Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson hints at changes for FA Cup clash at Huddersfield
Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson is considering changes to his side for today's FA Cup fourth-round tie at Huddersfield (3.0).
City have won five consecutive games in all competitions, including the 6-1 hammering of Huddersfield on New Year's Day.
However, Pearson said he may change a winning side to give some of his first-team squad, who have not been in the side, match-time.
There have been suggestions that Academy striker Joe Dodoo will be in the match-day squad for the game.
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Pearson said it was important his side maintained the momentum which has seen them climb into the top two in the Championship.
City have sold-out of tickets for the clash at John Smith's Stadium and 4,000 fans will be travelling north today.
"I am not ruling out making changes," said Pearson.
"I think we have players who need games. It is important we try to win the game and move on to our next league game next Thursday (against Wolves). I am mindful of the fact we have to try to maintain our momentum, and we want to win this game.
"I will look at the squad. We are still carrying one or two knocks and niggles from last week. We will see how things shape up.
"They will have to make one or two changes themselves because of injuries. It is all about getting through to the next round."
Pearson said midfielder Richie Wellens was back in contention for a place in the squad, but defenders Zak Whitbread and Sean St Ledger were still unavailable.
St Ledger could be back in action in two weeks following a long-term hamstring injury, while Whitbread is also expected to return soon.
"They are both making good progress," said Pearson.
"I wouldn't expect them to be out for too much longer now but they are not ready for this week.
"They have not trained or played enough. There is absolutely no question of anyone being risked before they are ready to return.
"There was no chance of Sean being on the bench last week (against Middlesbrough). I would rather play with one sub than risk players who aren't ready.
"Sean is getting to a point now where he feels he is getting close."
10 Comments
by truthtooth
Sunday, January 27 2013, 1:08PM
“those that think we can make 5 like for like changes dont know their football or team , deluded . extra game now we didnt need .”
by ripperrooblue
Saturday, January 26 2013, 7:44PM
“Wellens was dreadful, Marshall didnt turn up again and vardy and waghorn are just not good enough. Very lucky today and now an extra match we could have done without.
Obviously Nigel didnt learn from the mistake in the capital one cup against burton. A good cup run will keep our morale high so let's not mess it up.”
by Luxpaul
Saturday, January 26 2013, 5:19PM
“Big mistake Nigel !!!
Just saved face thanks to Woody, but God help us if Nuge and Woods get injured we're really gonna struggle. We don't need this replay and with Watford breathing down our necks with their win at the Florits today we've got to watch out.”
by ripperrooblue
Saturday, January 26 2013, 2:50PM
“Massive,massive gamble with team he has put out, Marshall not in form, wellens not played well for two years, waghorna and Barry not full of goals.
Lets hope this doesn't backfire massively.”
by djo002
Saturday, January 26 2013, 2:27PM
“Wellens is in.”
by ripperrooblue
Saturday, January 26 2013, 1:06PM
“Clearly meant wellens, b****y Ipad!”
by ripperrooblue
Saturday, January 26 2013, 1:05PM
“Wellness should be nowhere near this squad, not only has his form been very poor for the last two years we have moved on tremendously well since he last played in the team and his constant moaning on the pitch is not a positive influence. Big mistake Nigel if you even consider bringing him back in.”
by yorkiefox
Saturday, January 26 2013, 11:55AM
“Common sense will oviously prevail.
You have to look at the bigger picture and manage the players.
The FA Cup is not a priority this season”
by LCFCMike
Saturday, January 26 2013, 11:51AM
“We could make 4 or 5 changes and still win comfortably, in my opinion.
I go for a 3 - 0 LCFC win.
C'mon Leicester.”
by LCFC_Dave15
Saturday, January 26 2013, 9:30AM
“I really agree with Pearson about changing the squad round with games like this, tis important to include others. Maybe this as the squad?
Schmeicel
De Laet, Morgan, Moore, Konch (I would say Schlupp but he's on trial)
Gallagher, James, King, Dyer
Vardy, Futacs/Waghorn
Bench: Logan, Keane, Marshall, Wellens, Knockaert, Nugent, Wood”