Pearson Expecting Tough Game

The Foxes are seeking their seventh consecutive home victory in all competitions, but against a Bournemouth side that have pulled off some impressive results off and find themselves in 10th position going into the match.

The only absentee for Pearson’s men is set to be Belgian defender Ritchie De Laet, who missed the game against Huddersfield last weekend, meaning Marcin Wasilewski came into the side at centre back as Liam Moore switched to the right.

“We are as were last week,” said Pearson ahead of the match. “It’s more or less a clean bill of health. Ritchie will be ready when he’s ready. It’s a different injury to ones that normally occur, but we’re pretty confidant that he’ll be back before too long and that will be another positive for us.

“I think it could be a very tricky fixture for us and it’s no surprise to me [how well Bournemouth are doing] having seen them at the weekend.

“They’ve been involved in a few high scoring games but they are pretty we disciplined and work extremely hard. Yes they will have players who are capable of causing problems as individuals, but their biggest strength is as a collective.

“We have a healthy respect for everybody we play. If you read too much into statistics then you’ll come unstuck. It’ll be tough, but I know if we get our game right then teams won’t enjoy playing against us.”

The manager is well aware of how tough games in the Championship can be, especially against a side with the momentum of promotion behind them, but is keen to keep up the pressure on Burnley and Queens Park Rangers.

He added: “Bournemouth are the type of team that you underestimate at your peril. It’ll be another difficult game but probably one that we’re going to have to be patient in at times.

“If we go about the game in the way that we have been doing, then we can cause anybody problems.

“It won’t always happen for us, but we’re trying every time we play to make it happen. I’m really pleased with how the players have gone about their business this season. We’ve had a lot of tight games and managed to come out on top on a number of occasions. The margins of error are pretty small, but we have to strive to be at our best.”