Leicester City welcomed Watford to the King Power Stadium on Thursday in the first leg of their Championship playoff semi-final encounter.
Both sides had chances in a high-tempo first period, but neither could make the breakthrough with the scores remaining level at the interval.
The opportunities dried up in the second period, but a header from David Nugent in the final 10 minutes handed the home side a 1-0 lead ahead of the second leg on Sunday.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Well, as far as big matches in world football go, this is certainly up there. Promotion to the Premier League is worth an absolute fortune these days, but just one of four clubs can join Cardiff City and Hull City in England’s leading division next season. That journey starts tonight as Leicester welcome Watford in the first leg of their playoff semi-final.
Leicester needed a 90th minute winner from Anthony Knockaert to book their spot in the top six, at the expense of Bolton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest, whom they overcame on the final weekend. If you believe in fate, then it certainly could be Leicester's year. However, they will have to be at their best to secure a first-leg lead this evening.
Watford, meanwhile, narrowly missed out on automatic promotion following a 2-1 defeat to Leeds United on the final weekend of the season. It did appear as if they should sneak into the top two with Hull City losing at home to Cardiff City, but Steve Bruce’s side rallied in the latter stages, reducing Watford to a place in the playoffs.
In terms of the past meetings between the two sides, Leicester have just shaded the overcall record with 22 wins from their 54 matches against Watford, drawing 16 and losing 16 in the process. However, they have not beaten the London outfit in four attempts, while both matches this season ended in a 2-1 win for Watford.
Both of these sides have enjoyed periods in the Premier League with Leicester playing eight seasons in the top division, while Watford have appeared twice, with their latest coming in the 2006-2007 season. It would probably be fair to state that neither team enters this tie as the clear favourites, which is not a surprise.
Watford’s biggest challenge this evening will be to shake off the disappointment of not making the cut on the final day of the season. However, Leicester will surely be the side under pressure in the playoffs with the big-spending Foxes underachieving in the last two seasons. That would all be forgotten if they could re-join the elite by the end of the month.
However, neither team enters the match in a particularly strong run of form with Leicester taking just nine points from their last six matches, while Watford have managed just seven in the same period. That said, recent form is usually meaningless in the playoffs. It is all about the here and now, while luck will almost certainly will play a part.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Chris Wood is given a start for the home team, with the powerful forward joining David Nugent in attack. Knockaert also keeps his place in the team, while Wes Morgan will once more skipper the side. Watford, meanwhile, make three changes from the weekend with Manuel Almunia, Alex Geijo and Majej Vydra coming in for Jonathan Bond, Troy Deeney and Fernando Forestieri. Full teams to follow.
TEAMS:
LEICESTER: Schmeichel; De Laet, Morgan, Keane, Schlupp; Knockaert, James, King, Dyer; Wood, Nugent
WATFORD: Almunia; Doyley, Ekstrand, Cassetti; Anya, Abdi, Chalobah, Hogg, Pudil; Geijo, Vydra
Let’s take a look at how each side has fared this season. Leicester recorded just two wins from their opening five matches of the Championship campaign, with performances suggesting that it could be another underwhelming season for the club. However, a run of six wins from their next seven moved them to the top of the table.
In fact, they did not lose a single match from mid-September until the end of October, when they were beaten by Crystal Palace. It proved to be a wobbly end to 2012 as their form suffered over Christmas, but five straight wins in January once more moved them towards the top of the league table.
Their form has suffered in recent months, however, with just three wins from their last 17 league matches, losing eight times in the process. In truth, they are fortunate to have another chance to make the Premier League. Consistency has been the real problem this season, but they are a formidable side when it all goes right.
In terms of their scoring record this season, they have found the back of the net on 71 occasions, which is the fourth best record in the league. They have also impressed defensively with just 48 goals conceded, the third best record. Their home form has also been strong with 13 wins from 23 matches, but they have won just six of their 23 games on the road.
Watford, meanwhile, also had a poor start with just two wins from their opening nine matches in the Championship, a run of form that left them at the wrong end of the table. However, three wins from their next four, in addition to a number of positive performances suggested that they could upset the apple cart.
Their form really picked up in November, where they won four of their six matches, remaining unbeaten in the process. A strong run of results either side of Christmas also secured their spot at the right end of the table, although they were much-criticised with a number of loan players in their squad.
They too have struggled for wins in the last three months, however, with just four victories from their last 11 matches, a run of form which ultimately cost them a place in the top two. That said, they have won two of their last three matches, which included a 2-1 win over Leicester at this stadium on April 26.
In terms of their scoring record this season, they are the highest scoring outfit in the league with 85 goals to their name. Their defensive record is also fairly strong with 58 goals conceded, although that is 10 more than Leicester. Watford also boast the best away record in the league having won 12 of their 23 matches, but they have taken just 38 points from 23 games at home.
If you are a neutral, then the playoffs are a fabulous occasion. Full of excitement, drama and heartache. It is the best way to move up a division, but the worst way to miss out. One thing is for certain, neither side can afford to fall too far behind this evening. One match and your whole season can go up in smoke.
Right, we are just about five minutes from kickoff, which can mean only one thing, time for my pre-match prediction. Predicting any match in the Championship is hard enough, but the playoffs are a different ball game altogether. I think Leicester will have enough to secure a narrow win this evening, however, leaving Watford with it all to do in the second leg on Sunday.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. Perhaps not too surprisingly, there are plenty of nervous faces on display. Packed stadium to witness this Championship playoff semi-final. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged.
Just a reminder of the main team news this evening. Leicester are unchanged from the win over Forest at the weekend, with Wood and Nugent once more starting in attack. Watford have captain Almunia back in their side, while Geijo and Vydra also start. Right, the away side get the action underway on this mild evening in Leicester.
Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this evening with the second leg to come on Sunday. It must be said that there is a truly stunning atmosphere inside the King Power Stadium. Should be the first corner for the home side as Schmeichel's long clearance is headed behind by Cassetti, but the referee awards a goal kick.
Bright start from Watford this evening with the away side enjoying the most of the possession. Vydra attempts to force the issue as he finds Geijo outside the box, but Morgan is across to clear. Nugent attempts to find the bottom corner with a flick down the other end, but Almunia was always comfortable making the save.
Again it's good work from Dyer as the Leicester winger drives down the left before delivering a cross into the box, but there are no takers. Watford attempt to counter down the other end with Hogg, but his pass towards Anya was just too short. High-tempo opening six minutes to this Championship playoff encounter.
The first yellow card of the match is handed to Anya with the full-back fouling Dyer in a wide position. The resulting free kick is taken by James, but Michael Keane can only turn wide of the post from close range. Meanwhile, the heavens have just opened with the rain coming down. That will surely effect the pitch as the match wares on. Still no real chances for either side with eight minutes on the clock.
It's bright work from Knockaert as the Frenchman collects possession on the right before driving into the box, but Cassetti is across to make the challenge. Keane whips a cross towards Nugent moments later, but this time Doyley is across to clear. One-way traffic at the moment with De Laet and Schlupp joining the forward play at each opportunity.
Plenty of slipping and sliding at the moment as Wood hits the deck outside the box, but the referee awards a free kick, much to the frustration of Doyley. The resulting free kick comes into the box by Knockaert, but Almunia is out to collect. Not too much for the away supporters to get excited about thus far, with Vydra and Geijo starved of service.
Half-chance for King to drive into the Watford box as the midfielder picks the pocket of Ekstrand, but Doyley is across to clear at the vital moment. Geijo attempts to battle for possession down the other end, but Morgan makes the clearance. Leicester force a corner moments later, but Anya clears under pressure from Nugent.
Half-chance for Nugent moments later as the former England striker thumps an effort from close range, but Cassetti is across to make the block. Another deep cross from King asks Almunia a question, but the Spaniard can only palm it behind. Back-to-back corners follow for the home side, but De Laet heads straight at the goalkeeper.
Decent period for the away side with Vydra and Abdi both involved down the right, but eventually Schlupp is across to make the clearance. Leicester are certainly the team forcing the issue, but Watford are always a threat on the counter. It is no surprise that they have the best away record in the Championship this season.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, with both sides guilty of losing possession in the final third. Again De Laet is a threat as he whips a cross into the box, but once more Almunia is out to collect under pressure from Nugent. Still goalless with 20 minutes on the clock at the King Power Stadium.
CHANCE! Two chances in quick succession for the away side. A mistake from Schlupp allows Anya in on goal, but Schmeichel is down low to make the save, Abdi has a strike from outside the box moments later, but once more the Leicester stopper makes the save. That is why he was voted the best goalkeeper in the Championship.
Both sides have just settled into the match with each enjoying periods with the ball, but Watford have certainly had the clearest chance to open the scoring thus far. Nigel Pearson has a slight word with Schlupp, who almost cost his side a goal moments ago. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital this evening.
Cassetti attempts the spectacular as he collects possession outside the box before thumping an effort towards the top corner, but it was always swerving over the crossbar. He certainly had Schmeichel worried, however, with the Dane diving to his left. Very even contest between two well-matched teams with 26 minutes on the clock.
Half-chance for the away side this time as Geijo bursts past De Laet before driving a cross into the box, but Morgan was on hand to turn clear of the penalty area. Watford's threat on the counter is just starting to grow as we enter the latter stages of the half. Nugent has an effort from close range moments later, but he fires it wide of the post.
Well, it has not been a match full of clear chances, but both sides have certainly had more than one opportunity to open the scoring this evening. Another half-chance arrives for Watford as De Laet loses possession down the right, but Keane is across to block the effort from Vydra.
Schlupp becomes the first Leicester player to enter the book for a foul on Anya. The left-back protests his innocence, but the referee is not interested. The resulting free kick is taken by Abdi, who finds Anya in the box, but his effort is blocked by King. Good pressure from Watford with 33 minutes on the clock.
Slightly scrappy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to deal with a number of late challenges. The latest free kick, which is whipped into the box by King, almost falls for Morgan, but Almunia was out to collect at the vital moment. The Leicester defender wants a penalty, but the referee is not interested.
Chalobah, who certainly has previous, tries his luck from outside the box, but his effort was always straight at the home side's goalkeeper. Leicester attack down the other end with De Laet, but the former Manchester United defender is forced inside, where Anya is across to clear. Little over five minutes of the half remaining.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with neither side able to create an opening in the final third. Vydra does win a free kick outside the Leicester box as he is felled by Morgan, but the resulting set piece from Abdi is deflected over the crossbar by Keane.
Vydra does not look too happy here as he continues to hobble around the pitch following that late challenge from Morgan, which did gain the Leicester skipper a yellow card. It is the away side that are ending the half the stronger with Punil and Abdi starting to see more of the ball. Half-chance for Vydra following a Schlupp mistake, but Schmeichel clears.
It would be no exaggeration to say that Wood has hardly touched the ball in this first period. His first involvement does bring a half-chance as he drives a low cross into the box, but Nugent can only clip wide of the post. In truth, neither side has done enough to be leading at this stage of the match.
CHANCE! It's wonderful from Knockaert as the Frenchman muscles Cassetti off the ball before striking an effort from close range, but Almunia is across to make a fine save. Keane has a half-chance moments later from a volley, but he can only turn wide of the post. It would have been a fantastic goal from the Manchester United defender.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes at the end of the first period. Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with both sides preparing to enter the break. Both managers will have plenty to say at the interval I am certain.
HALF-TIME: Leicester 0-0 Watford
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. It was the home side that started the match the better, but Watford have grown into the latter stages of the half. A goalless draw is just about a fair reflection of what we have seen at the King Power Stadium thus far.
STATISTICS: The away side have just about shaded the possession with 52%, while they have had 10 attempts to Leicester's seven. Watford have also hit the target on seven occasions, two more than the home side. There have also been three yellow cards issued thus far, two for the home side and one for Watford.
BENCH WATCH: Leicester certainly have attacking talent on the bench this evening in the shape of Vardy and Kane, while Drinkwater could also be introduced to steady the midfield. Watford are also not short of options with Forestieri, Battocchio and Yeates all on the bench this evening. In this type of game, the substitutes become imperative.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval which is not too surprising based on what we have seen thus far. Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this evening with the second leg to come on Sunday. Right, the home side get the half underway.
Just a quick correction on the number of yellow cards - Knockaert was also booked for the home side while the players left the pitch for a foul on Anya in the final action of the first period. Bright start from Leicester as Dyer drives a low cross into the box, but Anya is across to make the clearance. Leicester really need their supporters to stay with them here.
Leicester continue to force the issue in the early stages of the half with King and Dyer both attempting to slide balls into the box. Eventually Schlupp manages to drive a low cross towards Nugent, but Doyley steps out to clear. Watford are without question the worst team to play in the division while on the attack. They have been devastating on the counter this season.
I suspect that we could see some changes from both managers around the 65-minute mark if the scores remain the same. In truth, neither side has really done enough to be leading at this stage of the match. Leicester again look long for Wood, but the New Zealand international can only flick into the arms of Almunia.
Good possession from Watford in the last couple of moments with their wing-backs both causing problems to the Leicester defence, but the quality of the final pass, from both sides, has been lacking thus far. You just get the feeling that one goal could decide this match. There is just nothing between the two teams.
Schlupp demonstrates his attacking prowess as he moves past two defenders before thumping an effort from inside the box, but it was always moving high and wide of the target. That is where the left-back would rather be. Little under 35 minutes of football remaining, we still await the opening goal of the evening.
Watford are just forcing the issue at the moment with a period of extended possession inside the Leicester half, but the chances have just dried up in the second period. Neither set of strikers has been too impressive thus far. Anya attempts to drive a low cross into the box moments later, but Morgan is across to make the clearance.
Another yellow card for the home side was Michael Keane is booked for a late challenge on Geijo. The resulting free kick is taken by Abdi, but he can only fire his effort wide of the crossbar. We are getting to that stage where each manager will be thinking about a change. Little under 30 minutes of normal time remaining.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the away side as Vydra bursts beyond the Leicester defence, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper. What an opportunity to open the scoring. Watford are just starting to look the more dangerous as this second period gathers pace.
The home supporters are just starting to get restless at the moment as Leicester continue to lose possession of the ball. The first change of the match is a Leicester one, meanwhile, as Harry Kane replaces Wood, who has been poor this evening. I suspect we could see the likes of Vardy or Drinkwater in the latter stages. Little over 25 minutes to play.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with neither side taking care in possession of the ball. It is all very frantic as the challenges continue to fly in, but the referee is doing his best to calm proceedings. You just get the feeling that Leicester need to take a lead into the second leg on Sunday.
Half-chance for Knockaert as the Frenchman curls an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving high of the crossbar. Pudil combines with Anya down the other end before Geijo battles with Keane, but the referee awards a free kick. Still goalless with little over 20 minutes of football remaining.
Half-chance for Vydra as the Watford striker meets a loose ball in the box, but Morgan is across to make the block. Leicester attempt to force the issue down the other end with Nugent's header falling to Kane, but the striker just cannot collect. If I had to call it right now, I think this match will remain goalless this evening.
It's a really good strike from Vydra as the Watford forward thumps an effort from outside the box, but Schmeichel is across to make a fine save. A mistake from Almunia down the other end presents the chance to King, but he can only clip over the crossbar. That said, the offside flag had been raised. It is all happening at the King Power Stadium.
Watford make their first change of the match as Pudil is replaced by on-loan Fulham defender Matthew Briggs. Another long ball into the Watford box causes problems, but Briggs is immediately involved to clear the danger. Schlupp is lucky moments later, meanwhile, as he escapes a second yellow for a pull on Abdi.
Both sides have got into advanced positions this evening, but the quality of the final pass has left a lot to be desired. A half-chance comes to Briggs as the Watford defender meets a cross from Anya, but he can only head wide of the post. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining at the King Power Stadium.
There is no question that both of these sides are better than what we have seen this evening. It would be unfair to say that each side has frozen, but the quality just has not been there. Briggs again comes close with an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Still we wait the opening goal of the night.
GOAL! Leicester 1-0 Watford (Nugent)
Leicester score! Stunning free kick from Knockaert as the Frenchman whips a cross into the box, with Nugent on hand to flick his header into the back of the net. You cannot say that it has been coming, but the supporters will not mind. What a time to score.
Another half-chance for the home side as Kane finds Knockaert in the box, but he can only head straight at the goalkeeper. Suddenly it is all one-way traffic as Leicester continue to force high balls into the box. Watford just need to steady themselves here.
The home supporters are in wonderful voice at the moment as they continue to drive their team into the Watford box. There is no question that the away side have had chances to take a lead into the second leg on Sunday. Little over three minutes of football remaining. Will we see another goal?
Watford make their second change of the match as Fitz Hall comes on to replace Doyley, who has struggled in the aerial battle with Nugent this evening. Half-chance for the home side moments later as Nugent finds the run of Knockaert, but Almunia is out to collect at the vital moment.
Leicester continue to force the issue in the latter stages, but Watford manage to clear the danger. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes at the end of the match, we are indeed into the second of those.
Not too much attacking intent from Watford in the final moments with the away side prepared to take their chances in the second leg. Leicester will enter the match as slight favourites, but this tie is far from over. Anya has a strike from distance moments later, but it moves high and wide of the crossbar. Final change for Watford as Vydra is replaced by Forestieri, while Knockaert is replaced by Drinkwater.
FULL-TIME: Leicester 1-0 Watford
So there we have it. Nugent's header after 82 minutes is enough to separate the two sides in the first leg. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us this weekend for a host of live commentaries across Europe. Good evening!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
