Derby County vs Leicester City | |||
11th August 2004, 7.45pm | Pride Park | ||
Leicester City travel to Pride Park for their first away game of the season, and will be facing a Derby County, who won't be the pushovers they were last season. City have sold nearly 4,000 tickets for this game, and the away support could be crucial in counteracting the Derby crowd. I'm excited about the first Derby of the new season. Expectations are high amongest both sets of supporters. George Burley has a shrewd managerial head, and has brought in players like Leicester old boy Julian Joachim to strengthen his squad. Judging by their performance against Leeds on Saturday, Leicester will have to keep alert at the back for the whole 90 minutes (something we have experience of needing to do!). Up front, there should be enough firepower to test the Derby back line, and there should be goals in this game. It's a shame that Leicester will have to do without Dion Dublin, and hopefully fans will see a more 'typical' performance, should 11 men remain on the pitch for 90 minutes. Nalis and Williams will continue in midfield, and Nalis could prove to become an important player as the season goes on. So, a great local Derby atmosphere should produce an exciting game. | |||
SQUAD NEWS | Matt Elliott and Lee Morris are out injured Danny Tiatto is suspended for two matches and Dion Dublin for three | ||
LEICESTERCITY-MAD PREDICTION | Tight game, draw likely | KEY MAN FOR CITY | Dabizas and Heath will need to be firm |