Pearson: Time To React

Saturday’s 2-1 reverse at Watford followed a similar setback at home to Crystal Palace seven days previously, ending the Foxes’ impressive recent run of seven games without defeat.

And having failed to find their best form in the last two outings, Pearson is keen to see a positive response from his players at the Reebok Stadium.

“It really is about us responding in the right fashion now,” Pearson said ahead of the game.

“The disappointment of Saturday needs to be swept away pretty quickly and we need to get back to doing what we’ve done well so far this season season, which is playing well as a unit and getting our individuals in the team to perform well.

“Saturday was disappointing result-wise, performance-wise and we had too many players that were not near their best. But it’s the same group of players that have done very well this season so we’re looking for a response.”

Bolton made a winning start to life under new boss Dougie Freedman at the weekend, as the Trotters came from behind to beat leaders Cardiff City.

But Pearson will urge his side to get on the front foot against the Lancashire outfit, as the Foxes bid to become only the second visiting team to take maximum points from the Reebok this term.

“Quite frankly, it’s about how we perform ourselves because, if we get our game right, teams will have a problem trying to contain us,” Pearson said.

“We need to go out there, execute our game plan and make it difficult for the opposition to get on top of us.

“They have some good players, we have to be mindful of that, but first and foremost after a display like Saturday, I’m looking for our own players to produce a good reaction.

“What’s important is to get our performance right. There shouldn’t be psychological problems because we’ve played very well through the season, but when you have a game where a number of players are having an off-day it’s difficult to rectify during the game.

“We’ll bounce back, though, because I have every faith in our group of players.”