Leicester City welcome Bournemouth to the King Power Stadium on Saturday for what could be a pivotal Premier League clash.
The return to top-flight football has been far from smooth for Leicester City, and manager Steve Cooper is already under pressure.
After six matches, the Foxes have yet to claim a victory in the 2024/25 season, leaving them perilously close to the relegation zone, sitting 17th in the table.
Fans have grown increasingly frustrated with Cooper, whose troubled start has been exacerbated by his history with arch-rivals Nottingham Forest.
The Midlands club’s dismal form needs addressing urgently, and while it may be premature to describe this weekend’s game as a must-win, failure to take three points against Bournemouth will do little to ease the mounting pressure.
Bournemouth, by contrast, find themselves in a more comfortable position. Currently 11th, with two wins, two draws, and two losses, the Cherries appear steady in mid-table.
Saturday’s 3pm kick-off at the King Power Stadium offers them the chance to extend that stability and potentially climb further up the table.
Leicester head into the game off the back of a 4-2 defeat against Arsenal, though the performance was encouraging in parts.
Cooper will be hoping that the Cherries’ visit marks the beginning of a kinder run of fixtures, with Southampton and Nottingham Forest awaiting them after the international break. However, before Leicester can think about those ties, Cooper knows that Bournemouth will pose a stern test.
Chris Sutton, speaking to BBC Sport, identified Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo as a key player to watch, especially after the Cherries’ recent performances.
Sutton said: “Bournemouth are a good team, and they are showing it. I watched them against Liverpool a couple of weeks ago and, although they ended up being beaten 3-0, they carried a threat and have got a goal or two in them.”
Sutton went on to praise Bournemouth’s striker Evanilson, who recently got off the mark in their win over Southampton, adding:
“I’m convinced they will do enough here to pinch a win.”
His prediction? A 2-1 victory for Bournemouth at the King Power Stadium.
Such a result would do little to help Steve Cooper’s precarious position. While it remains unclear if Leicester’s hierarchy are considering a managerial change, another defeat could force their hand. With the international break providing an opportunity for behind-the-scenes reflection, it’s a crucial moment for the club.
There are several names that could come into the frame if Leicester were to part ways with Cooper. One candidate is David Moyes, who could bring defensive solidity to a side that has leaked goals this season.
Moyes’ experience in guiding teams through difficult periods would make him an attractive option for the Foxes should they decide to make a change.
Another potential target is Graham Potter, whose stock remains high despite a challenging spell at Chelsea. His progressive style and ability to develop young talent have won admirers across the league, with Pep Guardiola having previously praised him as a manager with huge potential.
Whatever happens, Leicester will need to act decisively. Avoiding a swift return to the Championship is paramount, and with key fixtures coming up after the break, the next few weeks could define their season.
Victory against Bournemouth might ease some of the pressure, but failure to secure all three points could spark even more upheaval at the King Power Stadium.