Leicester were five minutes from handing Brendan Rodgers a much-needed victory, until Evan Ferguson grabbed the equalizer and a point in a 2-2 draw at King Power Stadium on Saturday.
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A point won’t feel like the end of the world for Leicester (18 points - 14th place), though, as the draw with Brighton (31 points - 6th place) snaps a four-game losing streak and represents the Foxes’ first point since the Premier League returned from the World Cup break. It’s little wonder that Rodgers reportedly met with club chairman Aiyawatt “Top” Srivaddhanaprabha this week to discuss the direction of the club going forward.
Brighton went ahead just before the half-hour mark, when Kaoru Mitoma cut in from the left wing and uncorked a stunning curler into the far-post upper-90, where Danny Ward had no chance to save it. The lead lasted just 11 minutes, though, before Marc Albrighton slotted home a back-post rebound in the 38th minute.
Harvey Barnes made it 2-1 to Leicester with a close-range side-volley in the 63rd minute, and that lead held firm for nearly 25 minutes. Evan Ferguson’s header from beyond the penalty spot had to be perfectly placed to evade the outstretched arms of Robert Sanchez, and it was as it bounced beyond the Spaniard and snuck inside the far post.
How to watch Leicester vs Brighton live, stream link and start time
Kick off: 10am ET, SaturdayTV Channel/Online: Stream via Peacock Premium
Key storylines & star players
New star defender Wout Faes’ two own goals outscore his teammates over this four-match losing streak, as only Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has put the ball in the goal for Leicester. Jamie Vardy hasn’t scored since October and James Maddison’s absence has been apparent in almost every contest.
Brighton could have staying power in the race for Europe, as this run of Leicester, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, and Fulham does not see a clearly superior club across from them. Kaoru Mitoma continues to impress for a Brighton side that has so far resisted the urge to cash in on Moises Caicedo and others. Leandro Trossard, however, could skip town soon though De Zerbi has kept the door open for reconciliation.
Leicester team news, injuries, lineup options
QUESTIONABLE: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (buttocks), Ayoze Perez (knock), OUT: Ryan Bertrand (knee), James Maddison (knee), Ricardo Pereira (calf), Jonny Evans (calf), Boubakary Soumare (thigh), James Justin (calf)
Our XI to take on the Seagulls 📝 🔵#LEIBHA
— Leicester City (@LCFC) January 21, 2023
Brighton team news, injuries, lineup options
OUT: Jakub Mober (knee), Leandro Trossard (other)
TEAM NEWS! 🚨 Here's our starting XI to take on @LCFC today. 📝
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) January 21, 2023
📲 https://t.co/S3j1TIeLz3 // #BHAFC ❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/CH5fu2C0gV