Leicester take on in the FA Cup (Getty Images)
Leicester City host Aston Villa in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final at the King Power Stadium on Thursday.
The two sides have had contrasting outings so far with Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes sitting comfortably at second place in the table while Dean Smith’s Villa are hovering just one place and one point above the relegation zone.
Leicester will be hoping to reach their first-ever final of a cup tournament since 2000 when they won the EFL Cup under then-manager Martin O’Neill.
Villa, on the other hand, are 5-time champions, though their last victory came in 1996 against Leeds United. The high-flying Foxes, who are 24 points above their opponents, look like clear favourites to win the match given their form in the league so far.
However, the Villans will be aiming to end the match in a draw in order to keep their hopes of a cup final still intact when Leicester visit Villa Park for the second leg.
Leicester star Jamie Vardy has missed their last three outings and remains a doubt for the semi-final fixture due to a calf strain.
However, manager Rodgers would be hoping that his talismanic finisher would hopefully recover in time and be fit for the crucial encounter.
Other than injured centre-backs Wes Morgan, Filip Benkovic, and long-term absentee Matty James, Rodgers has a full squad at his disposal when the two sides clash against each other.
The undisputed first-choice keeper for Leicester is a definite starter for a game like this but is yet to keep a clean sheet in the cup tournament.
Played in the quarterfinal against Everton. The Portuguese has the second-most successful tackles in the league this season behind teammate Wilfred Ndidi.
The Irishman has featured in all four games in the tournament so far and is one of the first names on the teamsheet.
The young Turk was not included in the starting XI last time but is sure to feature this time, with veteran Morgan out due to injury.
Chilwell has been impressive in the league but has made just one appearance in the tournament so far and is likely to feature once again.
The youngster has been a massive performer for the Foxes. An excellent tackler, Ndidi makes the job easier for both the defence and the attack.
Perez was a starter in the quarterfinal last time and will most likely retain his place. The Spaniard has an assist from the 3 matches he has played so far.
The creative midfielder is his side’s top-scorer in the tournament with 3 goals. Has a dangerous right foot, and scores easily from long distances.
He has had a good time in the tournament, finding the target twice and assisting as many times from 3 games.
Barnes’ pace would stifle oppositions defences. He was left out of the last game as a part of squad rotation but will most likely get the nod this time.
The veteran is sure to feature if pronounced fit. However, he has been out of action for some time and is yet to open his account in the EFL Cup.
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