Opposition briefing: Everything you need to know about Leicester

Match previews

14 Jul 2024

Crystal Palace are back at Selhurst Park to take on Leicester City as the Premier League returns after the international break - check out everything you need to know about our next opponents below!

Factfile

Manager: Steve Cooper
Last season: 1st (Championship)
Nickname: The Foxes
Ground: King Power Stadium

What’s the story?

From Premier League champions in 2016, to FA Cup winners in 2021, to relegation in 2023 – it’s safe to say that Leicester’s drop into the second tier was not a part of the masterplan.

Having recovered from a late-season wobble to lift the Championship title and return to the big time, Leicester are now hoping to re-establish themselves as top-flight regulars.

Enzo Maresca was successful at Leicester but was soon poached by Chelsea and starts the Premier League season at Stamford Bridge. After earning cult hero status at rivals Nottingham Forest, Steve Cooper has headed down the A46 to take control at the King Power.

Leicester have brought in several new players to aid their bid for survival, with Tottenham’s Oliver Skipp the most costly signing, reuniting with Harry Winks in midfield.

Saturday's match could also mark the return to Selhurst Park of Jordan Ayew, who marked his arrival at the King Power by scoring a remarkable goal in the League Cup win against Tranmere, firing into the top corner from 25-yards.

After their famous FA Cup victory against Chelsea at Wembley, Leicester have dreamt of repeating their achievements and lifting major silverware once more. They could have a big chance in the League Cup, where, after thrashing Tranmere in the second round, they were handed a favourable draw against League Two Walsall for a place in the last 16.

The boss

Cooper made his name as boss of England Under-17s, winning the 2017 U17s World Cup with Marc Guehi at the heart of defence.

After impressing at Swansea and Nottingham Forest, he is hoping to repeat his success in keeping Leicester in the Premier League.

Boot in both camps

Jeffrey Schlupp spent five years in Leicester's academy system after moving to the United Kingdom from Germany as a child, and was part of the club's legendary title-winning side in 2015/16.

Record against Palace

Palace have plenty of favourite memories against the Foxes, including a five-goal haul at Selhurst Park and Jean-Philippe Mateta's last-minute winner the last time the two met in South London.

Say it with us: three, two, one... 'BOOOOOOOM!'

Best of the PL: Crystal Palace 2-1 Leicester City | 2023

Did you know?

It’s hard finishing runners-up, but you can always tell yourself next year will be your year. For Leicester, this didn’t quite ring true.

In 1928/29, they were sweeping all before them. Portsmouth came to Filbert Street and were dispatched 10-0 and the league title was within reach, but The Wednesday proved too strong and Leicester missed out by a single point.

A full 86 years later, as they kicked-off the 2015/16 season, there was probably little hope that this was the year to right the wrongs of 1929. In fact, Claudio Ranieri didn’t even mention Arthur Chandler’s 34 goals that season or the unpunished tackle on Reg Osborne in his first press conference as manager. Talk about being out of touch…

But then the fairytale occurred, and Leicester did the unthinkable. The only people not celebrating were the bookmakers, whose hubristic 5,000-1 odds at the start of the season had come back to haunt them. Some £25 million were lost, with one punter winning £100,000 after betting just £20 at the start of the season. Some luck.

Match details

Saturday, 14th September
15:00 BST
Selhurst Park
Live audio commentary on Palace TV+

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