Match Preview: Leicester City vs. Walsall

Leicester City’s Development Squad know victory against Walsall will see them claim top spot in Northern Group H when the sides meet at King Power Stadium on Tuesday night. 

The Foxes are hoping to preserve their unbeaten status in the competition having beaten Sheffield United on penalties before defeating Grimsby Town 1-0. 

City head into the game on the back of successive Premier League 2 successes over Tottenham Hotspur and Reading meaning Steve Beaglehole’s young squad have been riding the crest of a wave in recent weeks. 

A number of first-teamers are set to feature for the Development Squad when the Saddlers visit Leicester this week. 

Walsall travel to King Power Stadium on the back of a disappointing 1-0 defeat by Vanarama National League outfit Macclesfield Town in the Emirates FA Cup first round at the weekend. 

Jon Whitney’s side sit 12th in the League 1 table and, despite the set-back on Saturday, go into the meeting with City on a five match unbeaten run in the league. 

That fine streak of form stretches back to September, when they were humbled 4-1 by Scunthorpe United. 

Three victories in five, however, have lifted spirits at the Bescot Stadium following a tough start to the campaign with the Saddlers just three points adrift of the League 1 play-offs. 

Steve Beaglehole told LCFC TV ahead of the game: "This particular competition has been fantastic for our young players. We’re in the Premier League Cup and the UEFA Youth League but for me this is the best test for them because we're up against senior players who are desperate to win. 

"They’ve got to field a strong side and we’ll be playing six Under-21s players. We’ve had two excellent games against Grimsby and Sheffield United, both at their main stadiums. 

"We’re at King Power Stadium which is fantastic and we’ll also have a number of first-team players which is great for our younger players. 

"To be playing with experience and against experience; it can only be good for us. Confidence is a lot better than it was two months ago. We’ve made progress and certain players have really kicked on."

Head to head (all competitions): 

Leicester City: 12 

Draws: 4 

Walsall: 3 

Last three meetings: 

Walsall 1 Leicester City 4 

League 1

3 February 2009 

Goals: Mattis 64; Fryatt 12, King 32, Cleverley 47, Howard 52 

Leicester City 2 Walsall 2 

League 1 

21 October 2008 

Goals: King 34, Tunchev 73; Nicholls 11, Ricketts 47 

Walsall 1 Leicester City 4 

Championship 

8 February 2003 

Goals: O’Connor 87; Dickov 41, Scowcroft 45, 83, Elliott 72 

With eight goals to his name already, Walsall have often looked to the eclectic talents of midfielder Erhun Oztumer whenever they have needed attacking inspiration this season. 

The 25-year-old was there again to rescue a point against a resurgent Coventry City side just under a fortnight ago with a late equaliser to stretch the Saddlers’ unbeaten run in all competitions to six matches before the cup tie against Macclesfield. 

Oztumer has forged a formidable partnership with striker Simeon Jackson and the pair linked up effectively against the Sky Blues, completing a neat one-two before the former Peterborough United playmaker applied an emphatic finish at the Bescot Stadium. 

Renowned in League One for his intricate passing and superior abilities with the ball at his feet, the Foxes defence will have to be at the top of their game to deny Oztumer.

TICKETS 

Ticket prices for the Under-21s' fixture with Walsall are as follows: 

Adults - £10 

Seniors - £5 

Under-22s - £5 

Under-18s - £1 

Purchase your tickets by calling the Sales Centre on 0344 815 5000 (Option 1), online at or from the City Fanstore at King Power Stadium.