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2020-01-08 - Leicester City vs Aston Villa
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Football: English Carabao Cup
8th January 2020 – Kickoff time 20:00 [Leicester, England Time]
Introduction:
Leicester and Aston Villa meet each other in the Carabao Cup where
as many astwenty four points and 15 places separate the two sides in the Premier League. No doubt about it based on the season's showing, Leicester are the kings of the Midlands and the clear favourites in this Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.
Leicester City
Leicester are exceeding expectations under Brendan Rodgers, sitting second in the Premier League, and they are 14 points clear of fifth place. They are almost certain to make the Champions League football next season so they can now devote full focus on reaching the 1st March final at Wembley.
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has urged the Foxes to make more history and reach the Carabao Cup final. He added that the club hasn't been to a final for 20 years so it is time they get there now.
As for the team news, Jamie Vardy is available for this match as the Premier League's top goalscorer has not played since Boxing Day due to the birth of his child and a calf injury. Other then that Wes Morgan, Filip Benkovic and long-term absentee Matty James are the only other injury concerns, with Rodgers expected to field a strong side here.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa's position is worrying. They are just one point clear of the relegation zone and they have not been helped by long-term injuries to striker Wesley and goalkeeper Tom Heaton. Other then trying to avoid a drop to the Championships they have this semi final in the Carabao Cup to think of.
Aston Villa boss Dean Smith no doubt is happy to play at Leicester in the first leg, and says his side won't be sitting back and defending at the King Power stadium.
As for the team news, Villa are without long-term absentees Wesley, Tom Heaton and John McGinn, with Keinan Davis pushing for a start having a returned to training after injury.
However, the game will come too soon for Jed Steer and Matt Targett, so Orjan Nyland should start in goal, with Jack Grealish and Tyrone Mings likely to return after being rested for the FA Cup clash with Fulham.
Past Meetings
This will be the first meeting between two Midlands sides in a domestic semi-final since 2000, when Leicester beat Villa over two legs in this competition before beating Tranmere at Wembley.
The Pick:
Go for Leicester City and give the 1 1/2 ball Asian Handicap.
The Pick :
Leicester City 3-1 Aston Villa
