The Essentials: A Guide To Thursday's European Opener
Leicester are entering their first season of European competition since a run to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League in 2016/17.
Here's all you need to know about tomorrow's fixture, which will be played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
How can I watch the game?
Fans in the United Kingdom can watch the action unfold live on BT Sport ESPN, with their broadcast beginning at 7:30pm.
Who's starring on LCFC TV?
Former Foxes striker Iwan Roberts is set to star alongside ex-City captain Matt Elliott on LCFC TV's Matchday Live show from 6:30pm on Thursday, while fellow Leicester legend Gerry Taggart will be on LCFC Radio commentary duties.
Pre and post-match coverage of Matchday Live is available to follow on Facebook and YouTube, while live LCFC Radio coverage is free to listen to on LCFC.com.
What's the officiating team on Thursday?
It will be an all French officiating team on Thursday with referee Stéphanie Frappart taking charge of affairs at Leicester City Stadium. She will be assisted by Cyril Mugnier and Benjamin Pages, alongside Johan Hamel as the Fourth Official.
When does everything happen?
Plan your night by using this handy guide...
|
Event |
Time |
|
Matchday Live begins on LCFC TV |
6:30pm |
|
Team news is confirmed on @LCFC social media |
7pm |
|
LCFC Radio commentary starts |
7:50pm |
|
Kick-off |
8pm |
|
Full-time |
9:45pm approx |
|
Two-minute highlights on LCFC.com |
From midnight (Friday) |
|
Extended highlights on LCFC.com |
From midnight (Saturday) |
|
Goals on LCFC social channels |
From midnight (Sunday) |
Who is in contention to play?
Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers commented: “Jamie [Vardy] will probably miss the European game and hopefully he’ll be okay for our next league game. It’s just a reoccurrence of what he’s had over the last number of years.
“Even before I came in, I’m led to believe he’s had some issues with his calves, that keep him out for a bit. This isn’t so serious, but it was one where playing him tonight would have risked a tear and we couldn’t afford to do that. We’re hopeful that he’ll be ready for our next league game.
“[Çağlar] Söyüncü is more serious in terms of the muscle is right off the bone, so he could be up to three months, which is an absolute shame for him. He did it the day before training with the Turkish national team. So, he’ll be a big miss, and he adds to the other boys that are out.”
What happened last time?
This is the first meeting between the two sides. Leicester last venture in this competition - then known as the UEFA Cup - in 2000/01, ended at the first round stage, as Peter Taylor's side were beaten 4-2 on aggregate by Red Star Belgrade.
After a 1-1 draw in the first fixture, when Gerry Taggart scored City's equaliser, the Foxes were defeated 3-1 in the return leg, despite a goal from Muzzy Izzet.
When can I catch match highlights?
Supporters will be able to access a two-minute highlights package video on LCFC TV from midnight on Friday (approximately two hours after full-time) - available for free to Digital Members on the Club's official website (free sign-up).
Extended highlights will also be on LCFC TV from midnight on Saturday, while the goals will be available to watch on @LCFC social channels from midnight on Sunday.
Please note that in the interests of safety, Leicester City’s fixtures will continue to be played behind closed doors. To ensure matches can still go ahead and to help control the spread of COVID-19, the Football Club kindly asks its supporters to continue to follow their team from home and not to gather at any stadia.
All times BST.