Match Preview
Leicester City host Derby County at the King Power Stadium on Monday, 29 December 2025 in a Championship clash that has “tight margins” written all over it.
Leicester’s home games usually come with long spells of pressure. They like to build territory, keep the opponent pinned, and create chances through patience and repeated attacks. If Leicester score first, they are well placed to manage the tempo and turn the match into a controlled performance.
Derby, though, are not coming to sit quietly. They have enough structure to stay compact and enough threat on transitions to punish teams that over-commit. If Leicester push full-backs high and lose the ball in risky areas, Derby will try to attack quickly into the channels.
The midfield battle will likely decide how open this becomes. If Leicester win second balls and keep Derby defending deeper, corners and set pieces could pile up. If Derby can break Leicester’s rhythm with calmer spells of possession, this could turn into a more even contest with chances at both ends.
With the match priced as competitive, a draw is a realistic outcome. Expect intensity, physical duels, and a game that may be decided by one moment of quality or one mistake.
Match Information
| Date | 29 December 2025 |
|---|---|
| Kick-off Time | 19:45 (UK time) / 01:15 (Sri Lanka time, 30 Dec) |
| Venue | King Power Stadium, Leicester |
| Competition | EFL Championship 2025/26 |
Betting Tips & Odds
| Market | Tip | Why it stands out |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | Under 3.5 Goals | Championship derby-style games often stay controlled, with both sides prioritising structure. |
| Goals | Under 2.5 Goals | A sensible angle if you expect a tense match with fewer clear chances. |
| Both Teams To Score | BTTS – Yes | Still live if you expect Derby to break well and Leicester to create volume at home. |
| Safer Result | Leicester – Draw No Bet | If you want home protection without fully committing to a straight win. |
Note: Odds can move closer to kick-off, especially around team news and late market action.
Prediction
Final Score Prediction: Leicester City 1-1 Derby County
Main pick: Under 3.5 Goals
Reasoning: This matchup profiles as competitive and tactical, with neither side expected to dominate for 90 minutes. Leicester’s home control meets Derby’s ability to stay compact and counter, which often produces a tight scoreline.
Correct Score Lean: 1-1