Match Preview | Leicester City vs. Cardiff City
Cardiff City travel to Leicester City’s King Power Stadium on Saturday, August 19th, 3pm KO.
Our away ticket allocation for this fixture has been sold out. Thank you for your support, Bluebirds!
Alternatively, you can listen to live audio commentary on Cardiff City TV.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | IN THE DUGOUT
Leicester City’s manager is Enzo Maresca, who was appointed in June 2023, following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.
The Italian had an impressive playing career, representing the likes of Juventus, Fiorentina, Sevilla and Olympiacos, as well as having a spell in England with West Bromwich Albion.
After holding assistant coaching roles at Ascoli, Sevilla and West Ham United, Maresca was named manager of Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad in 2020.
Also having a spell in charge at Parma, the Foxes boss was most recently Pep Guardiola’s assistant coach at Manchester City.
Last season, Maresca played a part in the side winning the treble, with their season culminating in an inaugural Champions League success.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | SEASON SO FAR
The Foxes have made an impressive start to life back in the second tier, earning six points from their opening two league games.
Despite falling behind to Kyle McFadzean’s header on the opening day against Coventry City, a brace from playmaker Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall saw Maresca’s men claim victory.
Prior to their second league match of the campaign, the Foxes faces Burton Albion in the Carabao Cup, where they earned a comfortable 2-0 win.
Last time out, Leicester City travelled to Huddersfield Town, with winger Stephy Mavididi’s 73rd minute goal proving to be the winner.
The Foxes are one of just two teams to earn maximum points from their opening two games, as the side sit level on points at the top of the table with newly-promoted Ipswich Town.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | SUMMER BUSINESS
It’s been a busy summer in the transfer market for Leicester City, following their return to the second tier.
Some key players have departed the King Power Stadium, including James Maddison, Harvey Barnes and Youri Tielemans, who have joined Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Aston Villa respectively.
However, Maresca has added to his squad with some shrewd business. Deals for Harry Winks from Tottenham Hotspur and Conor Coady from Wolverhampton Wanderers were both completed, while fellow Englishman Mavididi joined from Ligue 1 outfit Montpellier.
The Italian boss has also bolstered his goalkeeping options with the signing of Danish shot-stopper Mads Hermansen from Bröndby IF.
Utilising the loan market, Chelsea midfielder Cesare Casadei and Manchester City centre-back Callum Doyle have both made the switch to the King Power Stadium on season-long deals.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | KEY PLAYER
Playmaker Dewsbury-Hall has made a blistering start to the league season, showing his ability in the opening two league fixtures.
On the first day of the campaign, the 24-year-old led a Foxes fightback against Coventry City with a fine brace to seal victory for his side.
Last time out against Huddersfield Town, with Maresca’s men again searching for a breakthrough, Dewsbury-Hall provided the assist for Mavididi’s winning goal.
Having represented Luton Town in the Championship during a loan spell and Leicester City in the Premier League, the midfielder has gained valuable experience in the early stages of his career.
