Wilfred Ndidi could mark a personal milestone when Leicester City host Liverpool on Sunday, but the occasion may also seal the Foxes’ return to the Championship.
The Foxes are on the brink of relegation and a loss or a draw would confirm their return to the championship. Regardless, Ndidi could still salvage some personal pride by recording his 50th goal contribution in club football.
The 28-year-old midfielder has played 381 games across spells with KRC Genk and Leicester City, registering 25 goals and 24 assists. A single contribution on Sunday would bring him to the half-century mark.
Leicester sit 19th in the table with just 18 points from 32 games and a dire -25 goal difference. They are 17 points adrift of safety with only six games remaining, needing a miracle to avoid the drop.
Correct score prediction: Leicester vs Liverpool
Expect Liverpool to dominate proceedings. Leicester have lost eight straight home games without scoring, a top-flight record. With history beckoning for the Reds and morale in the Foxes' camp at rock bottom, an away win for Liverpool seems likely.
Prediction: Leicester City 0-3 Liverpool
Wilfred Ndidi's underwhelming season
Once one of the Premier League's best ball-winners, Ndidi's season has mirrored Leicester’s overall decline.
He has started all 23 of his appearances this term, averaging 82 minutes per game, but his output has not been enough to help stem the tide. He has provided four assists from an expected assists (xA) of 1.41 and created five big chances, averaging 0.6 key passes per game.
In possession, the Nigerian averages 52.5 touches per game with 28.3 accurate passes at a completion rate of 82%. Out of possession, he’s contributed 3.0 tackles, 1.0 interception, 4.7 recoveries, and 2.7 clearances per game.
He wins 6.3 duels per match, just above 50% success rate, with a 53% success rate in aerial duels. However, he is also dribbled past once per game and loses possession 10.9 times per match. His dribbling success sits at just 46%.
The raw numbers show a player still putting in a shift but struggling to influence games in a way that truly counts. With Leicester likely doomed, Ndidi’s focus will now turn to impressing potential suitors as the summer window approaches.
