A much needed, morale boosting win by Leicester in the FA cup against Midland rivals Derby County on Wednesday night, allowed their fans some much needed cheer. The campaign for the current league champions has been one of complete contrast to the monumental success they enjoyed in their capture of the title last year. Failure to recapture last season's explosive form by their stars such as PFA player of the year Riyad Mahrez and England hotshot Jamie Vardy, has added to the gap left by the summer departure by N'Golo Kante to Chelsea, a player who many of the game's pundits believe is the most effective in the league.

Not that Swansea have had a much easier ride, the sacking of two managers this season has been the result of a campaign that has seen the Welsh side constantly in the drop zone. With new boss Paul Clement in charge, the Swans are starting to find a style that suits the struggling side. A 2-1 away loss to Manchester City last time out stopped them from winning three in a row, after completing impressive wins which included a 3-2 win at Anfield against Liverpool, before a 2-1 defeat of Southampton at the Liberty Stadium allowed them to climb up the relegation ladder.

A real six pointer on the cards here, both sides will see this game as an opportunity to grab some much needed points, cause some headaches for a relegation rival and gain some confidence as we head deeper into the season.

SWANSEA

(FORM GUIDE: LLLWWL)

New boss Paul Clement took over following the sacking of American coach Bob Bradley, who was sacked at the end of December. He has hit the ground running, completely turning around the side's fortunes and giving the Swan's fans some hope. It has followed a season that has seen the club struggle, including a December that saw the side score just two goals, whilst conceding 21, culminating in eight defeats in a row before Clement secured their first win since the goal fest 5-4 win against fellow strugglers Crystal Palace at the end of November.

His wins against Liverpool and Southampton has given the side a massive boost, and gave the their fans some hope of survival, whereas previously all seemed lost. Their uplift in form has created a real battle at the bottom of the league, and with their fellow strugglers also picking up points, the fight to beat the drop looks as intense as always, meaning that they will be desperate to pick up some much needed points.

Icelandic midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson has, as usual, been Swansea's most effective player, and it will be his finishing ability that the fans hope is the deciding factor of this game and his contribution will be key to the outcome of the game, if he plays well, Swansea have a real chance.

LEICESTER CITY

(FORM GUIDE: WDLLLL)

A team that is desperate for a win in the league to follow on from their FA cup victory is  Leicester, the side sit just one point outside the relegation zone following last week's 3-0 defeat to Manchester United, and the pressure has started to mount following a recent surge in form from relegation rivals Hull, Sunderland and Swansea.

Although it would have seemed a real outside chance that the current champions could be relegated at the start of the season, the more the season progresses, the more evident that real concern is there for their supporters.

If Leicester are to claw themselves out of danger, it requires their star men from last year, Mahrez and Vardy, to recapture some of last season's sparkle, it is seemingly more important this season, as the club battle the drop. The problem is that neither have come anywhere close to that form, Vardy has scored just five goals this season, with three of those coming against Manchester City in a 4-2 win, whilst his partner in crime Mahrez has failed to live up to the high praise he received following last season, he has scored just three times and created just two assists.

Leicester has scored just once in their last six league games, evidence that the team are struggling to create any chances, which wouldn't be a major concern if they were as solid defensively as last year, but their backline has been underperforming also, adding to the increasing pressure to club manager Claudio Ranieri. The Italian has been given a vote of confidence by his club this week, strange when you consider that less than a year ago he took the side to the summit of the table, but highlights the precarious nature of football.

STATS

• Leicester have a 44% possession rate at home, whilst Swansea have a 47% away possession rate.

• Away from home, Swansea's passing success rate of 76% is significantly better than Leicester's at home of 70%.

• Swansea have scored ten goals from open play away  whilst Leicester have scored  (14) at home.

• Swansea have scored ten set piece goals this season, six more than Leicester.

Recommended Premier League Betting Offer: Betting on Swansea vs Leicester City? Claim this Swansea vs Leicester City betting bonus from bet365! 

HEAD TO HEAD

27/08/16    Leicester 2 Swansea 1
24/04/16    Leicester 4 Swansea 0
05/12/15    Swansea 0 Leicester 3
18/04/15    Leicester 2  Swansea  0
25/10/14    Swansea 2  Leicester 0
03/01/11    Leicester 2  Swansea 1

CURRENT MATCH ODDS (BEST PRICED ODDS)

Swansea: 6/4 with Betfred - Bet Here!

Draw: 9/4 with bet365 - Bet Here!

Leicester: 2/1 with bet365 - Bet Here!

SUMMING UP!

Games that involve relegation threatened sides are always tense and more often than not, full of incidents. The game is one that neither side can afford to lose, as they aim to beat the drop, and whilst Swansea will feel that their recent run of results will push them into the game with confidence, Leicester at home will go all guns blazing to secure the much needed three points against one of their rivals.

A draw looks a very likely result with both teams scoring, given that neither defences are reliable it could be a 2-2 or a 3-3.

MY RECOMMENDED BETS

• Marc Albrighton to be given man of the match award (14/1 with Paddy Power - Bet Here!).

• A 2-2 draw (14/1 with bet365) or 3-3 draw (70/1 with Paddy Power - Bet Here!)

• Riyad Mahrez to score first (9/1 with William Hill - Bet Here!)

• Gylfi Sigurdsson to score the last goal (13/2 with Paddy Power - Bet Here!)

New Account Offer

Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply

Click to Claim