CARDIFF VS LEICESTER: PREVIEW
- Morgan Jones
- Nov 2, 2018
- 3 min read
Leicester City manager Claude Puel has branded this game “not important” after the tragic death of owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha in a helicopter crash last Saturday.
Puel stated honouring their chairman is “the most important thing” and the result of this game does not matter.
The Foxes will undoubtedly give everything they have to honour the man who was an integral part of their miraculous 2015/16 title winning season.
Cardiff players Lee Peltier and Sol Bamba both played for Leicester and knew Srivaddhanaprabha, emphasising the effect his death will have on both teams.
Bluebirds captain Sean Morrison rightly said football needs to “take a back seat” in times like these but admitted his teammates have tried to “prepare as normal”.
Despite the horrific circumstances understandably overshadowing this game, both teams will be eager to get the win for contrasting reasons.
TEAM NEWS:
Daniel Amartey will be out for around 4 months after he had surgery on his ankle.
Leicester captain Wes Morgan returns after his suspension.
Cardiff will once again be without Joe Ralls who will serve his final game of a 3 game ban.
Jazz Richards, Danny Ward, Lee Peltier and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing are all out for the Bluebirds whilst Harry Arter could return.
THE MANAGERS:
Naturally, the focus of both manager’s press conferences were on the effect of Srivaddhanaprabha’s death.
Cardiff boss Neil Warnock said the game is “important” for both sides but admitted it will be difficult to play the game:
“Somehow the two teams have got to get on with a game of football. It’s an important game for us and Leicester but it is a game of football. It seems irrelevant talking about the game compared to the bigger things that have happened this week.”
Warnock was asked if his players will be able to play the game as usual but he said:
“I’d like to say yes but I just don’t know. I can’t really give you an idea. We’ve prepared as well as we can but until the game kicks off and I see how it develops I don’t know what’s going to happen on the pitch.”
“It’s like everything else in life, some lads can cope with tragedies and some find it difficult. It has not been straightforward this week, I haven’t had a week like it.
"Originally I didn’t think the game will go ahead and if I’m honest I didn’t want it to, it was so emotional. But now I agree with the decision, it’s good to get back to normality.”
Warnock confirmed that there will be a minute’s silence prior to kick off and a wreath will be laid by Cardiff owner Vincent Tan.
The Leicester manager began his press conference with an eloquent and emotional statement.
“This has been without doubt one of the hardest weeks in this football club, the tragic loss of five lives has left us numb, with sadness and shock," Puel said.
"Our love is with Vichai’s family and the other families who have lost loved ones. Vichai made Leicester what it is. He made it a family, he invested in the club, invested in the city, invested in the people. He truly was loved inside and outside the club.
"Personally, it was privilege to work for him, the belief he showed in me and the great moments we shared.
"Seeing all of the messages, shirts, flowers, shows the amount of lives he touched. He leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered and a vision that the club and myself as manager will take forward.
"I have never been prouder to be manager. In difficult circumstances, the togetherness shown by everyone, has shown what a special club this is.
"The football has not been at the front of our minds, but we will play to remember the man that did so much for our club.”
MATCH STATS:
The last time Cardiff played Leicester in the top flight was in 1962 where the Foxes came away with a 4-0 victory.
However, Cardiff have only lost one of their last six games against Leicester in all competitions with 2 wins and 3 draws.
The Bluebirds have conceded 29 goals in 11 Premier League games at home and have managed to keep only one clean sheet.
The Foxes have scored in each of their last 12 top-flight games (W5, D1, L6).
BETTING ODDS:
Cardiff City: 12/5
Draw: 23/10
Leicester City: 23/20
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