U21s Preview: Leicester City vs. Villarreal

Leicester City’s Development Squad head into their Premier League International Cup fixture against Villarreal needing a win to progress to the quarter-finals of the competition. 

Steve Beaglehole’s outfit currently sit third in Group C having beaten Norwich City 2-1 and lost 2-0 to PSV Eindhoven in their other two fixtures. 

Buoyed by a 2-1 Barclays U21 Premier League win over Reading last time out, the Foxes face a Villarreal side that have also won one and lost one in Group C. 

The Spanish outfit have a superior goal difference, meaning only a win will send City through to the quarter-finals. 

Development Squad manager Steve Beaglehole said ahead of the clash: “The game against Villarreal is win at all costs to go through and we’re capable of doing it if we put ourselves about like we did against Reading on Monday. 

“As we showed last season the lads can beat any of those European sides. Last year we had a great run in the competition. We want to get to the next round again. 

“The game will be a great test in terms of tactics. They’ll play a possession game and pass the ball well. What we’ll try to do is press and force our game on them. 

“There was evidence against Reading that we’re getting back to our best. It’s down to us now and we know exactly what we have to do.” 

Key on Wednesday evening could be St. Kitts and Nevis international Harry Panayiotou – a striker that possesses pace and an eye for goal. 

Panayiotou scored on his first team debut for the Foxes in April 2012, netting a last-minute winner at Elland Road in a 2-1 win against Leeds United. 

The striker excelled for the Development Squad last campaign, plundering 11 goals in a 10-game spell that saw him earn March’s U21 Premier League Player of the Month award.

Panayiotou also possesses the record of being the only City player ever to score an international hat-trick and could be the man to keep an eye on on Wednesday evening. 

TICKETS AND PARKING 

Season Ticket Holders and Grass Roots Member clubs can attend the Development Squad’s Premier League International Cup fixture against Villarreal for free. 

Season Ticket Holders are advised to load their Season Cards in advance of the game by contacting the Sales Centre or by visiting the City Fanstore at King Power Stadium. 

They can do so in advance of the game up until 6pm on Tuesday. After 6pm they can do so by visiting the City Fanstore in person. 

Parking is also free, but must be arranged ahead of each game by calling the Sales Centre on 0344 815 5000 (Option 1) and is on a first come, first served basis. 

Tickets for Non-Season Ticket Holders cost just £3 for Adults and £1 for Concessions and can be purchased online at , via the Sales Centre by calling 0344 815 5000 (Option 1) or by visiting the City Fanstore in person at King Power Stadium.