Spotlight on LeicesterMatty FryattYEP chief football writer Phil Hay looks at Leeds United's opponents on Boxing Day - Leicester City
The Gaffer
Nigel Pearson. Leicester City's choice for their new manager in June was not an obvious one, but Pearson's appointment has been an outstanding success thus far.
Leicester are one victory away from the 50-point mark after 21 League One matches and it seems inconceivable that the club will not be promoted automatically this season. Pearson – a former Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough captain – has years of coaching behind him, but this is only his third stint as a manager, following on from spells in charge of Southampton and Carlisle United.
He secured Southampton's Championship status last season but was then allowed to leave St Mary's, freeing him to join Leicester as their replacement for Ian Holloway.
The Danger
Matty Fryatt. Jermaine Beckford's strike-rate has been impressive this season but Fryatt's form in front of goal is incredible.
His finish in Leicester's 4-0 rout of Peterborough United on Saturday was his 23rd of the campaign, produced from only 27 appearances.
Fryatt showed similar form during three-and-a-half years at Walsall, where he claimed 27 league goals from 49 starts, but he has taken time to find his feet at Leicester.
His first full season with the club saw him score four times and he found the net on just three occasions as City slipped out of the Championship last term.
The Form
City's form is a complete contrast to that of Leeds United. While United have stumbled through four successive league defeats, Leicester have produced five straight wins and pulled 15 points clear of the Elland Road club.
Saturday's crushing victory over Peterborough was a real show of strength and, in all, the Foxes are unbeaten in nine matches.
Only MK Dons have scored more goals than Pearson's side, and City's defence has been excellent, conceding just 17 times in league fixtures.
Such has been Leicester's consistency that they hold a four-point cushion over third place and a 10-point advantage over seventh.
The Odds
Leicester's form is not enough to secure them favourtism with William Hill, who go 7-5 about a home win and 8-5 about an away win.
The draw stands at 21-10.
The Whistler
Mark Halsey. The Select Group official was chosen to referee last month's game between Leeds and Huddersfield Town at Elland Road, and his performance did not go down particularly well with United's supporters.
In 17 outings this season he has shown 25 yellow cards and one red.
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