Preview: Swansea vs Leicester

Nigel Pearson will be hoping for a hat-trick of victories against Swansea when he takes his Leicester side to the Liberty Stadium tomorrow afternoon.

Leicester have already secured two victories over their Welsh counterparts this season, coming from behind in both games to take victory courtesy of Dany N'Guessan winners.

Pearson oversaw City take a point from the Walkers Stadium on Sunday against Ipswich, a game in which they were behind within 30 seconds.

Swansea's match at Middlesbrough last weekend was postponed, making Leicester's FA Cup victory their last match.

The Swans had taken the lead in that game thanks to David Cotterill's early screamer, but goals from Andy King and N'Guessan put City into the fourth round draw.

Swansea have not beaten the Foxes in a home match since 1956, when the Welsh outfit pulled out a 6-1 victory at The Vetch.

But just one league place seperates the two sides currently, with both occupying an all-important play-off place. Swansea could pass City with victory tomorrow, a feat Paulo Sousa will be relishing.

Swansea goalkeeper Dorus De Vries: 'It's a different game now and we're playing at home where we feel comfortable. We're all looking forward to it because they have beaten us twice already this season and we have something to settle with them'.

Leicester midfelder Richie Wellens: 'We have beaten Swansea twice already this season so hopefully we can make it three on the bounce. We are fifth in the league at the moment so obviously things are not going too bad and we feel we could even have five or six points more.'

Swansea could be without Cedrid van der Gun, who has a slight hamstring problem.

Paulo Sousa could welcome back Craig Beattie however, who returns after illness.

The Welsh international has featured heavily for Swansea this season, putting in some eye-catching performances to help guide the Swans into the play-off positions.

Williams is often employed as a centre back, but has also been seen playing the defensive midfield role. City fans will remember him from the first match of the season, as he hit Swansea's opener.

Bruno Berner looks set to remain on the sidelines with his ongoing calf injury, so Ryan McGivern should continue to deputise in his absence.

Yann Kermorgant, Paul Gallagher, Dany N'Guessan and Martyn Waghorn are all pushing hard for first team starts.

Since beginning the season in fantastic form Wellens has dropped off the pace slightly, as demonstrated by his substitution in Sunday's draw with Ipswich.

Wellens possesses unquestionable quality however, and still remains the heartbeat of Leicester's midfield. More performances such as that against QPR would go down well for City fans at the Liberty Stadium.

- Leicester have scored in each of their last 11 league matches.

- The Foxes have never achieved the double over Swansea.

- The Swans have played their part in an unrivalled six goalless draws so far this season.

- Coupled with this they have also featured the lowest number of goals in their matches - just 40.

- Leicester do not like to leak goals either, conceding only 25 this season.

- The Foxes love a late goal, as Swansea should know already. Five scored in stoppage time is the most in the Championship.

I predicted a goalless draw last time and I was wrong, but I'm going for it again. Two tight defences, and with us away from home seal the deal for me. Swansea 0-0 Leicester. But Dany, you know the drill...

Saturday 23rd January

Swansea: Middlesbrough (A)

Tuesday 26th January:

Swansea: Coventry (H)
Leicester: Barnsley (A)

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