The Lady Luck has smiled back of Leicester City after the first-leg blow at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan and Sevilla should take their trip to King Power Stadium with utter precaution.

Bouncing Foxes

The 2-1 Champions League defeat at Sevilla was the turning point for Leicester City. Much to the surprise of the football world, the Premier League champions decided to part ways with the man who made them the global phenomenon Claudio Ranieri and started a shock therapy for the lethargic squad which, fortunately for the Foxes, brought results. At the crucial moment of the season, English champions look as if they are starting to find form all over again with two home wins over Liverpool and Hull City, respectively, after the defeat in Spain. Riyad Mahrez is looking his former self again, whereas Jamie Vardy seems to be slowly rediscovering his goal scoring form. His consolation goal at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan could end up being a world’s difference for the Foxes who will be looking for a surprise win over respectable opposition.

Leicester City new manager Craig Shakespeare will have no major selection headaches ahead of the Sevilla game, with the exception of defender Molla Wague who is under doubt due to a shoulder injury.

Sevilla slowing down?

Jorge Sampaoli’s men have been one of the biggest surprises in the 2016/17 season in La Liga thus far, but it seems as if Los Rojiblancos are slowing down over the last couple of weeks. Consecutive draws against the likes of Alaves and Leganes have put major dent into Sevilla’s La Liga title chase and the Champions League distraction comes at a bad time for Sampaoli’s men. Five points behind Real Madrid on top of La Liga – and with Los Blancos carrying a game in hand – Sevilla and Barcelona look destined to battle it out for the runners-up place on the domestic front. The last two defeats will have been major blows to the team’s morale as well, and Sevilla will have to be extremely careful during the week as they are travelling to face a confident side. The biggest problem for Sevilla over the past couple of games has been the lack of their recognizable intensity and fluidity, which means Jorge Sampaoli will need his men back to their best if they want to build upon the first-leg 2-1 lead.

Influential midfielder Steven N’Zonzi is expected to be reinstated in the first-team after missing out on the last game against Leganes. Sampaoli will have his full roster to pick from, with the exception of Carlos Fernandez, who is suffering from a knee injury.

Verdict

The forthcoming match is a good chance for both teams to send a clear message. Leicester City are expected to make an additional push in Europe as Foxes keep writing history in the elite club competition, whereas Sevilla need a swift return to winning ways. Therefore, we should expect an openly-contested match and a highly amusing one as well.

Top pick: Both teams to score – yes   1.65 (11/17) @10Bet

Alternative pick 1: Leicester City Draw no Bet   2.50 (6/4) @WilliamHill

Alternative pick 2: Leicester not to lose   1.70 (7/10) @Bet365