THIS promises to be one of the most intriguing games of the Premier League weekend as Leicester continue their push for a Champions League slot by taking on a Watford side scrapping for survival.
Brendan Rodgers has worked wonders with the Foxes squad since replacing Claude Puel and is well placed to end his first full season in charge with a stunning top-four finish, with his side sitting third.
Leicester led fifth-placed Manchester United by eight points going into the lockdown so Rodgers will be keen to make sure his side stay focused in the run-in.
The Foxes saw their form dip in the winter, going five games without a win, but bounced back with two successive victories before the season was halted.
Now they face a tricky first-game back against a Watford side desperate for points as they bid to move clear of the drop zone.
The Hornets got a huge lift when Nigel Pearson took over, going seven games unbeaten, but then won just one of their next eight games before lockdown, although that was a stunning 3-0 triumph over runaway leaders Liverpool.
They will need to find some consistency to avoid tumbling into the Championship and a win over Leicester would give them a huge shot of self belief.
How the bookies view it
Leicester are the favourites at a best 6/5 with Unibet while the Hornets are as big as 5/2 with Betfred and the stalemate 13/5 with Sportingbet.
This is a tough one to call and a lot depends on how well both sides have prepared during lockdown. If pushed, I would probably go for a draw.
Recent head to head
The last three games between these sides at Vicarage Road have ended in 2-1 wins for Watford and a repeat here pays 12/1 with Bet365 if you are looking for a long-odds option.
This has certainly been a fixture for patterns, with Leicester also winning the last three games at the King Power 2-0. Goals from Jamie Vardy and James Maddison sealed the Foxes' win over Watford earlier this season (below).
Players to watch
Ayoze Perez is an injury doubt for Leicester while raiding full-back Ricardo Pereira is out for the season but most of Rodgers' big guns are available for action.
Star striker Jamie Vardy is always worth a punt for a goal and is 5/4 with 888Sport for anytime scorer which looks good value.
Watford skipper Troy Deeney (below) returned to training late but should be fit to feature here and is 9/5 with 888Sport for a goal.
But Ismaila Sarr was their inspiration in the win over Liverpool and the winger is 11/4 with Paddy Power to net here which is more tempting. I tipped Sarr's pace to give Andy Robertson problems in that game and Ben Chilwell, another full-back who prefers to attack rather than defend, is likely to face him here.
Anything else catch the eye?
These sides are pretty forward thinking so both teams to score should come up at 3/4 with Bet365. William Hill also quote 6/5 on Watford winning over one corner in each half and that seems good value.
James Maddison is Leicester's creative force and is 11/4 with Ladbrokes for an assist which could be worth a punt.
For a longer-odds option try backing Leicester's James Justin for a card at 7/1 with William Hill. The youngster will deputise for the injured Pereira at right back and Watford could target him.
Team News
Watford's Troy Deeney is expected to start despite his late return to training but the Hornets will still be without Daryl Janmaat, Gerard Deulofeu and Isaac Success due to long-term injuries.
Ricardo Pereira and Daniel Amartey will miss out for Leicester, however midfielder Dennis Praet could make the squad despite complaints of a tight calf.
This English Premier League match between Watford and Leicester City will be played on Jun 20, 2020 and kick off at 12:30. Check below for our tipsters best Watford vs Leicester City prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.