Does Leicester come out of the World Cup break in good shape?
The round of 16 is on the agenda in the English Carabao Cup. A number of underclass teams are still represented, including MK Dons. Ahead of the MK Dons vs Leicester match, it is relatively easy to make a prediction as the visitors not only have the individual advantage on their side, but also played a good role before the World Cup break.
The direct duel can still be interesting, however, because in the cup only the form of the day counts and the underdog also plays at home in this duel. Nevertheless, the MK Dons will have to go to their performance limits to even have a chance, after all, the hosts play in League One, i.e. in the third-tier English league.
So the favourites will clearly be Leicester when the game kicks off at 20:45 on Tuesday. But who knows, maybe the Foxes need to find their rhythm first and the hosts can use that to their advantage.
MK Dons – Statistics & current form
The MK Dons play in the third English league, League One. The difference in class to the Premier League is very significant, already evident in the squad. The big names are not to be found, but the one or other exciting talent is in the line-up. Clubs from the third English league work a lot with loan players from the Premier League or Championship, and that also applies to the MK Dons.
In the league, things are not going according to plan for the hosts. The team is only in 22nd place and has lost 13 of 21 games this season. Things are not running smoothly, and defensive mistakes are too often the reason for defeats. On Saturday, however, there was reason to celebrate, as the team won 2-0 away at Portsmouth FC. The dress rehearsal for the cup match against the first division team was a success, and the system with a three-man backline turned out to be ideal.
Coach Dean Lewington could also use it against Leicester. Although with a slightly more defensive basic alignment, the idea could be identical. Offensive relief is important because the Foxes will mainly have the ball. So the hosts’ defence will have to suffer and defend patiently and disciplined. After all, clearing shots into the stands are not frowned upon in England, especially in the lower leagues.
MK Dons: Few positives this season
There’s honestly not much to be said for the MK Dons ahead of this game. Only two of the last eight must-win games have been won by this team, only two of the last ten games have been played to nil. Even the home record is staggering, with an average of just 0.45 points in the league and already eight defeats from eleven games in front of a home crowd.
At least they have done well in the Carabao Cup so far. They won against Sutton United, FC Watford and FC Morecambe, all without conceding a goal. It is unlikely that this series will continue seamlessly. But it has to be tried in any case. Due to the signs, especially in the individual area, our prediction before the MK Dons game against Leicester is that more than 2.5 goals will be scored.
Predicted MK Dons line-up:
Cumming – O’Hora, Tucker, Jules – Lawrence, Smith, Johnson, Lewington – Barry, Holland, Eisa
Last games played by MK Dons:
League One
17/12/2022 – Portsmouth 0 – 2 Milton Keynes Dons
EFL Trophy Final Stage
14/12/2022 – Bristol Rovers 4 – 1 Milton Keynes Dons
League One
10/12/2022 – Milton Keynes Dons 1 – 2 Fleetwood
03/12/2022 – Milton Keynes Dons 1 – 1 Burton
FA Cup
26/11/2022 – Portsmouth 3 – 2 Milton Keynes Dons
Leicester – Statistics & current form
Leicester’s season got off to the worst possible start in the summer. Brendan Rodgers did not get the support in the transfer market that he had wanted. Two players came in when there should have been five to six. Accordingly, the Foxes had a hard time, and there were frequent discussions about replacing Rodgers. In the end, however, things turned out differently, the managers stuck with the coach and that paid off after the last few weeks before the break.
After 15 matchdays, Leicester are now in 13th place in the Premier League and have moved away from the relegation places for the time being. The team found itself there for a relatively long time, with very little working. The Foxes’ offensive performance deserves a positive mention: 25 goals is the best figure in the bottom half of the Premier League. However, they have already conceded 25 goals after 15 games.
The defence, however, has stabilised considerably. In the last six games in the Premier League, only one goal was conceded. There has visibly been a jolt through the team, the form has also improved significantly.
Leicester looking to build on form from before the break
Leicester won’t have one or two World Cup players in the side yet, but the Carabao Cup has always been about rotation. At the moment, however, this is certainly a matter of consideration for the Premier League clubs, as there is no rhythm yet after the break. Therefore, Leicester will not rely completely on youth, but will select a strong team.
Of course, this could also have an impact on the game per sé. The MK Dons will play on the counter-attack, but Leicester will dominate the game. Because the qualitative differences are big, our value tip before the MK Dons vs Leicester game is that the visitors will win by more than a one-goal margin.
Predicted Leicester lineup:
Ward – Justin, Vestergaard, Söyüncü, Thomas – Soumaré, Mendy, Albrighton, Ayoze, Barnes – Vardy
Last matches played by Leicester:
Club friendlies
10/12/2022 – Leicester 0 – 0 Troyes
Premier League
12/11/2022 – West Ham 0 – 2 Leicester
Carabao Cup
09/11/2022 – Leicester 3 – 0 Newport
Premier League
06/11/2022 – Everton 0 – 2 Leicester
29/10/2022 – Leicester 0 – 1 Manchester City
MK Dons – Leicester Direct comparison / H2H record
Both teams have played three direct duels so far. Leicester have won one match and the other two have ended in draws.
MK Dons – Leicester Tip
The MK Dons will be looking to give Leicester a big fight. Home advantage may play a part, however Leicester would certainly have been a more grateful opponent at a different stage of the season
With the Foxes having caught themselves, certainly not going for the full rotation and looking to make a good start to the next stage of the season, ahead of the MK Dons v Leicester game our tip is for more than 2.5 goals to be scored.
