Leicester City will hope to enjoy a break from their Premier League struggles and book their spot in the fourth round of the FA Cup when they travel to Gillingham on Saturday.
The Foxes have lost all three of their Premier League matches since they returned from the mid-season break for the World Cup, but with Gillingham out of form, they should have too much quality for the League Two outfit.
Gillingham vs Leicester Betting Tips
Leicester to win to nil @ 7/10
Harvey Barnes to score anytime @ 11/10
Leicester have been listed as 1/7 favourites for Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off and considering they play their football in the Premier League, that will shock nobody.
The draw is available at 5/1, while Gillingham are considered 12/1 outsiders for Saturday’s battle.
The Gills are struggling in League Two, and they prop up the division after picking up just 14 points from 23 matches. They are six points away from safety, and they will likely see the FA Cup as a distraction from more important challenges.
Team news
Gillingham defender Elkan Baggott suffered a long-term ankle injury ahead of the 1-0 defeat to Stevenage, and he could be out for some time.
Will Wright and Max Ehmer are due to start at centre-back, while Ryan Law’s chances of playing are doubtful, with parent club Plymouth considering recalling him from his loan.
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has plenty of bodies in the medical room, with Boubakary Soumare the latest addition. He suffered a hamstring injury during the 1-0 defeat to Fulham on Tuesday night.
James Maddison, Jonny Evans, Dennis Praet, Patson Daka, Ryan Bertrand, Ricardo Pereira, James Justin and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall are also unavailable, hindering Rodgers’ chances of making sweeping changes.
Daniel Iversen, Nampalys Mendy and Kelechi Iheanacho are three players who could come into the starting XI for the Foxes this weekend.
Leicester to win to nil @ 7/10
Even though the majority of Rodgers’ side appears to be on the sidelines, he still has a wealth of Premier League experience at his disposal. Leicester have lost their last two Premier League games by a single goal, but they should find Saturday’s tie much easier.
The Gills have failed to score in three of their last four in all competitions, while they have the same record at home.
That should play into Leicester’s hands as they try to lift spirits ahead of their next Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest.
Harvey Barnes to score anytime @ 11/10
With Rodgers set to field a strong team, Barnes likely starts on the wing for Leicester.
The 25-year-old is one of Leicester’s most consistent players, and he has netted six times in 16 Premier League matches.
Barnes was in fine form before the World Cup break, scoring four times in Leicester’s final six matches.
His pace and eye for goal should cause Gillingham problems throughout the match, and he looks good value to find the net inside 90 minutes.
