U21s Preview: Leicester City vs. Benfica

Excitement is building in the Leicester City Development Squad after an outstanding run of three victories over Manchester City, Manchester United and Schalke. 

But after coming through those tests with flying colours, Steve Beaglehole’s in-form side now face perhaps their toughest challenge of the season at King Power Stadium on Monday night, as they face-off against Portuguese giants Benfica (KO 7pm). 

As part of the Premier League International Cup, the Foxes were drawn against the Under-21s of Schalke, Benfica and Manchester City in their group, which will see the top two teams advance to the quarter-finals. 

Last week’s 2-0 success at King Power Stadium saw them take a giant step towards progress, so there is all to play for against a Benfica side that beat Schalke 1-0 in their opening group game before losing 3-1 to Manchester City on Friday. 

Last time out goals from Joe Dodoo and Tom Hopper gave the young Foxes victory over Schalke, but the scoring has been spread around the team in recent weeks. Jack Barmby hit the stoppage time winner over Manchester United, while Welshman Tom Lawrence’s goals inspired victory over Manchester City before that. 

Several first teamers have been involved with the Under-21s recently, and Nigel Pearson hinted that the game against Benfica could see summer signing Matthew Upson play some part. The 35-year-old picked up a foot injury during pre-season and is edging closer to a first team debut.

With three goals in his last three appearances, Joe Dodoo is enjoying a promising campaign and could again prove to be the catalyst for a City victory if he lines up at King Power Stadium on Monday. 

An England youth international, Dodoo's combination of pace and dribbling ability make him a real thorn in the side of opposition defences, as he has proven on numerous occasions this season. 

The 19-year-old attacker operates both in central and wide areas, and has a knack of scoring important goals – something that the Foxes will be hoping to see once again against Benfica. 

Last three results: 

Leicester City 2-0 Schalke 

U21 Premier League International Cup 

Tuesday 18 November 2014

Goals: Dodoo 27, Hopper 58 

Manchester United 2-3 Leicester City 

Barclays U21 Premier League 

Monday 3 November 2014 

Goals: Wilson 8, Keane 53; Dodoo 37, Albrighton 45, Barmby 90 

Leicester City 6-2 Manchester City 

Barclays U21 Premier League 

Monday 27 October 2014 

Goals: McCourt 2, Lawrence 5, 15, Dodoo 18, Kennedy 39, Hopper 50; Ambrose 45, Bytyqi 85 

Watch highlights of the Development Squad’s 2-0 victory over Schalke at King Power Stadium . 

Tickets: 

Tickets for the Benfica clash are priced at £3 for Adults and £1 for Concessions, with seating available in the West Stand only. 

They can be purchased from the City Fanstore, by calling the City Sales Centre on 0344 815 5000, from , or on the night at King Power Stadium.