Leicester v West Brom - Match preview

Enzo Maresca’s side almost came a cropper that day, and should’ve lost two points to Josh Maja’s 89th-minute equaliser – still the striker’s only Albion goal – but for some daft game management by the hosts in stoppage time.

It is fairly unlikely, but Albion could face the Foxes again in the play-off semi-final, or even at Wembley, next month.

That in itself was almost improbable a few months ago. Maresca’s men were the immoveable object, a runaway train leaving everyone else in their wake. At one point their margin to second-placed Ipswich was almost 20 points – they were tipped to break records.

Leicester’s real stutter started in mid-February. Six of their 10 league defeats have come since then, as well as an FA Cup defeat at Chelsea, no shame there, though.

More defeats have come away from the King Power Stadium but Middlesbrough and QPR, both in good form, have chalked up wins in Leicester. City’s last two games have been defeats at lowly Millwall and Plymouth – Corberan admitted only “football” could explain how the Foxes lost in Devon after 17 shots and 70 per cent of possession.

There is no doubting the talent available for Italian ex-Baggie Maresca. Only defender Harry Souttar is set to miss out through injury this weekend. The second-placed Foxes still have their automatic promotion destiny in their own hands, too – win three of their final four and they are up.

Fixtures between Saturday and Tuesday could either see Leicester top of the Championship or fourth, such is the heat of battle among the top four.

What might offer real hope to Carlos Corberan and his troops for a first trip to the King Power in front of fans since 2017 is the Foxes’ struggle with clean sheets.

Leicester have managed just two shut-outs in the last 12 games, and both were in early February.

Albion aren’t in a swashbuckling mood or flying form at the moment. The 10-game unbeaten run – five wins and five draws – was ended at home by Sunderland last time out and Brandon Thomas-Asante’s one-match ban further hits striking availability.

The returning Maja is probably ready to start, if it was a cup final tomorrow Corberan would probably go for it, but it surely isn’t worth the risk including him in the XI?

Both teams have something on the line. An Albion victory won’t mathematically confirm a play-off – irritatingly due to Coventry’s FA Cup semi-final action – but it would do as good as.

Leicester’s need, you could argue, is stronger. They have very little margin for error in this race for the top two. Dropping points could leave the race out of City’s hands.

But recent events provide the visitors some inspiration of coming away with something.