‘Smash and grab’ – Michael Owen predicts winner in Leeds v Leicester
Michael Owen predicts Leeds United will earn an unlikely win against Leicester City when the two sides meet at Elland Road on Monday night.
Leeds go into the game fresh off the back of beating Aston Villa 3-0 at Villa Park last week when Patrick Bamford netted his first Premier League hat-trick.
In Leicester’s last league outing, it was another English striker who made the headlines when Jamie Vardy netted a late winner against Arsenal.
Vardy was at it again on Thursday night when he scored from the penalty spot in Leicester’s 2-1 win away at AEK Athens in the Europa League.
Owen hasn’t mentioned how travelling from Greece may affect Leicester’s chances of getting a win against Leeds but the ex-Liverpool striker believes that while both teams will get on the scoresheet, the Yorkshire giants will be the team to come out on top.
“Fresh from their smash and grab win against Arsenal, Leicester are on the road again. This time they visit Elland Road with talisman Jamie Vardy back in the side, so they will feel confident going into the match,” Owen wrote on the BetVictor website.
“Leeds striker Patrick Bamford rightfully grabbed all the headlines as he scored a hat-trick against Aston Villa and I think this could be a very entertaining match. Leeds have been so good to watch this season, and with Bamford firing in front of goal right now, I can see the points staying in Yorkshire.”
It’s been a long time since Leeds last won against Leicester.
When the two sides met at Elland Road in November 2012, Luciano Becchio’s early penalty was enough to earn a win for the Whites in the Championship.
Since then, United have played the Foxes four times, drawing two and losing two.
Leicester have the upper-hand when it comes to the recent head-to-head but Leeds are a completely different animal now with Marcelo Bielsa in charge.
It was a bold call by Owen to predict that Leeds will win.
Yes, the Whites were brilliant at Aston Villa last week and have impressed against the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City.
But Leicester are a very good side who can beat absolutely anyone in England when they’re playing their best.
We would be happy with a draw but if Owen is right, we’d be over the moon.
In other Leeds United news, this Leeds loanee has had a concussion scare ahead of his next match.