Villa begin life with new manager Tim Sherwood – here’s a preview and live streaming guide to the FA Cup fifth-round tie.
When: Sunday 15th February, 12.30GMT
Where: Villa Park, Birmingham, England
Watch live: Click here to watch on BBC Sport online!
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It’s been a controversial week both on and off the field for these two clubs, with both sides hoping for something to smile about after today’s fifth round FA Cup tie.
Aston Villa sacked manager Paul Lambert on Wednesday following an embarrassing campaign so far. He was finally put out of his misery after yet another defeat away from home, this time against Hull City. Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Tim Sherwood has since been appointed as his successor.
Meanwhile, Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson almost lost his job for a bizarre ‘throttle’ incident on Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur, while the pressure on him wasn’t eased by Tuesday’s loss at Arsenal.
The arrival of Sherwood should lead to plenty of changes for Villa – captain Ron Vlaar is nearing full-fitness and forward Christian Benteke is likely to be recalled to the starting line-up.
The Foxes gave the Gunners a stern test earlier this week, but still came away empty handed, narrowly losing 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium. Their new-look five-man defence almost paid off, while new signing Andrej Kramaric netted his first goal for the club, and could be partnered by Leonardo Ulloa on Sunday.
A big decision for Pearson will be whether to ditch Mark Schwarzer, and start with Ben Hamer in goal, after an error by the Australian stopper cost his side a point in North London.
Claret and Blue fans may have got their wish in Lambert’s departure, yet his dismissal is unlikely to yield huge on-field improvements, or at least not instantly, and with both sides struggling at the foot of the table, a goal-feast isn’t expected.