make heavy work of it. Leicester hadn’t lost at home in the FA Cup to a side from a lower division since Wycombe beat them 2-1 here in March 2001.
In the 19 years since the Foxes have won 10 times and drawn once at home. So confidence wasn’t exactly in short supply, even if their recent form had dipped of late.
Rodgers side were winless in their last five games and, without their talisman striker Jamie Vardy, this was never going to be an easy passage against their Championship opponents.
Pep Clotet’s Brum arrived with more than 5,000 raucous fans - on the back of a 13-match unbeaten run in all competitions – determined to cause mischief against the Premier League’s third-placed club. Despite being 15th in the Championship – nine points off the play-off places - Birmingham were nobody’s mugs. After all, how many clubs outside of the Premier League who could choose to leave a £50million-rated mainstay out of their team by choice? Yet that’s exactly what Clotet decided to do as he gave 16-year-old sensation Jude Bellingham the chance to have an early night.
he Blues boss feared burning the youngster out after the kid clocked up more than 30 appearances already this season. That decision showed true class by Clotet because plenty of others would have selfishly pushed young growing limbs through another 90 minutes, regardless of the danger signs – knowing he will probably be playing on a bigger stage next season anyway.
Yet even without their exciting young prospect - and injured winger Jeremie Bela who had scored in two of his three FA Cup appearances this season – Birmingham cruised to half-time unscathed. In truth Rodgers men hardly laid a glove on the Clotet’s disciplined defence.
In fact the only time goalie Lee Camp was called on in an instantly forgettable opening 45 minutes arrived six minutes before half-time. James Maddison, by far the best player on the pitch, bobbed and weaved in front of Maxime Colin before seizing the yard of space he needed to rifle in a ferocious right foot shot.
Camp hurled himself to his left, smiling to the cameras no doubt, as he parried the ball away spectacularly. According to the stats Rodgers men had ‘enjoyed’ 76.1% of first half possession yet that was the only shot on target for a side likely to playing Champions’ League football next season.
The Sun
Leicester 'monitoring Burnley's Charlie Taylor' as Brendan Rodgers weighs up possible replacements for England left back Ben Chilwell
Leicester are eyeing up Burnley defender Charlie Taylor as a potential replacement for Ben Chilwell if he leaves the club in the summer, according to The Times.
Chilwell has drawn the attention of a number of clubs in recent times, including Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham, so could be on the way out in the next transfer window if the price is right.
Leicester scouts have watched Taylor in action a number of times, who has also impressed during his time at Burnley so far.
Taylor started his career at Leeds, going on loan to a number of teams before moving to Burnley in 2017 after reaching the end of his contract.
The two clubs agreed a £5million fee to avoid going to a tribunal. Taylor had been offered a new contract and was under the age of 24, so Leeds were entitled to compensation for the transfer.
Burnley boss Sean Dyche recently praised the left-back, saying he should be considered alongside Chilwell when it comes to a spot in the England squad.
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers has had Taylor on his radar for some time after becoming interested in his services while he was at Celtic.
The Foxes are in third in the Premier League and are destined for the Champions League next season, although they are without a win in their last four games.
Meanwhile, Burnley are undefeated in six games in the league at the moment, a run of form which includes wins over Leicester and Manchester United.
Daily Mail
Leicester are eyeing up Burnley defender Charlie Taylor as a potential replacement for Ben Chilwell if he leaves the club in the summer, according to The Times.
Chilwell has drawn the attention of a number of clubs in recent times, including Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham, so could be on the way out in the next transfer window if the price is right.
Leicester scouts have watched Taylor in action a number of times, who has also impressed during his time at Burnley so far.
Taylor started his career at Leeds, going on loan to a number of teams before moving to Burnley in 2017 after reaching the end of his contract.
The two clubs agreed a £5million fee to avoid going to a tribunal. Taylor had been offered a new contract and was under the age of 24, so Leeds were entitled to compensation for the transfer.
Burnley boss Sean Dyche recently praised the left-back, saying he should be considered alongside Chilwell when it comes to a spot in the England squad.
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers has had Taylor on his radar for some time after becoming interested in his services while he was at Celtic.
The Foxes are in third in the Premier League and are destined for the Champions League next season, although they are without a win in their last four games.
Meanwhile, Burnley are undefeated in six games in the league at the moment, a run of form which includes wins over Leicester and Manchester United.
Daily Mail
Jamie Vardy To Miss Birmingham FA Cup Clash says Rodgers
Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Jamie Vardy won’t be available for Wednesday’s Emirates FA Cup tie against Birmingham City.
After missing Friday's trip to Norwich City with a 'low-grade' calf strain, Vardy won’t be risked against Birmingham, Rodgers has revealed in his pre-match press conference.
Leicester face Pep Clotet's Sky Bet Championship side in the fifth round of the competition at King Power Stadium on Wednesday (7:45pm kick-off).
However, the City manager confirmed that there are no fresh injury concerns in his first team squad after Wilfred Ndidi returned from the bench in Norfolk on Friday.
Asked about Vardy's availability to face Birmingham, Rodgers said: “No, he won’t be available. He’s making good progress but our target will be [Aston] Villa (on Monday) and he should be fine for that.
“I think hopefully now, in this period, we’ll have most players fit an available. The responsibility is with everyone to score.
“For us there is no doubt we have to play better and this is an opportunity to reach the quarter-final."
While Ndidi is available for selection on Filbert Way this week, Daniel Amartey (ankle) is the only long-term absentee for the Foxes.
Rodgers added: “The great news for us was Wilf coming back and getting game time. Apart from that, Daniel Amartey has been out for a period of time, but everyone else is okay.”
LCFC.com
Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Jamie Vardy won’t be available for Wednesday’s Emirates FA Cup tie against Birmingham City.
After missing Friday's trip to Norwich City with a 'low-grade' calf strain, Vardy won’t be risked against Birmingham, Rodgers has revealed in his pre-match press conference.
Leicester face Pep Clotet's Sky Bet Championship side in the fifth round of the competition at King Power Stadium on Wednesday (7:45pm kick-off).
However, the City manager confirmed that there are no fresh injury concerns in his first team squad after Wilfred Ndidi returned from the bench in Norfolk on Friday.
Asked about Vardy's availability to face Birmingham, Rodgers said: “No, he won’t be available. He’s making good progress but our target will be [Aston] Villa (on Monday) and he should be fine for that.
“I think hopefully now, in this period, we’ll have most players fit an available. The responsibility is with everyone to score.
“For us there is no doubt we have to play better and this is an opportunity to reach the quarter-final."
While Ndidi is available for selection on Filbert Way this week, Daniel Amartey (ankle) is the only long-term absentee for the Foxes.
Rodgers added: “The great news for us was Wilf coming back and getting game time. Apart from that, Daniel Amartey has been out for a period of time, but everyone else is okay.”
LCFC.com
Norwich City 1 - 0 Leicester City
Norwich moved to within four points of an unlikely escape from the Premier League relegation zone as Jamal Lewis' fine goal gave them a precious win against Leicester.
The Canaries were in real danger of being cut adrift heading into the final 10 games of the season but can now retain hope of overhauling the struggling sides above them after a much-needed win. Daniel Farke's side had not scored from open play since New Year's Day but managed to hang on after Lewis smashed in for a fifth win of the season.
For the second week in a row, Leicester will feel hard done by as they saw Kelechi Iheanacho's excellent 20-yarder ruled out by VAR for handball. Brendan Rodgers saw his side have plenty of pressure without the injured Jamie Vardy but the Foxes have now gone five games without a win in all competitions. Leicester have looked locked in for a European place for months now and will remain in third place no matter what happens over the Premier League weekend - but they will now be starting to worry after a damaging slump in form. At the other end of the table, survival was starting to look improbable but this win could prove absolutely vital come the end of the campaign.
On the 15th anniversary of Delia Smith's famous "where are you?" outburst at half-time of a 3-2 defeat by Manchester City, the club were in need of inspiration once again.
One win in 14 league games had left the Canaries rooted to the foot of the table and a further defeat would have left them on 18 points after 28 games. Only one side in Premier League history - Portsmouth in 2006 - had stayed up after being in such a predicament but now Norwich can focus on Watford and West Ham just a win ahead.
Delia was watching on again as defender Ben Godfrey went close with an early header before a familiar tale of pretty approach play with no end product began to play out.
Top scorer Teemu Pukki dragged wide after fine play from Todd Cantwell and Emiliano Buendia but it was hard to see where a goal could come from.
Lewis was the unlikely answer, arriving on to right-back Max Aaron's deep cross to hit a swerving shot on the bounce that curved past Kasper Schmeichel and in. It was his first league goal for the club on his 82nd appearance. The hosts actually wasted two great counter-attacks - including a six-on-three break - but held on for just a second league win since November.
This week marks the first anniversary of Rodgers' arrival at Leicester and the club are perhaps facing their first real blip. Vardy was missing with a calf strain but Leicester still could and should have been ahead before Lewis' intervention. Dennis Praet hit the outside of the post as Leicester had 12 first-half efforts and Iheanacho's 'goal' would surely have stood in any previous season.
As the striker jostled with Godfrey for a bouncing ball, both players appeared to unintentionally handle it before the former Manchester City man went on to power home a brilliant finish with his left foot. There was a long wait as VAR Graham Scott consulted the footage and the goal was ruled out. It was another blow for Leicester and Rodgers, who felt his side were denied a penalty for handball against Manchester City last week.
An expected onslaught never really came as Leicester failed to force Norwich goalkeeper Tim Krul into a save in the final 20 minutes despite plenty of pressure.
They retain a nine-point cushion over fifth-placed Manchester United but need a win soon to get their Champions League hopes back on track.
BBC Sport
Norwich moved to within four points of an unlikely escape from the Premier League relegation zone as Jamal Lewis' fine goal gave them a precious win against Leicester.
The Canaries were in real danger of being cut adrift heading into the final 10 games of the season but can now retain hope of overhauling the struggling sides above them after a much-needed win. Daniel Farke's side had not scored from open play since New Year's Day but managed to hang on after Lewis smashed in for a fifth win of the season.
For the second week in a row, Leicester will feel hard done by as they saw Kelechi Iheanacho's excellent 20-yarder ruled out by VAR for handball. Brendan Rodgers saw his side have plenty of pressure without the injured Jamie Vardy but the Foxes have now gone five games without a win in all competitions. Leicester have looked locked in for a European place for months now and will remain in third place no matter what happens over the Premier League weekend - but they will now be starting to worry after a damaging slump in form. At the other end of the table, survival was starting to look improbable but this win could prove absolutely vital come the end of the campaign.
On the 15th anniversary of Delia Smith's famous "where are you?" outburst at half-time of a 3-2 defeat by Manchester City, the club were in need of inspiration once again.
One win in 14 league games had left the Canaries rooted to the foot of the table and a further defeat would have left them on 18 points after 28 games. Only one side in Premier League history - Portsmouth in 2006 - had stayed up after being in such a predicament but now Norwich can focus on Watford and West Ham just a win ahead.
Delia was watching on again as defender Ben Godfrey went close with an early header before a familiar tale of pretty approach play with no end product began to play out.
Top scorer Teemu Pukki dragged wide after fine play from Todd Cantwell and Emiliano Buendia but it was hard to see where a goal could come from.
Lewis was the unlikely answer, arriving on to right-back Max Aaron's deep cross to hit a swerving shot on the bounce that curved past Kasper Schmeichel and in. It was his first league goal for the club on his 82nd appearance. The hosts actually wasted two great counter-attacks - including a six-on-three break - but held on for just a second league win since November.
This week marks the first anniversary of Rodgers' arrival at Leicester and the club are perhaps facing their first real blip. Vardy was missing with a calf strain but Leicester still could and should have been ahead before Lewis' intervention. Dennis Praet hit the outside of the post as Leicester had 12 first-half efforts and Iheanacho's 'goal' would surely have stood in any previous season.
As the striker jostled with Godfrey for a bouncing ball, both players appeared to unintentionally handle it before the former Manchester City man went on to power home a brilliant finish with his left foot. There was a long wait as VAR Graham Scott consulted the footage and the goal was ruled out. It was another blow for Leicester and Rodgers, who felt his side were denied a penalty for handball against Manchester City last week.
An expected onslaught never really came as Leicester failed to force Norwich goalkeeper Tim Krul into a save in the final 20 minutes despite plenty of pressure.
They retain a nine-point cushion over fifth-placed Manchester United but need a win soon to get their Champions League hopes back on track.
BBC Sport
'He had a nightmare earlier and is not doing much better here': Jamie Redknapp hits out at call to use David Coote - the SAME VAR who decided against red card for Spurs' Giovani Lo Celso for stamp vs Chelsea - for Manchester City's trip to Leicester'
Jamie Redknapp has hit out at the decision to use David Coote as the Video Assistant Referee for the second time in a day, after he appeared to call another decision incorrectly.
Tottenham's Giovani Lo Celso was not sent off after his stamp on Cesar Azpilicueta's leg during Chelsea's 2-1 win on Saturday lunchtime, for which Coote was also in the booth at Stockley Park.
VAR has since admitted it made a mistake for not giving the Spurs midfielder his marching orders, despite reviewing the incident for some time from multiple angles
But Coote then failed to overturn a handball claim in the late game against Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne from James Maddison's free-kick.
The failure to award Leicester a penalty infuriated Redknapp, who believes Coote could have benefited from taking the evening off.
'He (David Coote) had a nightmare earlier (in Chelsea v Spurs). He is not doing much better here. He needed a little rest this evening,' Redknapp said on Sky Sports.
'And he can’t see it was a red card earlier. That is a handball. He is putting his hands up to protect the moneymaker. 'Look at his hands, he is bringing his hands up to the moneymaker. You duck.
'He is the best player in the league but he does not want to get that ball in his face. It is as simple as that.
Micah Richards concurred with his fellow pundit, claim that De Bruyne's hands were not in a natural position. 'It is borderline because he is trying to cover his face.
'But like Jamie says they are in an unnatural position, he is trying to cover the moneymaker.'
Daily Mail
Jamie Redknapp has hit out at the decision to use David Coote as the Video Assistant Referee for the second time in a day, after he appeared to call another decision incorrectly.
Tottenham's Giovani Lo Celso was not sent off after his stamp on Cesar Azpilicueta's leg during Chelsea's 2-1 win on Saturday lunchtime, for which Coote was also in the booth at Stockley Park.
VAR has since admitted it made a mistake for not giving the Spurs midfielder his marching orders, despite reviewing the incident for some time from multiple angles
But Coote then failed to overturn a handball claim in the late game against Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne from James Maddison's free-kick.
The failure to award Leicester a penalty infuriated Redknapp, who believes Coote could have benefited from taking the evening off.
'He (David Coote) had a nightmare earlier (in Chelsea v Spurs). He is not doing much better here. He needed a little rest this evening,' Redknapp said on Sky Sports.
'And he can’t see it was a red card earlier. That is a handball. He is putting his hands up to protect the moneymaker. 'Look at his hands, he is bringing his hands up to the moneymaker. You duck.
'He is the best player in the league but he does not want to get that ball in his face. It is as simple as that.
Micah Richards concurred with his fellow pundit, claim that De Bruyne's hands were not in a natural position. 'It is borderline because he is trying to cover his face.
'But like Jamie says they are in an unnatural position, he is trying to cover the moneymaker.'
Daily Mail
Leicester City 0 - 1 Manchester City
Kasper saves but Jesus scores to take three points away from The King Power
Gabriel Jesus came off the bench to score a late winner as Manchester City beat Leicester to move seven points clear of the Foxes and cement themselves in second spot.
Jamie Vardy had hit the post for Leicester in the first half, but both sides wasted numerous chances before Jesus slotted home with a cool finish after a surging run from Riyad Mahrez had opened up the home defence.
The best of those opportunities saw Foxes keeper Kasper Schmeichel deny Sergio Aguero from the spot on the hour mark as Manchester City's penalty problems continued.
Pep Guardiola's side have now missed five of their seven Premier League spot-kicks this season, but Leicester will argue they should have been given two of their own before the break.
Nothing was given when Kevin de Bruyne had his arms up in the wall and James Maddison's free-kick clearly hit them, and even more mystifying was the decision to give Leicester a corner when Ederson took out Kelechi Iheanacho.
Iheanacho had beaten the Brazilian to Maddison's delightful chipped pass and was floored by the goalkeeper's attempt to punch the ball to safety, but referee Paul Tierney and the video assistant referee both felt Ederson had touched the ball.
The next time VAR got involved, it was to award the visitors a penalty - after Dennis Praet charged down Ilkay Gundogan's effort with his arm.
But Schmeichel preserved parity when he saved with his legs after Aguero went for power and blasted his spot-kick down the middle, leaving the game in the balance.
The Foxes keeper denied Aguero again soon after, but he could do nothing to keep out Jesus' strike which brought a jubilant reaction from the away fans, and the Manchester City players joined them in celebration at the final whistle.
It is almost an irrelevance that the defending champions have cut Liverpool's lead at the top to 19 points, but they have now won twice since being banned from European football for two years by Uefa, and can head for the Bernabeu for their Champions League last-16 tie with Real Madrid on a high after a difficult week.
BBC Sport
Kasper saves but Jesus scores to take three points away from The King Power
Gabriel Jesus came off the bench to score a late winner as Manchester City beat Leicester to move seven points clear of the Foxes and cement themselves in second spot.
Jamie Vardy had hit the post for Leicester in the first half, but both sides wasted numerous chances before Jesus slotted home with a cool finish after a surging run from Riyad Mahrez had opened up the home defence.
The best of those opportunities saw Foxes keeper Kasper Schmeichel deny Sergio Aguero from the spot on the hour mark as Manchester City's penalty problems continued.
Pep Guardiola's side have now missed five of their seven Premier League spot-kicks this season, but Leicester will argue they should have been given two of their own before the break.
Nothing was given when Kevin de Bruyne had his arms up in the wall and James Maddison's free-kick clearly hit them, and even more mystifying was the decision to give Leicester a corner when Ederson took out Kelechi Iheanacho.
Iheanacho had beaten the Brazilian to Maddison's delightful chipped pass and was floored by the goalkeeper's attempt to punch the ball to safety, but referee Paul Tierney and the video assistant referee both felt Ederson had touched the ball.
The next time VAR got involved, it was to award the visitors a penalty - after Dennis Praet charged down Ilkay Gundogan's effort with his arm.
But Schmeichel preserved parity when he saved with his legs after Aguero went for power and blasted his spot-kick down the middle, leaving the game in the balance.
The Foxes keeper denied Aguero again soon after, but he could do nothing to keep out Jesus' strike which brought a jubilant reaction from the away fans, and the Manchester City players joined them in celebration at the final whistle.
It is almost an irrelevance that the defending champions have cut Liverpool's lead at the top to 19 points, but they have now won twice since being banned from European football for two years by Uefa, and can head for the Bernabeu for their Champions League last-16 tie with Real Madrid on a high after a difficult week.
BBC Sport
Wolverhampton 0-0 Leicester: Willy Boly goal disallowed by VAR as 10-man Foxes hold on
Wolves were held to a goalless draw with 10-man Leicester at Molineux after Willy Boly's header was disallowed.
Boly had appeared to have given Wolves the lead late in the first half but Pedro Neto was adjudged to have been offside by the narrowest of margins in the build-up.
Leicester midfielder Hamza Choudhury received a second yellow card in the 76th minute but the home side could not find the breakthrough, with Raul Jimenez wasting their best chance.The result moves Wolves up two places into seventh while the point was enough to take Leicester within one of second-placed Manchester City.
Brendan Rodgers' side dominated possession in the early stages, with Wolves content to play on the counter-attack and there were few clear chances in the first half. Youri Tielemans tested Rui Patricio with a deflected shot while Diogo Jota forced a smart save from Kasper Schmeichel with his feet at the other end.
Boly and Caglar Soyuncu had headers on target, while Leander Dendoncker, Jonny Otto and Jonny Evans each put their efforts wide of the goal.
But the drama came late in a half that was delayed after James Maddison's high boot drew blood from the head of Matt Doherty, earning the Leicester playmaker a yellow card. It was Doherty's header across goal that Boly nodded home to seemingly give Wolves the lead but a VAR check spotted a marginal offside against Pedro Neto in the build-up. It was the narrowest of calls - a dangling foot as the teenager collected Jota's lay-off after he himself had taken a short corner and it infuriated the Wolves players and fans.
With everyone wondering who would respond better to the decision in the second half, both teams came out and struggled after the break. Leicester were unable to cut through while Wolves' counter-attacks became rarer until Nuno Espirito Santo turned to Adama Traore just after the hour mark. Traore, having been omitted for only the second time since August, injected some energy and the game turned further in Wolves' favour when Choudhury was sent off. Having already been booked for a foul on Jimenez earlier in the half, the midfielder tripped up Dendoncker on the halfway line and was shown a second yellow card.
There was a quarter of an hour still to negotiate for Leicester at that point and Wolves pushed hard for the winner with Jimenez squandering the clearest opening.Substitute Joao Moutinho whipped in a corner from the left and the Mexican striker was unmarked in the box but could only head wide of the far post with the goal gaping. There was to be no late drama as there had been in this corresponding fixture last season when Wolves won 4-3 in stoppage time. Instead, it is a second goalless draw of the season between these two teams. The first back in August saw Wolves denied by VAR after a handball by that man Boly.
Wolves were held to a goalless draw with 10-man Leicester at Molineux after Willy Boly's header was disallowed.
Boly had appeared to have given Wolves the lead late in the first half but Pedro Neto was adjudged to have been offside by the narrowest of margins in the build-up.
Leicester midfielder Hamza Choudhury received a second yellow card in the 76th minute but the home side could not find the breakthrough, with Raul Jimenez wasting their best chance.The result moves Wolves up two places into seventh while the point was enough to take Leicester within one of second-placed Manchester City.
Brendan Rodgers' side dominated possession in the early stages, with Wolves content to play on the counter-attack and there were few clear chances in the first half. Youri Tielemans tested Rui Patricio with a deflected shot while Diogo Jota forced a smart save from Kasper Schmeichel with his feet at the other end.
Boly and Caglar Soyuncu had headers on target, while Leander Dendoncker, Jonny Otto and Jonny Evans each put their efforts wide of the goal.
But the drama came late in a half that was delayed after James Maddison's high boot drew blood from the head of Matt Doherty, earning the Leicester playmaker a yellow card. It was Doherty's header across goal that Boly nodded home to seemingly give Wolves the lead but a VAR check spotted a marginal offside against Pedro Neto in the build-up. It was the narrowest of calls - a dangling foot as the teenager collected Jota's lay-off after he himself had taken a short corner and it infuriated the Wolves players and fans.
With everyone wondering who would respond better to the decision in the second half, both teams came out and struggled after the break. Leicester were unable to cut through while Wolves' counter-attacks became rarer until Nuno Espirito Santo turned to Adama Traore just after the hour mark. Traore, having been omitted for only the second time since August, injected some energy and the game turned further in Wolves' favour when Choudhury was sent off. Having already been booked for a foul on Jimenez earlier in the half, the midfielder tripped up Dendoncker on the halfway line and was shown a second yellow card.
There was a quarter of an hour still to negotiate for Leicester at that point and Wolves pushed hard for the winner with Jimenez squandering the clearest opening.Substitute Joao Moutinho whipped in a corner from the left and the Mexican striker was unmarked in the box but could only head wide of the far post with the goal gaping. There was to be no late drama as there had been in this corresponding fixture last season when Wolves won 4-3 in stoppage time. Instead, it is a second goalless draw of the season between these two teams. The first back in August saw Wolves denied by VAR after a handball by that man Boly.
Aston Villa 2-1 Leicester (3-2 agg): Wembley for Villa after Trezeguet goal in stoppage-time
Aston Villa are going to Wembley in the Carabao Cup final after Trezeguet's winner in stoppage-time at Villa Park
Trezeguet’s dramatic stoppage-time winner sent Aston Villa into the Carabao Cup final with a 2-1 win over Leicester at Villa Park.
Kelechi's Iheanacho's second-half goal had cancelled out Matt Targett's first-half strike to level things up on aggregate but the substitute's late goal secured a 3-2 aggregate win and means it's Villa going to Wembley. After an epic encounter, Villa's supporters celebrated on the pitch at the full-time whistle as they put their relegation concerns to one side amid the drama of the night
Leicester had dominated the ball for much of the contest but Villa defended stoutly and always maintained a threat and it's Dean Smith who will lead out his boyhood club in the final against either Manchester City or Manchester United.
Kasper Schmeichel had turned the teams around at the kick-off to ensure that Villa were not attacking the Holte End in the second half but it only made for a hectic start.
It was Leicester with the early opportunities as Iheanacho, deputising for Jamie Vardy who was only fit enough for the bench, forced a save inside two minutes.
That was just the start from Orjan Nyland as he twice denied James Maddison with fingertip stops low down to his left - and those saves looked even better when Villa took the lead.
Jack Grealish raced clear down the left channel before checking and dinking a beautiful ball into the path of the onrushing Matt Targett who fired cleanly beyond Schmeichel.
With the Villa Park atmosphere electric, they had the ball in the net again midway through the half after another sublime pass by Grealish but that one was correctly adjudged offside. Nyland's third superb save of the half came soon after as he pushed Youri Tielemans' fierce shot onto the woodwork but there was controversy in the aftermath of that incident.
Maddison's subsequent shot from the edge of the penalty box was blocked by the hand of Marvelous Nakamba but no spot-kick was awarded following a lengthy VAR review.
Leicester struggled to find the same momentum early in the second half with Grealish going close to doubling the lead before Brendan Rodgers turned to Vardy.
But the chances kept falling to Villa with Grealish curling a cross into the path of new signing Mbwana Samatta that the striker somehow contrived to miss completely from close range.
That proved costly because the equaliser came on 72 minutes when Harvey Barnes drilled a cross-shot in from the left and Iheanacho was there to score his eighth goal of the season. Suddenly it was anyone's game as both teams pushed for a winner and tensions rose. Maddison curled over the bar at one end. Trezeguet shot tamely when through at the other.
Evans headed wide from Maddison's corner in the 89th minute and that looked to be the final chance before Villa went up the other end in stoppage time and Trezeguet converted a cross from fellow substitute Ahmed Elmohamady to win it for the home side.
After a nervy few seconds, Mike Dean blew the whistle for full-time and the crowd were on the pitch amid scenes of joy for the relegation strugglers.
It's Wembley again for Villa.
Sky Sports
Aston Villa are going to Wembley in the Carabao Cup final after Trezeguet's winner in stoppage-time at Villa Park
Trezeguet’s dramatic stoppage-time winner sent Aston Villa into the Carabao Cup final with a 2-1 win over Leicester at Villa Park.
Kelechi's Iheanacho's second-half goal had cancelled out Matt Targett's first-half strike to level things up on aggregate but the substitute's late goal secured a 3-2 aggregate win and means it's Villa going to Wembley. After an epic encounter, Villa's supporters celebrated on the pitch at the full-time whistle as they put their relegation concerns to one side amid the drama of the night
Leicester had dominated the ball for much of the contest but Villa defended stoutly and always maintained a threat and it's Dean Smith who will lead out his boyhood club in the final against either Manchester City or Manchester United.
Kasper Schmeichel had turned the teams around at the kick-off to ensure that Villa were not attacking the Holte End in the second half but it only made for a hectic start.
It was Leicester with the early opportunities as Iheanacho, deputising for Jamie Vardy who was only fit enough for the bench, forced a save inside two minutes.
That was just the start from Orjan Nyland as he twice denied James Maddison with fingertip stops low down to his left - and those saves looked even better when Villa took the lead.
Jack Grealish raced clear down the left channel before checking and dinking a beautiful ball into the path of the onrushing Matt Targett who fired cleanly beyond Schmeichel.
With the Villa Park atmosphere electric, they had the ball in the net again midway through the half after another sublime pass by Grealish but that one was correctly adjudged offside. Nyland's third superb save of the half came soon after as he pushed Youri Tielemans' fierce shot onto the woodwork but there was controversy in the aftermath of that incident.
Maddison's subsequent shot from the edge of the penalty box was blocked by the hand of Marvelous Nakamba but no spot-kick was awarded following a lengthy VAR review.
Leicester struggled to find the same momentum early in the second half with Grealish going close to doubling the lead before Brendan Rodgers turned to Vardy.
But the chances kept falling to Villa with Grealish curling a cross into the path of new signing Mbwana Samatta that the striker somehow contrived to miss completely from close range.
That proved costly because the equaliser came on 72 minutes when Harvey Barnes drilled a cross-shot in from the left and Iheanacho was there to score his eighth goal of the season. Suddenly it was anyone's game as both teams pushed for a winner and tensions rose. Maddison curled over the bar at one end. Trezeguet shot tamely when through at the other.
Evans headed wide from Maddison's corner in the 89th minute and that looked to be the final chance before Villa went up the other end in stoppage time and Trezeguet converted a cross from fellow substitute Ahmed Elmohamady to win it for the home side.
After a nervy few seconds, Mike Dean blew the whistle for full-time and the crowd were on the pitch amid scenes of joy for the relegation strugglers.
It's Wembley again for Villa.
Sky Sports
Leicester City will play Coventry City or Birmingham City at King Power Stadium in the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round.
- Leicester City will face Coventry City or Birmingham City at King Power Stadium in the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round
- The Foxes beat Brentford in the fourth round on Saturday
- The tie will take place during the week commencing Monday 2 March
Brendan Rodgers’ outfit will take on the Sky Bet League 1 Sky Blues or Championship outfit Birmingham during the week commencing Monday 2 March, 2020.
City beat Brentford 1-0 at Griffin Park on Saturday in the fourth round, while they also registered a 2-0 third round win over Wigan Athletic at King Power Stadium in early January.
The Foxes will discover their opponents when the two sides contest their fourth round replay on Tuesday 4 February, having drawn 0-0 at St Andrew's Trillion Trophy Stadium on Saturday.
A time and date for the fixture, as well as ticket details, will be confirmed on LCFC.com in due course.
lcfc.com
- Leicester City will face Coventry City or Birmingham City at King Power Stadium in the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round
- The Foxes beat Brentford in the fourth round on Saturday
- The tie will take place during the week commencing Monday 2 March
Brendan Rodgers’ outfit will take on the Sky Bet League 1 Sky Blues or Championship outfit Birmingham during the week commencing Monday 2 March, 2020.
City beat Brentford 1-0 at Griffin Park on Saturday in the fourth round, while they also registered a 2-0 third round win over Wigan Athletic at King Power Stadium in early January.
The Foxes will discover their opponents when the two sides contest their fourth round replay on Tuesday 4 February, having drawn 0-0 at St Andrew's Trillion Trophy Stadium on Saturday.
A time and date for the fixture, as well as ticket details, will be confirmed on LCFC.com in due course.
lcfc.com
Vardy in Leicester Squad for semi
Brendan Rodgers has confirmed Jamie Vardy will be in the Leicester squad to face Aston Villa in Tuesday's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.
Striker Vardy, 33, picked up a gluteal injury during the Foxes' 4-1 Premier League win over West Ham on Wednesday.
Leicester travel to Villa Park with the tie finely balanced at 1-1.
"He's in the squad and we'll give it another full day," said Foxes boss Rodgers. "It's one where, if you're asking me if he's 100%, he may be 80%." He added: "I'd rather have an 80% Jamie Vardy. He's come through the last two days on the field well - he has a part to play."
Vardy is the Premier League's top scorer this season with 17 goals, although he has failed to find the net in his past five games. Rodgers has the option to start former Manchester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho in place of Vardy for the game at Villa Park.
The 23-year-old scored his seventh goal in 12 games this season in Leicester's 1-0 FA Cup fourth-round win over Brentford on Saturday. "[Iheanacho] has trained ever so hard and now he has become really efficient where he is creating and scoring goals," Rodgers said.
"It is brilliant for him because it was a difficult period when he came, but he is very much an important player for us." Wilfred Ndidi, who suffered a knee injury in training in early January, is fit to start but Nampalys Mendy and Wes Morgan will not be available.
Aston Villa boss Dean Smith is expected to give new signing Mbwana Samatta a first start. The 27-year-old Tanzania international completed a £10m move from Genk last week and will strengthen Villa's attacking options after Brazil striker Wesley suffered knee ligament damage.
"We've all seen before how expectations can be built up but not from within the building," Smith said. "There's always an adaptation risk when a player comes in from another country - and we've had a few this season.
"We're not expecting him to hit the ground running straight away but we know the qualities he has and hopefully he can bring them to the forefront straight away." Ex-Leicester midfielder Danny Drinkwater - who joined Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season - is ineligible for the tie after playing in an earlier round of the competition while on loan at Burnley.
The winner will go on to face Manchester City or Manchester United in the final, with United looking to overturn a 3-1 deficit in Wednesday's second leg at Etihad Stadium.
BBC
Brendan Rodgers has confirmed Jamie Vardy will be in the Leicester squad to face Aston Villa in Tuesday's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.
Striker Vardy, 33, picked up a gluteal injury during the Foxes' 4-1 Premier League win over West Ham on Wednesday.
Leicester travel to Villa Park with the tie finely balanced at 1-1.
"He's in the squad and we'll give it another full day," said Foxes boss Rodgers. "It's one where, if you're asking me if he's 100%, he may be 80%." He added: "I'd rather have an 80% Jamie Vardy. He's come through the last two days on the field well - he has a part to play."
Vardy is the Premier League's top scorer this season with 17 goals, although he has failed to find the net in his past five games. Rodgers has the option to start former Manchester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho in place of Vardy for the game at Villa Park.
The 23-year-old scored his seventh goal in 12 games this season in Leicester's 1-0 FA Cup fourth-round win over Brentford on Saturday. "[Iheanacho] has trained ever so hard and now he has become really efficient where he is creating and scoring goals," Rodgers said.
"It is brilliant for him because it was a difficult period when he came, but he is very much an important player for us." Wilfred Ndidi, who suffered a knee injury in training in early January, is fit to start but Nampalys Mendy and Wes Morgan will not be available.
Aston Villa boss Dean Smith is expected to give new signing Mbwana Samatta a first start. The 27-year-old Tanzania international completed a £10m move from Genk last week and will strengthen Villa's attacking options after Brazil striker Wesley suffered knee ligament damage.
"We've all seen before how expectations can be built up but not from within the building," Smith said. "There's always an adaptation risk when a player comes in from another country - and we've had a few this season.
"We're not expecting him to hit the ground running straight away but we know the qualities he has and hopefully he can bring them to the forefront straight away." Ex-Leicester midfielder Danny Drinkwater - who joined Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season - is ineligible for the tie after playing in an earlier round of the competition while on loan at Burnley.
The winner will go on to face Manchester City or Manchester United in the final, with United looking to overturn a 3-1 deficit in Wednesday's second leg at Etihad Stadium.
BBC
Leicester bid £13.5m for Brest’s box-to-box midfielder Ibrahima Diallo to head off interest from Sevilla
LEICESTER CITY have made a £13.5million bid to sign Ibrahima Diallo from Brest, according to reports.
The Foxes could look to add a midfielder to their squad this month after the injury sustained by squad player Nampalys Mendy. And box-to-box schemer Diallo could fit the bill. French podcast Brest On Air claim that the Ligue 1 side are very reluctant to sell the talented French youth international.
The magnitude of the bid, however, could lead to Brest changing their minds. The player himself is also believed to be reluctant to leave this month, fearing the potential impact on his development if he departs too early.
If his club are to receive a transformational offer, however, his hand may be forced. The Foxes will face competition from Spanish side Sevilla, who are also interested.
Diallo, who came through the academy at Monaco, has made 21 appearances for Brest this season, making himself a regular in the French top flight.
Diminutive and good on the ball, it has come as no surprise that top sides from around Europe are monitoring the wonderkid's progress. Boss Brendan Rodgers had previously claimed that his side wouldn't be entering the market for a midfielder, but things appear to have changed.
He had said: "I think we’ll be okay with that there. It would be a danger if there were any more [injuries], then we would have to look at it. “Notoriously, I'll always have more midfield players because of how we play, and because they can play in other positions.”
The Sun
LEICESTER CITY have made a £13.5million bid to sign Ibrahima Diallo from Brest, according to reports.
The Foxes could look to add a midfielder to their squad this month after the injury sustained by squad player Nampalys Mendy. And box-to-box schemer Diallo could fit the bill. French podcast Brest On Air claim that the Ligue 1 side are very reluctant to sell the talented French youth international.
The magnitude of the bid, however, could lead to Brest changing their minds. The player himself is also believed to be reluctant to leave this month, fearing the potential impact on his development if he departs too early.
If his club are to receive a transformational offer, however, his hand may be forced. The Foxes will face competition from Spanish side Sevilla, who are also interested.
Diallo, who came through the academy at Monaco, has made 21 appearances for Brest this season, making himself a regular in the French top flight.
Diminutive and good on the ball, it has come as no surprise that top sides from around Europe are monitoring the wonderkid's progress. Boss Brendan Rodgers had previously claimed that his side wouldn't be entering the market for a midfielder, but things appear to have changed.
He had said: "I think we’ll be okay with that there. It would be a danger if there were any more [injuries], then we would have to look at it. “Notoriously, I'll always have more midfield players because of how we play, and because they can play in other positions.”
The Sun
Brentford 0-1 Leicester
Kelechi Iheanacho strikes to send Foxes through
Kelechi Iheanacho's close-range finish after four minutes was enough to send Leicester through to the FA Cup fifth round in a battling 1-0 win over Sky Bet Championship side Brentford at Griffin Park.
Ayoze Perez and Marc Albrighton both had chances to extend that lead in the opening period but the Bees produced a valiant second-half performance. Thomas Frank's men were the better side after the restart, with Emiliano Marcondes striking the post before substitute Bryan Mbeumo saw his strike ruled out for offside.
The result means Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers extends his remarkable unbeaten run to 32 British cup matches ahead of his side's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Aston Villa on Tuesday, live on Sky Sports. It was back in 1949 when Brentford recorded its biggest crowd of 38,678 at an FA Cup tie against Leicester. While there were not so many on Saturday -12,221 to be precise - it felt twice as full for the club's final FA Cup game at the famous old ground.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank made 9 changes for the third-round clash against Stoke following a gruelling Christmas schedule, and the Dane made nine here, with a crucial Championship game with Nottingham Forest on Tuesday taking priority. That meant the absence of Said Benrahma, Bryan Mbeumo and Ollie Watkins - their front three who account for 77 per cent of Brentford's goals this season. The occasion looked to have got the better of Frank's replacements as inside four minutes, they were behind.
Dennis Praet lasered a superb pass into the path of the overlapping James Justin and the full-back's cross was tapped home by Iheanacho for his ninth goal in his last nine FA Cup starts. Brentford looked shell-shocked as Rodgers' side nearly doubled their lead when Demarai Gray lashed a free-kick into the side-netting, moments after Praet's stinging shot was blocked by Julian Jeanvier.
First sign of life from the hosts came after 16 minutes as Jeanvier's cross flicked off the head of Caglar Soyuncu to Jan Zamburek. Marcondes was released to his left but could only fire high into the side-netting. Brentford created trouble of their own making 15 minutes before the break as Luka Racic was dispossessed by Hamza Choudhury, allowing Albrighton to take on the loose ball, only to fire just wide.
Brentford suffered another lapse in concentration as Perez was slipped through the middle by Iheanacho but his shot was straight at Luke Daniels. Having been guilty at times of showing their Premier League opponents too much respect in the opening period, Frank breathed confidence into his players at the restart and they were by far the better side for the opening 15 minutes of the second half.
Joel Valencia blasted wide when well placed and their courage on the ball was very nearly rewarded just after the hour-mark as Marcondes' teasing cross from the left struck the foot of the post before Christian Fuchs scrambled the ball clear to prevent substitute Josh Dasilva from having a simple tap in.
Leicester were content to sit back and hold onto their slender lead, but that was so very nearly extinguished with seven minutes remaining. Marcondes was the architect once more as his corner was met on the volley by Racic but his shot was tipped over by Danny Ward.
From the resulting set piece, Leicester's reluctance to seek a second nearly proved costly as Mbeumo flashed his shot on the volley home but the substitute was correctly flagged offside as the hosts fell just short.
Sky Sports
Kelechi Iheanacho strikes to send Foxes through
Kelechi Iheanacho's close-range finish after four minutes was enough to send Leicester through to the FA Cup fifth round in a battling 1-0 win over Sky Bet Championship side Brentford at Griffin Park.
Ayoze Perez and Marc Albrighton both had chances to extend that lead in the opening period but the Bees produced a valiant second-half performance. Thomas Frank's men were the better side after the restart, with Emiliano Marcondes striking the post before substitute Bryan Mbeumo saw his strike ruled out for offside.
The result means Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers extends his remarkable unbeaten run to 32 British cup matches ahead of his side's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Aston Villa on Tuesday, live on Sky Sports. It was back in 1949 when Brentford recorded its biggest crowd of 38,678 at an FA Cup tie against Leicester. While there were not so many on Saturday -12,221 to be precise - it felt twice as full for the club's final FA Cup game at the famous old ground.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank made 9 changes for the third-round clash against Stoke following a gruelling Christmas schedule, and the Dane made nine here, with a crucial Championship game with Nottingham Forest on Tuesday taking priority. That meant the absence of Said Benrahma, Bryan Mbeumo and Ollie Watkins - their front three who account for 77 per cent of Brentford's goals this season. The occasion looked to have got the better of Frank's replacements as inside four minutes, they were behind.
Dennis Praet lasered a superb pass into the path of the overlapping James Justin and the full-back's cross was tapped home by Iheanacho for his ninth goal in his last nine FA Cup starts. Brentford looked shell-shocked as Rodgers' side nearly doubled their lead when Demarai Gray lashed a free-kick into the side-netting, moments after Praet's stinging shot was blocked by Julian Jeanvier.
First sign of life from the hosts came after 16 minutes as Jeanvier's cross flicked off the head of Caglar Soyuncu to Jan Zamburek. Marcondes was released to his left but could only fire high into the side-netting. Brentford created trouble of their own making 15 minutes before the break as Luka Racic was dispossessed by Hamza Choudhury, allowing Albrighton to take on the loose ball, only to fire just wide.
Brentford suffered another lapse in concentration as Perez was slipped through the middle by Iheanacho but his shot was straight at Luke Daniels. Having been guilty at times of showing their Premier League opponents too much respect in the opening period, Frank breathed confidence into his players at the restart and they were by far the better side for the opening 15 minutes of the second half.
Joel Valencia blasted wide when well placed and their courage on the ball was very nearly rewarded just after the hour-mark as Marcondes' teasing cross from the left struck the foot of the post before Christian Fuchs scrambled the ball clear to prevent substitute Josh Dasilva from having a simple tap in.
Leicester were content to sit back and hold onto their slender lead, but that was so very nearly extinguished with seven minutes remaining. Marcondes was the architect once more as his corner was met on the volley by Racic but his shot was tipped over by Danny Ward.
From the resulting set piece, Leicester's reluctance to seek a second nearly proved costly as Mbeumo flashed his shot on the volley home but the substitute was correctly flagged offside as the hosts fell just short.
Sky Sports
First Sergio Aguero, now Jamie Vardy: wonder wingman Kelechi Iheanacho is the special reserve who has found his perfect role at Leicester this season
Every top striker needs effective back-up and in Kelechi Iheanacho, Leicester have one of the best wing men in the Premier League.
In Brendan Rodgers' Leicester, if everyone is fit, only one centre-forward will play and that man is Jamie Vardy. But when Iheanacho is called upon, he usually responds. His early strike in Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round tie at Brentford was his seventh in 12 matches – a highly efficient return given he has started only seven of these – and was enough to secure a place in the fifth round.
If Vardy cannot recover from a glute injury in time to face Aston Villa in Tuesday's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg, Rodgers knows he can rely on Iheanacho to be an effective replacement. It was a similar story during his Manchester City career, too, when Iheanacho was required to deputise for, among others, Sergio Aguero: regular substitute appearances, only 20 starts, but still 21 goals.
Iheanacho struggled after joining Leicester for £25million from Manchester City in 2017, scoring only 10 times in his first two seasons. This season, though, he seems to have worked out how to make the most of his role. No player is pleased to be on the bench rather than in the team, yet whenever Iheanacho has been called on he has responded. Brought on against Everton in December with the team trailing at home, Iheanacho created the equaliser for Vardy and scored the winner himself in stoppage time.
He was on target again after being included from the start in the following game, a 4-1 victory at Aston Villa, and played an important part in the festive wins at West Ham and Newcastle. He is more than just a goalscorer, too. With Rodgers surprisingly opting for a 4-4-2 system, Iheanacho dovetailed well with Ayoze Perez and created two excellent first-half chances for the Spaniard, both of which were wasted.
At 23, Iheanacho still has plenty of room for improvement. He rarely features for 90 minutes and sometimes can seem to switch off in games. His hold-up play is erratic, his passing can be careless and he lacks Vardy's ability to harangue defenders throughout a game. Yet he is a ruthless finisher who can change a game – exactly the qualities needed in a reserve striker at a club trying to break permanently into the Premier League's elite.
Leicester will still try to sign a forward in the summer, especially if – as expected – they secure qualification for the Champions League. Vardy will be 34 next season and it is unrealistic to think he can start every key game at home and in Europe. Despite the strides he has made this term, it seems unlikely that Iheanacho would be trusted as Vardy's only alternative.
There will surely be offers in the summer, too, but Iheanacho's work this term means Leicester will think hard before accepting them. Because if they need a man to nick the goal to get you out of a hole, or score the decider in a difficult FA Cup tie like this one, then Leicester need look no further than Iheanacho.
Daily Mail
Every top striker needs effective back-up and in Kelechi Iheanacho, Leicester have one of the best wing men in the Premier League.
In Brendan Rodgers' Leicester, if everyone is fit, only one centre-forward will play and that man is Jamie Vardy. But when Iheanacho is called upon, he usually responds. His early strike in Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round tie at Brentford was his seventh in 12 matches – a highly efficient return given he has started only seven of these – and was enough to secure a place in the fifth round.
If Vardy cannot recover from a glute injury in time to face Aston Villa in Tuesday's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg, Rodgers knows he can rely on Iheanacho to be an effective replacement. It was a similar story during his Manchester City career, too, when Iheanacho was required to deputise for, among others, Sergio Aguero: regular substitute appearances, only 20 starts, but still 21 goals.
Iheanacho struggled after joining Leicester for £25million from Manchester City in 2017, scoring only 10 times in his first two seasons. This season, though, he seems to have worked out how to make the most of his role. No player is pleased to be on the bench rather than in the team, yet whenever Iheanacho has been called on he has responded. Brought on against Everton in December with the team trailing at home, Iheanacho created the equaliser for Vardy and scored the winner himself in stoppage time.
He was on target again after being included from the start in the following game, a 4-1 victory at Aston Villa, and played an important part in the festive wins at West Ham and Newcastle. He is more than just a goalscorer, too. With Rodgers surprisingly opting for a 4-4-2 system, Iheanacho dovetailed well with Ayoze Perez and created two excellent first-half chances for the Spaniard, both of which were wasted.
At 23, Iheanacho still has plenty of room for improvement. He rarely features for 90 minutes and sometimes can seem to switch off in games. His hold-up play is erratic, his passing can be careless and he lacks Vardy's ability to harangue defenders throughout a game. Yet he is a ruthless finisher who can change a game – exactly the qualities needed in a reserve striker at a club trying to break permanently into the Premier League's elite.
Leicester will still try to sign a forward in the summer, especially if – as expected – they secure qualification for the Champions League. Vardy will be 34 next season and it is unrealistic to think he can start every key game at home and in Europe. Despite the strides he has made this term, it seems unlikely that Iheanacho would be trusted as Vardy's only alternative.
There will surely be offers in the summer, too, but Iheanacho's work this term means Leicester will think hard before accepting them. Because if they need a man to nick the goal to get you out of a hole, or score the decider in a difficult FA Cup tie like this one, then Leicester need look no further than Iheanacho.
Daily Mail
Leicester City 4-1 West Ham United
Foxes back to winning ways as Vardy & Mendy are injured
Leicester returned to winning ways against West Ham at King Power Stadium but lost the league's top scorer Jamie Vardy to injury in the first half.
Harvey Barnes scored the opener, poking in from a yard out, before turning provider for Ricardo Pereira on the stroke of half-time. West Ham captain Mark Noble made it 2-1 from the spot before Leicester's Ayoze Perez did the same. And Perez drilled in a fourth for Leicester with minutes to go.
There had been a lengthy stoppage time at the end of the first half as Vardy received treatment for what looked like a hamstring injury. Less than 10 minutes before, Leicester midfielder Nampalys Mendy was substituted for an apparent knee injury and West Ham's Robert Snodgrass came off at half-time after a knock.
Leicester were boosted by the return of key midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, who was on the bench just 13 days after having minor knee surgery. Manager Brendan Rodgers had said before kick-off that Ndidi was "there if we need him". And in the end, Leicester did need him when Mendy went down with an apparent knee injury after 32 minutes.
Mendy had filled in for Ndidi in the 2-1 defeat by Burnley on Sunday, as well as playing 70 minutes in the same defensive role in December's victory over West Ham. But Leicester's injury concerns got even worse when Premier League top scorer Vardy immediately clutched his hamstring after clearing the ball in his own defensive area.
Silence spread through the King Power as Vardy - who has scored 17 goals and picked up four assists this season - received treatment on the pitch before attempting to run it off. He lasted barely two minutes when he returned and was eventually substituted for striker Kelechi Iheanacho. Vardy has contributed to 34% of Leicester's Premier League goals this season so Rodgers will be hoping his recovery is as miraculous as Ndidi's.
Leicester were cruising in the first half and came out the blocks firing. They enjoyed 72% of possession and West Ham only managed 17 passes in the opening 10 minutes.
Vardy drew a save from Darren Randolph within minutes - finishing off a slick passing move from Leicester - and there were further chances for Pereira and Mendy before Barnes eventually got the opener on 24 minutes. Pereira slotted the ball across the face of the goal and Barnes could not miss from a yard out, before the two combined again in stoppage time - giving the home fans something to cheer about despite the mood dampening when Vardy trudged off injured.
West Ham looked well beaten at the break but they may have sensed the anxiety among the Leicester players and fans because they looked a more threatening side at the start the second half. Noble stepped up confidently to put away the penalty - which was given after minimal contact from Ndidi on Sebastien Haller in the box - and Manuel Lanzini came close to an equaliser when he almost poked in a loose ball from Michail Antonio's rebounded flick.
Leicester rode the simmering pressure and began to settle again - Iheanacho and James Maddison being denied before Perez eventually thumped in the third goal from the spot after Angelo Ogbonna's clumsy tackle on Iheanacho. The job was done for Leicester, who continued to pepper Randolph's goal, but Perez doubled his tally with a slick finish from inside the box.
The victory leaves Leicester 14 points ahead of fifth-placed Manchester United, while West Ham remain level on points with second-bottom Watford and without a win in three successive league games.
Leicester travel to Brentford for their FA Cup fourth-round tie on Saturday, 25 January before the crucial Carabao Cup semi-final second leg with Aston Villa on Tuesday, 28 January. Their next Premier League game is at home to Chelsea on Saturday, 1 February.
BBC
Foxes back to winning ways as Vardy & Mendy are injured
Leicester returned to winning ways against West Ham at King Power Stadium but lost the league's top scorer Jamie Vardy to injury in the first half.
Harvey Barnes scored the opener, poking in from a yard out, before turning provider for Ricardo Pereira on the stroke of half-time. West Ham captain Mark Noble made it 2-1 from the spot before Leicester's Ayoze Perez did the same. And Perez drilled in a fourth for Leicester with minutes to go.
There had been a lengthy stoppage time at the end of the first half as Vardy received treatment for what looked like a hamstring injury. Less than 10 minutes before, Leicester midfielder Nampalys Mendy was substituted for an apparent knee injury and West Ham's Robert Snodgrass came off at half-time after a knock.
Leicester were boosted by the return of key midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, who was on the bench just 13 days after having minor knee surgery. Manager Brendan Rodgers had said before kick-off that Ndidi was "there if we need him". And in the end, Leicester did need him when Mendy went down with an apparent knee injury after 32 minutes.
Mendy had filled in for Ndidi in the 2-1 defeat by Burnley on Sunday, as well as playing 70 minutes in the same defensive role in December's victory over West Ham. But Leicester's injury concerns got even worse when Premier League top scorer Vardy immediately clutched his hamstring after clearing the ball in his own defensive area.
Silence spread through the King Power as Vardy - who has scored 17 goals and picked up four assists this season - received treatment on the pitch before attempting to run it off. He lasted barely two minutes when he returned and was eventually substituted for striker Kelechi Iheanacho. Vardy has contributed to 34% of Leicester's Premier League goals this season so Rodgers will be hoping his recovery is as miraculous as Ndidi's.
Leicester were cruising in the first half and came out the blocks firing. They enjoyed 72% of possession and West Ham only managed 17 passes in the opening 10 minutes.
Vardy drew a save from Darren Randolph within minutes - finishing off a slick passing move from Leicester - and there were further chances for Pereira and Mendy before Barnes eventually got the opener on 24 minutes. Pereira slotted the ball across the face of the goal and Barnes could not miss from a yard out, before the two combined again in stoppage time - giving the home fans something to cheer about despite the mood dampening when Vardy trudged off injured.
West Ham looked well beaten at the break but they may have sensed the anxiety among the Leicester players and fans because they looked a more threatening side at the start the second half. Noble stepped up confidently to put away the penalty - which was given after minimal contact from Ndidi on Sebastien Haller in the box - and Manuel Lanzini came close to an equaliser when he almost poked in a loose ball from Michail Antonio's rebounded flick.
Leicester rode the simmering pressure and began to settle again - Iheanacho and James Maddison being denied before Perez eventually thumped in the third goal from the spot after Angelo Ogbonna's clumsy tackle on Iheanacho. The job was done for Leicester, who continued to pepper Randolph's goal, but Perez doubled his tally with a slick finish from inside the box.
The victory leaves Leicester 14 points ahead of fifth-placed Manchester United, while West Ham remain level on points with second-bottom Watford and without a win in three successive league games.
Leicester travel to Brentford for their FA Cup fourth-round tie on Saturday, 25 January before the crucial Carabao Cup semi-final second leg with Aston Villa on Tuesday, 28 January. Their next Premier League game is at home to Chelsea on Saturday, 1 February.
BBC
Two Leicester City players fined after training ground blunder as Chilwell & Choudhury turned up late for training ahead of the Burnley clash
Ben Chilwell and Hamza Choudhury were fined by their Leicester City team-mates after turning up late for a training session, according to reports.
Sky Sports reports the City pair turned up late for training at Belvoir Drive last week and under the existing agreement among the players, were fined. The money accrued from fines for that type of offence goes into a pot which pays for the squad’s Christmas party.
The club are not thought to have punished the duo and the reports add that manager Brendan Rodgers is not particularly concerned by the situation.
Chilwell and Choudhury both missed the defeat to Burnley on Sunday and Rodgers was asked to explain their absences afterwards.
“They missed a very important session for us in the week, which was the build-up leading to this game, so we couldn’t bring them into the game today,” Rodgers said.
“Both will be in contention for Wednesday. Ben has played a lot of games, so we looked at that, and this was probably the game he could miss out on.
“They were just unavailable for the training. We were doing a lot of preparation for this game, they were unable to be there, so we now move on.”
In his reply to the BBC Radio Leicester question, Rodgers added: “I had to go with the players that we trusted to come here and get the result.
When asked to elaborate, he replied: “It’s a personal one, that.”
City take on West Ham United at the King Power Stadium on Wednesday.
Leicester Mercury
Ben Chilwell and Hamza Choudhury were fined by their Leicester City team-mates after turning up late for a training session, according to reports.
Sky Sports reports the City pair turned up late for training at Belvoir Drive last week and under the existing agreement among the players, were fined. The money accrued from fines for that type of offence goes into a pot which pays for the squad’s Christmas party.
The club are not thought to have punished the duo and the reports add that manager Brendan Rodgers is not particularly concerned by the situation.
Chilwell and Choudhury both missed the defeat to Burnley on Sunday and Rodgers was asked to explain their absences afterwards.
“They missed a very important session for us in the week, which was the build-up leading to this game, so we couldn’t bring them into the game today,” Rodgers said.
“Both will be in contention for Wednesday. Ben has played a lot of games, so we looked at that, and this was probably the game he could miss out on.
“They were just unavailable for the training. We were doing a lot of preparation for this game, they were unable to be there, so we now move on.”
In his reply to the BBC Radio Leicester question, Rodgers added: “I had to go with the players that we trusted to come here and get the result.
When asked to elaborate, he replied: “It’s a personal one, that.”
City take on West Ham United at the King Power Stadium on Wednesday.
Leicester Mercury
Leicester have dropped points in MORE THAN HALF of their Premier League matches since Brendan Rodgers signed his new contract
It seems Leicester’s resurgence under Brendan Rodgers has finally been brought to a halt.
The Foxes have been magnificent since the Northern Irishman took charge of the club last February, sweeping away most Premier League sides in their path whilst playing a lovely brand of football.
However, since Rodgers signed his new contract in early December, Leicester’s form has begun to dip and at quite an alarming rate. They have now dropped points in more than half of the games since the bumper new deal was agreed, losing four, winning three and drawing one of eight of their matches in the top flight.
Their dip in form has unsurprisingly coincided with a lack of goals from the Premier League’s top scorer, Jamie Vardy. Vardy, who leads the way for goals with 17 strikes this season, has failed to score in his last three league matches. He also missed two matches prior to that due to the birth of his child and a minor injury, and this perhaps halted some of his goalscoring momentum.
On Sunday, Burnley came from behind to down Leicester with a 2-1 victory at Turf Moor. After Harvey Barnes gave the Foxes the lead, second-half strikes from Chris Wood and Ashley Westwood sealed a much-needed three points for Sean Dyche’s men.
Talk Sport
It seems Leicester’s resurgence under Brendan Rodgers has finally been brought to a halt.
The Foxes have been magnificent since the Northern Irishman took charge of the club last February, sweeping away most Premier League sides in their path whilst playing a lovely brand of football.
However, since Rodgers signed his new contract in early December, Leicester’s form has begun to dip and at quite an alarming rate. They have now dropped points in more than half of the games since the bumper new deal was agreed, losing four, winning three and drawing one of eight of their matches in the top flight.
Their dip in form has unsurprisingly coincided with a lack of goals from the Premier League’s top scorer, Jamie Vardy. Vardy, who leads the way for goals with 17 strikes this season, has failed to score in his last three league matches. He also missed two matches prior to that due to the birth of his child and a minor injury, and this perhaps halted some of his goalscoring momentum.
On Sunday, Burnley came from behind to down Leicester with a 2-1 victory at Turf Moor. After Harvey Barnes gave the Foxes the lead, second-half strikes from Chris Wood and Ashley Westwood sealed a much-needed three points for Sean Dyche’s men.
Talk Sport
Burnley 2-1 Leicester City
Foxes poor form continues as they let lead slip and Vardy misses penalty
Ashley Westwood's stunning strike saw Burnley come from behind to beat Leicester and earn their first points in five games.
The midfielder's emphatic finish in the 79th minute and goalkeeper Nick Pope's penalty save from Jamie Vardy marked a brilliant recovery by the home side who went behind to Harvey Barnes' 33rd-minute goal. The Burnley-born player gave the Foxes the lead with a superb individual effort after Jack Cork had been dispossessed just inside his own half.
Burnley improved after the break and equalised when Chris Wood poked in his ninth league goal of the season after Ben Mee nodded into his path from a corner. However, Mee then fouled Barnes in the box to give away a penalty, which was verified by VAR. Vardy, without a goal in his previous three games, saw his firm strike palmed away by Pope.
With their tails up, Burnley surged forward and were rewarded 11 minutes from time when Westwood thundered home a low drive. The win lifts Burnley to 14th - five points above the relegation zone. Leicester have now lost four times in their last six league games.
Resilient Burnley bounce back -
At the start of the 2018-19 season, Sean Dyche feared his team could be priced out of the Premier League.
Since their return to the top flight in the 2016-17 season the Clarets have been frugal with their spending. Their most expensive signings to date remain the £15m they spent on both defender Ben Gibson and striker Wood. The primary thought for a club the size of Burnley is to use their Premier League income to secure their future. Dyche has, as a consequence, been rightly lauded for keeping the Clarets in the division, but the question is for how much longer can the 48-year-old perform miracles?
His motivational abilities were tested at Turf Moor as he faced five successive league losses as Burnley boss for the first time. Every small decision could have a big impact for his side from here on in, and Dyche looked aggrieved on the sidelines when Dennis Praet's challenge on Jack Cork in midfield went unpunished in the build-up to Barnes' goal.
But rather than let their heads sink, Burnley came out bouncing after the break. Wood went close with a header before he was in the right place at the right time to poke in.
Leicester's penalty came against the run of play, but Pope ensured the momentum stayed with his side as he made a terrific save. Then came the goal that resulted in the biggest cheer of the afternoon. Charlie Taylor broke down the wing and fired a cross into the area which Jonny Evans could only clear into the direction of Westwood. The former Villa player ran on to the ball and lashed it past Kasper Schmeichel.
Vardy and Leicester misfire again -
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers kept stating his ambitions were largely in check when his side were on an eight-match winning run and looking the most likely to challenge Liverpool. However, he must have thought his side were guaranteed a top-four finish - perhaps this run of results makes it less certain.
Vardy had scored 11 goals in eight matches before Christmas, but he has only managed one in the past seven in all competitions and missed a golden chance to end that run at Turf Moor. James Maddison, touted to make England's Euro 2020 squad, was poor by his standards and wasted a couple of opportunities to shoot.
Barnes was the Foxes' best performer. He did brilliantly to keep his composure, after running 50 yards, to fire past Pope for his goal and also went close with an effort earlier in the game.
Rodgers needs Vardy and Maddison to be back on song for his side to finish in the top four for the first time since they won the title in 2016.
BBC
Foxes poor form continues as they let lead slip and Vardy misses penalty
Ashley Westwood's stunning strike saw Burnley come from behind to beat Leicester and earn their first points in five games.
The midfielder's emphatic finish in the 79th minute and goalkeeper Nick Pope's penalty save from Jamie Vardy marked a brilliant recovery by the home side who went behind to Harvey Barnes' 33rd-minute goal. The Burnley-born player gave the Foxes the lead with a superb individual effort after Jack Cork had been dispossessed just inside his own half.
Burnley improved after the break and equalised when Chris Wood poked in his ninth league goal of the season after Ben Mee nodded into his path from a corner. However, Mee then fouled Barnes in the box to give away a penalty, which was verified by VAR. Vardy, without a goal in his previous three games, saw his firm strike palmed away by Pope.
With their tails up, Burnley surged forward and were rewarded 11 minutes from time when Westwood thundered home a low drive. The win lifts Burnley to 14th - five points above the relegation zone. Leicester have now lost four times in their last six league games.
Resilient Burnley bounce back -
At the start of the 2018-19 season, Sean Dyche feared his team could be priced out of the Premier League.
Since their return to the top flight in the 2016-17 season the Clarets have been frugal with their spending. Their most expensive signings to date remain the £15m they spent on both defender Ben Gibson and striker Wood. The primary thought for a club the size of Burnley is to use their Premier League income to secure their future. Dyche has, as a consequence, been rightly lauded for keeping the Clarets in the division, but the question is for how much longer can the 48-year-old perform miracles?
His motivational abilities were tested at Turf Moor as he faced five successive league losses as Burnley boss for the first time. Every small decision could have a big impact for his side from here on in, and Dyche looked aggrieved on the sidelines when Dennis Praet's challenge on Jack Cork in midfield went unpunished in the build-up to Barnes' goal.
But rather than let their heads sink, Burnley came out bouncing after the break. Wood went close with a header before he was in the right place at the right time to poke in.
Leicester's penalty came against the run of play, but Pope ensured the momentum stayed with his side as he made a terrific save. Then came the goal that resulted in the biggest cheer of the afternoon. Charlie Taylor broke down the wing and fired a cross into the area which Jonny Evans could only clear into the direction of Westwood. The former Villa player ran on to the ball and lashed it past Kasper Schmeichel.
Vardy and Leicester misfire again -
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers kept stating his ambitions were largely in check when his side were on an eight-match winning run and looking the most likely to challenge Liverpool. However, he must have thought his side were guaranteed a top-four finish - perhaps this run of results makes it less certain.
Vardy had scored 11 goals in eight matches before Christmas, but he has only managed one in the past seven in all competitions and missed a golden chance to end that run at Turf Moor. James Maddison, touted to make England's Euro 2020 squad, was poor by his standards and wasted a couple of opportunities to shoot.
Barnes was the Foxes' best performer. He did brilliantly to keep his composure, after running 50 yards, to fire past Pope for his goal and also went close with an effort earlier in the game.
Rodgers needs Vardy and Maddison to be back on song for his side to finish in the top four for the first time since they won the title in 2016.
BBC
Leicester plot move for Southampton full-back Ryan Bertrand as Brendan Rodgers lines up replacement for Chelsea target Ben Chilwell
Leicester are bracing themselves for Ben Chilwell’s departure to Chelsea next summer and have identified Ryan Bertrand of Southampton as a potential replacement.
As reported by Sportsmail in October, Chelsea were considering bringing a move for Chilwell forward to January.
But their plans to strengthen at left back have been delayed as the Blues prioritise bringing in a striker this month.
That has given Leicester more time to draw up contingency plans and Bertrand would represent an experienced, quality replacement for Chilwell, 23, whose Leicester contract runs until 2024.
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers was a youth coach at Chelsea during Bertrand’s time in their academy. Bertrand then spent a year on loan at Reading under Rodgers, who was also keen on a reunion when he was Liverpool boss.
Bertrand, 30, who has 19 England caps and less than 18 months left on his Saints contract, looks set to be a man in demand.
Inter Milan are monitoring Bertrand’s situation, with manager Antonio Conte a long-standing admirer. Conte signed Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez last summer and also wants Christian Eriksen and Olivier Giroud.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is keeping an eye on Bertrand, who made 57 appearances for Chelsea and still lives near their training ground, in case he finds himself needing two left backs.
Daily Mail
Leicester are bracing themselves for Ben Chilwell’s departure to Chelsea next summer and have identified Ryan Bertrand of Southampton as a potential replacement.
As reported by Sportsmail in October, Chelsea were considering bringing a move for Chilwell forward to January.
But their plans to strengthen at left back have been delayed as the Blues prioritise bringing in a striker this month.
That has given Leicester more time to draw up contingency plans and Bertrand would represent an experienced, quality replacement for Chilwell, 23, whose Leicester contract runs until 2024.
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers was a youth coach at Chelsea during Bertrand’s time in their academy. Bertrand then spent a year on loan at Reading under Rodgers, who was also keen on a reunion when he was Liverpool boss.
Bertrand, 30, who has 19 England caps and less than 18 months left on his Saints contract, looks set to be a man in demand.
Inter Milan are monitoring Bertrand’s situation, with manager Antonio Conte a long-standing admirer. Conte signed Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez last summer and also wants Christian Eriksen and Olivier Giroud.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is keeping an eye on Bertrand, who made 57 appearances for Chelsea and still lives near their training ground, in case he finds himself needing two left backs.
Daily Mail
Leicester City confirm Khun Vichai statue will be placed outside King Power Stadium
Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha says the sculpture will immortalise his father's legacy and commitment to the club
Leicester City have announced plans to place a statue of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha outside the King Power Stadium.
It will be a lasting tribute to the club owner who was killed when his helicopter crashed near the ground.
Khun Vichai’s son Aiyawatt has tonight confirmed plans for a sculpture to immortalise the 60-year-old businessman and remember his father’s legacy and memory. Speaking before City’s first home match since the crash, Aiyawatt said: “We will never be able to repay what he did for us – for me as his son, us as his family, everyone connected to Leicester City and beyond – but we are committed to honouring his memory and upholding his legacy.
“Our continued growth as a club, our state-of-the-art new training ground and our planned stadium expansion will help realise his vision for Leicester City. “I plan to commission a statue of my father, for outside the King Power Stadium, as a permanent and fitting tribute to the man that made it all possible. “He will forever be in our hearts. He will never be forgotten.”
Aiyawatt has also written a personal tribute to his father in a souvenir programme for Saturday’s Premier League game against Burnley.
Complimentary copies will be issued to all supporters attending Saturday’s fixture as part of the club’s tributes to Khun Vichai and the four people that lost their lives in a helicopter accident outside King Power Stadium on 27 October. Khun Aiyawatt, known affectionately to the Leicester City family as ‘Top’, made the statue announcement following discussions between the Srivaddhanaprabha family and the club on the most appropriate way to honour his father’s memory and the club’s journey under his chairmanship.
In the eight years since the Srivaddhanaprabha family took ownership of Leicester City, Khun Vichai helped transform the club beyond all recognition.
Under his guidance, the Foxes established themselves in English football’s top flight, became Premier League champions in 2016 and and reached the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. Khun Vichai cleared the club’s debts and donated millions of pounds to Leicester’s hospitals and the University of Leicester.
Further details on the commissioning and the statue’s positioning at King Power Stadium will be confirmed in due course.
Leicester Mercury
Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha says the sculpture will immortalise his father's legacy and commitment to the club
Leicester City have announced plans to place a statue of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha outside the King Power Stadium.
It will be a lasting tribute to the club owner who was killed when his helicopter crashed near the ground.
Khun Vichai’s son Aiyawatt has tonight confirmed plans for a sculpture to immortalise the 60-year-old businessman and remember his father’s legacy and memory. Speaking before City’s first home match since the crash, Aiyawatt said: “We will never be able to repay what he did for us – for me as his son, us as his family, everyone connected to Leicester City and beyond – but we are committed to honouring his memory and upholding his legacy.
“Our continued growth as a club, our state-of-the-art new training ground and our planned stadium expansion will help realise his vision for Leicester City. “I plan to commission a statue of my father, for outside the King Power Stadium, as a permanent and fitting tribute to the man that made it all possible. “He will forever be in our hearts. He will never be forgotten.”
Aiyawatt has also written a personal tribute to his father in a souvenir programme for Saturday’s Premier League game against Burnley.
Complimentary copies will be issued to all supporters attending Saturday’s fixture as part of the club’s tributes to Khun Vichai and the four people that lost their lives in a helicopter accident outside King Power Stadium on 27 October. Khun Aiyawatt, known affectionately to the Leicester City family as ‘Top’, made the statue announcement following discussions between the Srivaddhanaprabha family and the club on the most appropriate way to honour his father’s memory and the club’s journey under his chairmanship.
In the eight years since the Srivaddhanaprabha family took ownership of Leicester City, Khun Vichai helped transform the club beyond all recognition.
Under his guidance, the Foxes established themselves in English football’s top flight, became Premier League champions in 2016 and and reached the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. Khun Vichai cleared the club’s debts and donated millions of pounds to Leicester’s hospitals and the University of Leicester.
Further details on the commissioning and the statue’s positioning at King Power Stadium will be confirmed in due course.
Leicester Mercury
Leicester City 1-2 Southampton
Revenge is sweet for Southampton as The Saints March on to all three points
Southampton gained revenge for their 9-0 thrashing by Leicester City in October when in-form Danny Ings scored a late winner to shock the second-placed Foxes at King Power Stadium.
Leicester, seeking a third successive Premier League win, took an early lead when Dennis Praet tapped in his first goal for the club.
But any thoughts of another easy victory for Brendan Rodgers' side were quickly dispelled when Stuart Armstrong equalised with a deflected shot.
Ings, who has now scored 10 goals in his last 10 league starts, was a thorn in Leicester's side all afternoon and having already struck the crossbar twice, he slotted through Kasper Schmeichel's legs late on.
Leicester thought they had salvaged a draw with a 90th-minute equaliser from Jonny Evans but the video assistant referee (VAR) ruled it out for offside.
The victory sees Southampton remain 12th, but move level on points with Everton and Arsenal, while Leicester stay second but 12 points behind Liverpool, who play in the late kick-off.
The victory for Ralph Hassenhuttl's men represents a remarkable turnaround from the previous fixture between the sides but it was nothing more than the visitors deserved having dominated in the first half and matched Leicester in the second.
But while the Saints shaded the chances, Leicester did have the ball in the net on another two occasions - through Jamie Vardy and then Kelechi Iheanacho - but both efforts were disallowed for offside by the on-field officials.
Saints were also awarded a penalty in the second half when Caglar Soyuncu bundled Shane Long over in the box but VAR also overturned that decision.
BBC Sport
Revenge is sweet for Southampton as The Saints March on to all three points
Southampton gained revenge for their 9-0 thrashing by Leicester City in October when in-form Danny Ings scored a late winner to shock the second-placed Foxes at King Power Stadium.
Leicester, seeking a third successive Premier League win, took an early lead when Dennis Praet tapped in his first goal for the club.
But any thoughts of another easy victory for Brendan Rodgers' side were quickly dispelled when Stuart Armstrong equalised with a deflected shot.
Ings, who has now scored 10 goals in his last 10 league starts, was a thorn in Leicester's side all afternoon and having already struck the crossbar twice, he slotted through Kasper Schmeichel's legs late on.
Leicester thought they had salvaged a draw with a 90th-minute equaliser from Jonny Evans but the video assistant referee (VAR) ruled it out for offside.
The victory sees Southampton remain 12th, but move level on points with Everton and Arsenal, while Leicester stay second but 12 points behind Liverpool, who play in the late kick-off.
The victory for Ralph Hassenhuttl's men represents a remarkable turnaround from the previous fixture between the sides but it was nothing more than the visitors deserved having dominated in the first half and matched Leicester in the second.
But while the Saints shaded the chances, Leicester did have the ball in the net on another two occasions - through Jamie Vardy and then Kelechi Iheanacho - but both efforts were disallowed for offside by the on-field officials.
Saints were also awarded a penalty in the second half when Caglar Soyuncu bundled Shane Long over in the box but VAR also overturned that decision.
BBC Sport
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