Are Nigel Pearson's days numbered?

Questions asked as Leicester lose three in a row

© Matt Beighton, Flickr

Last night's Capital One Cup defeat to Burton Albion rounded off a miserable seven days for Nigel Pearson's Leicester City.  After the Foxes lost two close league games to Charlton and Blackburn (and with all due respect to the Shakers), yesterday's match was supposed to be the one to get Leicester back on track.  Instead, the hosts shipped four goals to a side two divisions below them and were subsequently booed off the pitch. 

It's August.  The season is five games old.  But with former manager Ian Holloway bringing an in-form Blackpool side to the King Power Stadium this weekend, is Saturday's fixture now a must-win game for Nigel Pearson?

It goes without saying that this isn't the start that fans were expecting.  A promising opening day 2-0 win over East Midlands-rivals Peterborough United has since been marred by consecutive away defeats, but such results can be overlooked by generally positive performances and an apparent willingness and desire to battle back.  A convincing home defeat to a side the Foxes beat 3-1 in preseason is a little harder for supporters to digest.

Nigel Pearson did make eight changes from his starting eleven who started last Saturday's 2-1 loss at Blackburn Rovers, so there may have been rustiness in places (especially in defence, with Sean St. Ledger and Zak Whitbread playing for the first time this season).  However, in a division where stability is important, perhaps eight changes for one match are too many.  But hindsight is a wonderful thing, and had Leicester beaten Burton Albion 2-0, fans would be singing the manager's praises for focusing what is now a crucial match this weekend. 

This brings us to Leicester's next match – Saturday evening's clash with Blackpool.  This match could be a huge point in the season for both sides.  The visitors are the only team to have won their opening three fixtures, having scored ten goals and conceded just one since the start of the Championship season.  They are the form side at this stage, and also the side to beat.  Leicester, who are always tipped to succeed in the Championship due to the financial backing of the Raksriaksorns, have lost three in a row for the first time since Paulo Sousa was in charge.  Sousa was sacked after that third loss (a 4-3 defeat at Norwich City).  Wouldn't it just be fitting for Ian Holloway (who knows what it is like to be sacked from Leicester City) to come to town and put Nigel Pearson's future here in real jeopardy?

As mentioned before, stability is the key for success in this division.  It is far too early to tell how the rest of the season might pan out.  But Leicester are notorious for its revolving door when it comes to managers.  It really shouldn't be, but Saturday could now be a must-win game for Nigel Pearson.

Leicester City 2 Peterborough United 0 - 18th August 2012

Morgan and King on target as Foxes tame Peterborough

Two second-half goals gave Leicester City a deserved win to kick-off their Championship campaign in style at home to East Midlands-rivals Peterborough.

Nearly 24,000 fans were on hand to watch Leicester's season opener against Peterborough this afternoon 

Wes Morgan put the Foxes ahead after the break with a powerful header from Ben Marshall's corner kick, before Andy King came off the bench to double the lead with a fine strike with fifteen minutes remaining.

Peterborough's best chances came late on in the match through substitute Emile Sinclair, but the former Macclesfield forward was less than clinical when presented with the opportunity to get his team back into the match.

Leicester are likely to face tougher tests this season, but it was certainly a good benchmark for Nigel Pearson's side who are, once again, heavily tipped by bookmakers to win promotion to the Premier League after an absence of eight seasons from the top flight.

Nigel Pearson named an unchanged starting eleven from the side that won 4-0 at Torquay United in the first round of the Capital One Cup in midweek – but it was Peterborough who had the first chance of the match when Lee Tomlin's strike from distance was tipped round the post by Kasper Schmeichel.

Leicester looked sharp in the early exchanges; most notably Jermaine Beckford who willingly chased down every loose ball and seemed determined to menace Peterborough's defence, while Ben Marshall's set pieces continued to trouble the visiting side.

Ritchie De Laet headed just wide from a Ben Marshall free-kick, before new signing Jamie Vardy scuffed a volley after Jermaine Beckford had cleverly nodded the ball into his path.

Leicester looked strong at the back, too, as new captain Wes Morgan accompanied by youngster Liam Moore at centre-back, who performed admirably in his first senior home game for the club.

Peterborough rarely threatened in the first-half, and could have fallen behind when Jamie Vardy's low pass towards Jermaine Beckford almost resulted in an own goal when Posh defender Gabriel Zakuani almost put the ball into his own net.

Jermaine Beckford headed centimetres wide five minutes before half-time, before Lloyd Dyer's trickery resulted in a fine cross into the box, but there was no blue shirt on hand to tuck the ball away.

After the break, Kasper Schmeichel showed good awareness to parry Paul Taylor's powerful strike, but the hosts were ahead just minutes later when Ben Marshall's corner was met with a strong header from Wes Morgan which flew off the underside of the crossbar and into the net.

It was Morgan's first goal as a Leicester City player and a great way to kick-off his captaincy for the Foxes, although Darren Ferguson may argue that Gabriel Zakuani was fouled in build-up.

Leicester began to play somewhat more confidently after going a goal ahead, and both Jamie Vardy and Lloyd Dyer came close to doubling the Foxes' advantage just moments after the goal.

At the other end, Peterborough substitute Emile Sinclair inexplicably fired over the bar after good work on the right-hand side of the pitch when it seemed easier to hit the target.

Peterborough were left to rue that missed opportunity as Leicester broke through the middle minutes later, and when Jamie Vardy picked out substitute Andy King on the edge of the penalty area, the Welsh international fired home superbly from 20 yards to put the Foxes 2-0 ahead and secure the three points.

It was a wonderful finish from the midfielder, who will be hoping for more appearances in the starting eleven if he continues to make an impact when given the opportunity to do so.

Leicester, who were, by now, coasting, could have seen their two-goal advantage dissipate when Emile Sinclair again found his way into the opposing penalty area, but his tame effort was easily collected by Kasper Schmeichel.

With just less than ten minutes to go, Sinclair managed to beat Wes Morgan to the ball and tried to curl a shot into the far corner, but again, the Danish shot stopper would not be beaten.

The second-half fizzled out after four minutes of stoppage time, and the final whistle gave Leicester all three points to get the season off to the best start possible at the King Power Stadium.

Man of the Match – Wes Morgan

Leicester City: Position Battles

The fifth and final position battle looks at the Leicester City strikers - who is more likely to start up front on Saturday?

1. Jamie Vardy v. Jermaine Beckford

This is undoubtedly the biggest question mark in terms of position battles ahead of Leicester City's opening game against Peterborough on Saturday, and last night's 4-0 Capital One Cup win at Torquay United did nothing to answer who would start alongside David Nugent.  Jermaine Beckford and Jamie Vardy were both named in the starting eleven, while Nugent was rested.  On top of that, Martyn Waghorn, Jeff Schlupp and new signing Marko Futacs have been involved during pre-season for the Foxes.  With Nigel Pearson likely to utilise two wingers in a 4-4-2 formation, only two strikers can start.  This either gives Pearson a selection headache, or considerable depth in this position, depending on your outlook.

© Ben Sutherland, Flickr

Can Jermaine Beckford win over Leicester City fans this season?

Jamie Vardy was Leicester's most expensive summer transfer, joining the Foxes from Fleetwood Town for a reported £1 million.  His goal-scoring record in the lower leagues speaks for itself, and he wouldn't be the first player to learn his trade there and replicate it at a higher level.  Fans have already warmed to Vardy, and he is certainly a very typical Nigel Pearson player.  Jermaine Beckford, on the other hand, was already at the club when Pearson re-joined Leicester at the end of 2011.  He scored fifteen goals last season, yet fans never seemed completely sold on him.  That being said, Beckford has featured heavily in pre-season and been finding the net himself.  He also appeared to have developed a good partnership with David Nugent by the end of last season.

One scenario that does not seem to have been considered by Foxes fans is Nigel Pearson using the three strikers in rotation.  The Championship season is long, and the addition of League and FA Cup matches could result in 55+ matches for Leicester City.  With three strikers of such high quality, all with a keen eye for goal, we can certainly expect to see them kept fresh – especially as Pearson has the managerial skills to bring out the best in all three players.  Barring injuries, Nugent, Vardy and Beckford could all play at least thirty games this season (not including substitute appearances), and having a player of such calibre as an option off the bench would boast real strength in numbers at the club.

Likely winner:  Jermaine Beckford is probably more likely to start on Saturday alongside David Nugent, but Jamie Vardy will certainly be named among the substitutes, and will more than likely make his home debut before the end of the match.  Throughout the duration of the season, it really is too close to call as to which player will start more matches.

Leicester City: Position Battles

The penultimate position battle will focus again on the back line - and outlines why three defenders into two positions doesn't add up.

2. Zak Whitbread v. Liam Moore

Because Foxes academy product Liam Moore is strictly a full-back, and former Norwich and Millwall defender Zak Whitbread (like Ritchie De Laet) can play either on the right side or at centre-back, there is certainly a position battle to be observed here.  In fact, there are two.  Lee Peltier's departure to Championship rivals Leeds United leaves the right-back spot wide open, with Moore the only recognised naturally right-sided player at the club.  The main concern here is that Whitbread and De Laet are both able to play in multiple positions, and if the argument is that De Laet was also brought in as cover for right back, then that leaves Leicester short at centre-back until Sean St. Ledger returns from injury.   It appears as though Nigel Pearson is happy to stick with De Laet and Whitbread to fill in, but, essentially, there are two slots to be filled by three players, if you consider that Wes Morgan and Paul Konchesky should start almost every game in defence this season barring any injuries (Tom Kennedy provides additional depth at left-back).

© nicksarebi, Flickr

Former Fulham man Paul Konchesky is a likely starter this season - but who will join him in defence for the Foxes?

However, if Liam Moore isn't considered a first-team player, despite arguably being the most recognised right-back for Leicester, it will not do much for his confidence.  Nigel Pearson could send him out on loan again (Moore appeared 22 times for Bradford City last season after making just two starts for the Foxes) which would allow him to receive more playing time, but he obviously sees potential in the 19-year-old.  Moore started the final friendly against Sunderland which probably wasn't too far off the starting line-up Pearson could field against Peterborough United on Saturday.  He is a big, physical opponent who could be the long-term answer at right-back for Leicester. 

Likely winner: Whitbread (and De Laet) will probably start in defence on the opening game of the season if he is fit to play – although due to the lack of senior cover in defence, Nigel Pearson will probably be reluctant to let Liam Moore go out on loan.  Don't be surprised if the youngster receives a few opportunities this season (perhaps initially in the League Cup); he certainly has the ability to break into the first team and cement a place in the starting eleven.  He may just need to bide his time.

Leicester City: Position Battles

The next position battle focuses on Leicester City's central midfield, where  it would appear that Nigel Pearson has considerable depth to select from.

3. Matty James v. Danny Drinkwater

The position battle in the centre of midfield is likely to extend further than just these two players – throw Neil Danns, Andy King and Richie Wellens into the mix, and you have five more capable first-team starters.  With Wellens sidelined until September or October after suffering an injury to his cruciate knee ligament, Nigel Pearson is likely to rotate his central midfield players to keep them fresh throughout the season -  but it'll certainly be interesting to see who gets the nod more often out of these two former Manchester United youngsters.

Matty James and Danny Drinkwater were both signed by Nigel Pearson, which makes it difficult to conclude who the manager would prefer to start.  Pre-season will have been telling for Pearson, but Drinkwater did make nineteen starts for Leicester after signing from Barnsley in January this year, and made a notable contribution during the final four months of the Foxes' Championship campaign.  Matty James, like Drinkwater, began his career at Manchester United, however he has received limited first-team football to date (James spent two loan spells at Preston North End in 2010 and 2011).  However, a few years ago, the same also applied to Tom Cleverley, and he played a big part in Leicester's promotion back to the Championship and has since played more regularly for Manchester United while impressing during the Olympics for Team GB. 

©  eschipul, Flickr

Can Matty James have the same impact for the Foxes as Tom Cleverley did three years ago?

Likely winner: While the midfield is likely to be rotated on a regular basis by Nigel Pearson, Danny Drinkwater is will probably start more matches in the middle than Matty James this season, especially at the beginning of the season with Richie Wellens injured.  That being said, James' versatility also allows him to play in defence, which means that he could provide cover at the back.

Leicester City: Position Battles

As we count down Leicester City's top position battles this season, we take a look at the midfield where youth and experience will battle it out for a starting place at the King Power Stadium.

4. Anthony Knockaert v. Lloyd Dyer

The recent signing of 20-year old Anthony Knockaert from French club side Guingamp provides Leicester City with an added dimension in attacking football.  The youngster can play on either the left or right wing, and also as a forward.  With Ben Marshall likely to start on the right side, Knockaert provides, at the very least, healthy competition for veteran winger Lloyd Dyer, who Nigel Pearson initially signed in 2009 from MK Dons. 

© Dominic Brewin, Flickr

Lloyd Dyer has been one of Leicester City's longest serving current players - but will he be guaranteed a place in the starting XI this season?

 

Nigel Pearson has already stated that he hopes Knockaert will play a big part in Leicester's season, and also that he has the ability to become a successful player in the Championship.  Although having been previously linked with a move to Newcastle United, he is still somewhat of an unknown quantity to football fans in the UK.  That being said, Leicester City's chief scout Steve Walsh has a tendency to find real gems in the transfer market.  Lloyd Dyer did receive a lot more playing time after Sven-Goran Eriksson parted ways with the club, although Pearson did seem keen to alternate various formations to accommodate the ability of Ben Marshall.  If Leicester do revert to a 4-4-2 formation rather than switching to a 4-3-3/4-5-1, this is likely to favour Dyer as he is more of an out-and-out winger, whereas Knockaert's versatility would allow him to also play as part of a front three.

Likely winner: Given Lloyd Dyer's age and the fact that he was generally used as a bit-part player last season, Anthony Knockaert should start ahead of him in 2012/13.  That being said, it's likely that Dyer will still be used in rotation along with set-piece specialist Paul Gallagher.

Leicester City: Position Battles

Nigel Pearson has made new signings at almost every position during the summer, in an attempt to stamp his name on the side and give the Foxes the best possible chance of winning promotion this season.  But will these fresh faces be able to hold down a starting place in the first eleven – and, if they do, who, in turn, will miss out?  Over the next week, we will look at five key position battles at the King Power Stadium as the beginning of the Championship season draws closer.

© leigh984, Flickr

Leicester City's 2012/13 Championship campaign begins at the King Power Stadium in less than two weeks

5. Ritchie De Laet v. Sean St. Ledger

This one may initially appear to be a no-brainer, as Sean St. Ledger picked up a knee injury in a pre-season friendly against Burton Albion which will sideline him for six to eight weeks.  During this time, Ritchie De Laet is the obvious replacement centre-half to partner the new captain Wes Morgan at the back.  Although the former Manchester United youngster has become somewhat of a wanderer over the last three years (during which time he has spent time on loan at four different clubs), Nigel Pearson will hope to solidify a reliable pairing in a defence which has uncharacteristically leaked goals over the last two seasons. 

What could be interesting is whether St. Ledger will be able to re-establish himself as a starter for Leicester.  He struggled to regularly make the starting eleven at the beginning of 2012, and only really did so while Sol Bamba was on international duty at the African Cup of Nations.  After a challenging Euro 2012 tournament for the Republic of Ireland (although he was arguably one of the better performers on the team), and considering the strong rumours linking him with a move away from the King Power Stadium when Nigel Pearson rejoined Leicester, St. Ledger could well find himself as a squad player – especially if the Foxes initially perform well during his absence through injury.  De Laet will hope to become a regular in the starting line-up and make a real name for himself at a new club after a series of loan spells.

Likely winner: Richie De Laet will most likely start against Peterborough next weekend, and, if he can stay injury-free, should find himself above St. Ledger in the pecking order this season.