Leicester City vs Randers FC
UEFA Europa League Conference, KO: 20:00 Feb 17, 2022, King Power Stadium
BRENDAN RODGERS probably wasn't envisaging the Europa Conference League as one of his aims for this season, but it could end up being the defining moment in his Leicester City career as they face Danish dark horses Rangers on Thursday.
The former Celtic and Liverpool manager is under pressure with Leicester City sitting in a lowly 11th place in the English Premier League, little hope of a European spot and dumped out of both cups, including a disastrous 4-1 FA Cup defeat at Championship side Nottingham Forest.
So surely the Foxes will be taking this competition ultra seriously and, on paper anyway, they have what looks like a penalty kick to progress.
The Jutland club are in fifth place in the Danish Superliga and have so far won just once in their eight European games this season. However, they have drawn five of them and only narrowly lost at AZ Alkmaar and Galatasaray.
Additionally, Randers are on their winter break and haven't played competitively since December 9, although they have played against clubs from Ukraine, Russia and Georgia on their winter training camp.
How the bookies view it
Leicester City are warm favourites here with Betfred's 2/7 the top price. Rusty Randers are 10/1 with SBK and the draw is 17/4 with bet365.
Recent head to heads
The two clubs have never met. Here is Randers' latest game in their preparations for the tie when they lost 3-2 to Arsenal Tula at the Cornelia Diamond Hotel sports complex in Antayla, Turkey.
Players to watch
Youri Tielemans is on spot kick duty for Leicester City and slotted home a penalty in their recent 2-2 draw with West Ham. He's netted an impressive seven goals this season. He's 7/4 to score anytime with bet365.
Sierra Leone striker Alhaji Kamara is a danger for the Danes. He's netted twice in Europe this season and scored for his country against Ivory Coast in the African Cup of Nations. He's 7/2 to score on Thursday anytime with bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
Of their eight games so far in Europe this season, Randers have scored in seven of them. They are playing against a Leicester side who have kept just two clean sheets in their last 26 games since September in all competitions.
That should make the price of evens with Coral look decent value against Leicester, who will also have one eye on their tricky trip to in-form Wolves on Sunday.
Randers have also seen three 2-2 draws in their European adventures. The same score Leicester City had on Sunday against West Ham.
Bet365's betbuilder of over 3.5 goals and a home win is 85/40.
This UEFA Europa League Conference match between Leicester City and Randers FC will be played on Feb 17, 2022 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Leicester City vs Randers FC prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
