Leicester City could be without as many as ten players due to injury and illness for tonight's Carling Cup match against Aston Villa.

Central midfield could be the big problem area for manager Rob Kelly. Gareth Williams and Andy Johnson are both definitely unavailable, with Danny Tiatto and Stephen Hughes very doubtful. James Wesolowski could return to the team if he suffers no adverse reation after returning to training yesterday.
Also definitely out are Matty Fryatt, Paddy McCarthy and Darren Kenton, with Levi Porter and Chris O'Grady being doubtful.

Hopefully some of the doubtful players will pull through - but if they don't it will give some of the fringe players a chance to shine. The injuries to midfielders could mean a return to that position for Patrick Kisnorbo - although I doubt the manager will want to change what has been a fairly settled back four. Momo Sylla could get a start in midfield against his former manager at Celtic, and Alan Maybury could also come into contention.
Young winger Max Gradel and striker Eric Odhiambo have been added to the squad. Both players have been in fine form for the under 18s this season and could get the chance to make their debut from the bench tonight.

Martin O'Neill always took this competition seriously when he was in charge at Leicester, and he may believe this could be their easiest route into Europe, so I'd expect him to bring a full strength team. O'Neill will get a warm reception from the home fans, but hopefully he won't be smiling at the end of the night. Villa are the only team in the country to remain unbeaten so far this season, but football is a funny old game and anything can happen in the cup.

Not surprisingly the bookies have made Villa clear favourites for the match. If you'd like to bet on a Leicester win the best odds we've found have been 7/2 at Bet365  

 
The club is asking fans to get to the ground early as a big crowd is expected (in the region of 28,000), and with many people buying their ticket on the night there could be big queues.

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