Dean Smith has urged his Leicester City side to keep Elland Road 'quiet' ahead of a crunch relegation clash at Leeds United. The Whites sit just a point above the relegation zone after defeat at Fulham on Saturday made it three losses on the bounce.
Javi Gracia's side struggled in the capital, and were punished for mistakes at the back by Harry Wilson and Andreas Pereira in the 2-1 defeat. In contrast, Leicester go into the upcoming six-pointer with confidence after a comeback home derby win over Wolves.
Smith admits Leeds are in the midst of a 'struggle', with the Foxes looking to leapfrog their upcoming opponents with an away win. However, the interim boss has warned his players not to give the hosts any excuses to build momentum.
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Smith told LeicestershireLive: “They’ve had a bit of a struggle. They’ve been on the back of heavy defeats at home, but they will see this one as a big one to try to pull away from where they are, just like us.
“We can’t give them any reason to get lifted. We can’t give cheap free-kicks away and cheap goals. We have to keep them quiet for as long as we can."
Smith has only been at the helm at the King Power Stadium for two matches, beginning with a 3-1 defeat at champions Manchester City. With six matches remaining, the former Aston Villa and Norwich City boss accepts the Tuesday night clash with the Whites will be 'crucial' for both sides.
Smith said: “We’re 25 per cent gone so these games are really important. It’s crucial because it’s a team around us. If we beat them we go above them.
"We’ve looked at Leeds and analysed them. Ultimately it’s about us and how we do it.”
Harvey Barnes and James Maddison are expected to be available for selection to the trip to Elland Road after recent injury setbacks. Jamie Vardy will also be included in the matchday squad, with the veteran striker shrugging off a knock to his ankle picked up in the win over Wolves.
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