Wilfred Ndidi and Leicester City's push to rise above the Premier League relegation zone and make significant strides towards securing survival resumes when they host Brentford on Friday.
Just one win and as many as nine defeats in their last ten league games means the Foxes are not doing particularly well in that quest, but the desire to halt such a horrible streak could well be the factor that drives Nididi and his teammates in their mission to present their upcoming guests with the strongest possible challenge.
Not sitting too pretty in 19th, Leicester would appear vulnerable to mid-table Brentford, who seem to have traded their invincibility at home earlier in the season for an impressive run on the road of late, winning three and losing none of their last four away league matches.
Thomas Frank's team's trip to the East Midlands, however, would be the first time in four matchweeks the Bees would be playing outside the capital, and that should bring with it an altogether different test.
Correct score prediction: Leicester City vs Brentford
Leicester City have endured a difficult run of form, managing just one win in their last five matches across all competitions. Their struggles were further highlighted by a 2-0 home defeat to Arsenal in their most recent outing, adding to their relegation concerns.
Brentford, meanwhile, have been more consistent, picking up two wins, a draw, and two losses in their last five games.
Their latest 1-0 away victory over West Ham showcased their ability to grind out results on the road. Given their steadier performances and Leicester’s ongoing struggles, many would expect the visitors to have the upper hand.
However, despite their poor form, Leicester have a point to prove and will be desperate to turn things around at home.
While Brentford’s strong away displays make this a tightly contested affair, the Foxes could just edge it with a narrow victory, capitalising on their need for points in the survival battle.
Prediction: Leicester City 1-0 Brentford
Ndidi driving Leicester City's push from midfield
A strong start to the season saw Ndidi pick up from where he left off during Leicester’s previous Championship campaign, with four assists in his first six games and generally impressive displays.
But as things grew increasingly difficult for the team, Ndidi's light also steadily dimmed.
That light went out completely in the first week of December 2024, after injury in a draw with visiting Brighton sidelined Ndidi, and it was not until earlier this month against Manchester United in the FA Cup that he became available again for selection.
That has meant the Super Eagles star featuring in just three of Ruud van Nistelrooy's 14 games prior to the midfielder’s return to Premier League action when title-chasing Arsenal came to town last weekend.
But that comeback did not go quite according to plan, with the hosts slumping to a 2-0 defeat that, compounded by fellow strugglers Ipswich Town's draw away at Villa Park, sank the 2015/16 English champions even deeper at the bottom of the table.
Against Brentford, however, Ndidi will be confident about his presence in midfield — together with likely partner Boubakary Soumare — positively impacting Leicester’s chances of ending a run of six winless league games at the King Power Stadium.
