Premier League: Duran, Onana fire Villa to winning start against West Ham
Aston Villa got their Premier League campaign off to a winning start with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against West Ham United – the club’s first result at London Stadium.
The Foxes will be underdogs despite playing on their home turf.
Claude Puel has a near-full squad to chose from for the visit of Premier League leaders Liverpool on Saturday after the Leicester City manager revealed that midfielder Matty James is the sole player not expected to be in contention for the highlight fixture of Matchday 4.
“There are no fresh injuries. It is just Matty James who will not be available and all the other players are fit,” Puel told his pre-match press conference on Thursday.
Puel’s men were somewhat unlucky to lose their opener at Manchester United, but have since rebounded to win three games (all competitions) on the trot.
Advertisement
Newcomers Wolverhampton Wanderers were brushed aside at the King Power Stadium on Matchday 2, before the Foxes edged Southampton 2-1 the following weekend.
And their good run of form continued in the Carabao Cup as lower-league side Fleetwood Town were thumped 4-0 in midweek to put them in good stead ahead of Saturday’s clash with Jurgen Klopp’s side.
MUST READ | Fantasy Premier League Pundit Picks: Gameweek 4
“Matty has to control his rehabilitation and his progress. Today was another day in which he had to go to London (for treatment) but he is improving and we hope he can come back in a few weeks, maybe one month.”
Of course, the big omission from Puel’s matchday squad will be Jamie Vardy for the striker is still serving a three-match suspension after his straight red card against Wolves.
“We will take patience with him because he needs to come back with all his fitness, a good feeling, from his injury.”
DON’T MISS | Carabao Cup 3rd round draw: Who’s playing who
Vardy’s suspension will be over after the Liverpool game, which means he will be available for selection after the international break ends.
Advertisement