Leicester conclude their Group G fixtures in the Europa League on Thursday night, hosting AEK Athens at the King Power Stadium.
After qualifying for the last 32 with a 3-3 draw at Braga two weeks ago, another victory on the final matchday of the group stages would guarantee them top spot.
The Foxes are fourth in the Premier League, three points off leaders Tottenham, following a hard fought victory against Sheffield United on Sunday.
Which players have impressed in Group G? ?#UEL pic.twitter.com/7q1fewplw2
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) December 5, 2020
With a better head-to-head record, Leicester will earn top spot in the group as long as they match Braga's result against Zorya Luhansk. For AEK Athens, however, this is a dead rubber where they can finish third at best.
Where to Watch
When Is Kick Off? Thursday 10 December
What Time Is Kick Off? 20:00 (GMT)
Where Is it Played? King Power Stadium
TV Channel/Live Stream? BT Sport 1 (UK)
Referee? Lawrence Visser
Team News
In their shock defeat to Luhansk last week, Leicester welcomed Wilfred Ndidi, Caglar Soyuncu and Ricardo Pereira back to their starting lineup following lengthy absences for all three.
? Look who's back...#UEL pic.twitter.com/k7au16fTfn
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) December 3, 2020
However, Ndidi's return was the only successful one. Both Pereira and Soyuncu suffered setbacks and were substituted with groin injuries by half time. Rodgers revealed neither knock was serious, with Pereira due back in two weeks and Soyuncu's setback 'thankfully not as bad as first feared'.
Timothy Castagne remains on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, but Daniel Amartey has returned to training after his injury, although he's unlikely to feature here.
AEK defender Emanuel Insua picked up a suspension after his third booking of the group stage. With no other notable absentees, the Greek side may rotate anyway with their domestic title challenge more important.
Predicted Lineups
Leicester City: Schmeichel; Morgan, Evans, Fuchs; Albrighton, Ndidi, Praet, Justin; Barnes, Under, Iheanacho.
AEK Athens: Tsintotas; Paulinho, Hnid, Nedelcearu, Mitaj; Mantalos, Simoes, Szymanski; Albanis, Oliviera, Garcia.
Recent Form
Leicester enjoyed a superb start to the season on all fronts but have endured a slight hiccup recently, winning only one of their last five in all competitions. Rodgers' side could have had top spot of their Europa League group wrapped up last week, but the rotated team slipped to defeat against Zorya.
AEK Athens, who will be disappointed with their European campaign this year, are also not in the best form, winning just one of their last four in all competitions. Sunday saw them lose 2-1 at home to Panathinaikos, as they sit fourth in the league with two games in hand.
Here's how each side has got on in their last five games.
Leicester City
Sheffield United 1-2 Leicester City (6/12)
Zorya Luhansk 1-0 Leicester City (3/12)
Leicester City 1-2 Fulham (30/11)
Braga 3-3 Leicester City (26/11)
Liverpool 3-0 Leicester City (22/11)
AEK Athens
AEK Athens 1-2 Panathinaikos (6/12)
AEK Athens 2-4 Sporting Braga (3/12)
Asteras Tripolis 1-2 AEK Athens (29/11)
AEK Athens 0-3 Zorya Luhansk (26/11)
AEK Athens 4-1 Larissa (22/11)
Prediction
Despite the many changes Rodgers is expected to make, Leicester's Premier League quality should prove too much for their visitors.
? Vardy goal sends Leicester through!#UEL | @LCFC pic.twitter.com/oc6b1KcHDa
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) December 3, 2020
Kelechi Iheanacho will enjoy some game time as Jamie Vardy's deputy, while a rotating AEK side will go back to focusing on their domestic campaign once this game is out of the way.
Prediction: Leicester City 3-0 AEK Athens
Source : 90min