Choudhury & Barnes: The Season So Far
- Best friends Harvey Barnes and Hamza Choudhury discuss Leicester City’s efforts in 2019/20 so far
- Barnes believes Saturday’s opponents, AFC Bournemouth, have good quality going forward
- Choudhury cited the Foxes’ defensive record as sign of their improved performances this term
The Foxes welcome Eddie Howe’s men to King Power Stadium ahead of the first international break of the season following Wednesday’s Carabao Cup shootout win over Newcastle United.
The tie at St. James’ Park proved to be the first talking point, with Choudhury - who signed a new deal with the Club on Friday - emphasising City’s intent to progress to the latter stages of the competition.
“It’s one of our ambitions this season – to win a trophy,” said Choudhury. “Every cup, every tournament, there’s a big trophy to be won in England, so we’re going to take it very seriously and we want to get as far as we can, and hopefully win it.”
This weekend’s opponents, meanwhile, are set to be an all-round force, according to Barnes, whose stunner against Sheffield United last time out helped City to their first victory of the season.
Goals: Newcastle 1 Leicester City 1 (2-4 on pens)
All the goals from Leicester City's victory at St James' Park, including all action from the penalty shoot-out.
Barnes said: “We know, playing against them previously, it’s going to be a tough game. They’re very solid defensively, but also they’ve got some great quality in the final third, so being at home, we’re going to have to take the game to them. Our focus will be to get the win.”
City are yet to suffer a defeat this campaign, and currently sit fourth in the Premier League standings. Choudhury believes the key to the Foxes’ early success has been their defensive solidity.
“I think with the new manager coming in, as everyone said, he’s got different views and different ways of working, which the boys have taken to really well,” said the defensive midfielder.
“We’ve definitely improved on our defensive record and trying to concede less goals and score more, it’s obviously going to win you games. We’ve set goals, and hopefully, we’ll work towards them and reach them at the end of the season.”
Choudhury was one of the first to celebrate with Barnes – one of his closest friends – after the Academy graduate hit the winning goal at Bramall Lane nearly a week ago.
When asked about the quality of his goal, Barnes said: “I think it’s just one of them that as soon as it left my foot, I’d knew I’d caught it sweet.
“Obviously, I was relieved to see it hit the back of the net and it’s even better that it proved to be the winning goal.”
Applauding his team-mate for a memorable effort, Choudhury added: “It was a hell of a strike. He’s obviously got good technical ability, so as soon as it has left his foot, we were all off into the corner with the fans. It was a really good moment for him and the team.”
Live coverage of Saturday’s Premier League clash with AFC Bournemouth will begin with the Pre-Match Pint at 12pm BST on LCFC Radio, followed by free commentary of the fixture.