Club News

Evans wary of Foxes threat

Baggies take on the champions at the King Power Stadium

JONNY Evans says Leicester City are every bit as dangerous as they were during last season’s Premier League title-winning campaign.

The Foxes have 12 points from their opening ten fixtures this term and are unbeaten in four Champions League games, having drawn 0-0 at Copenhagen on Wednesday.

And while the former Manchester United defender admits it is difficult to strike a balance between domestic and European competitions, he insists the Baggies are still fully aware of Leicester’s strengths.

“They can really, really hurt you if you’re not careful,” said the Northern Ireland international.

“I think the European football is suiting them at the minute because teams aren’t used to the way they play. 

“Their counter-attacking football was what caused the other Premier League teams so many problems last year and they’re still very capable of causing those problems.

“I think people underestimate how difficult it is to go away in Europe in the week and then play in the Premier League at the weekend.

“You’ve not had much rest and you’ve given everything you can in the European games. 

“It’s very difficult and I’ve experienced that myself.

“You have to be able to rotate your squad in a way that means you can perform in both competitions. 

“Their Premier League form has suffered a little bit from that but I’m sure they’re not panicking and they’re enjoying the experience.”

The Baggies will be without Nacer Chadli (knee) and James McClean (suspended) at the King Power Stadium.

Evans, who was speaking to Premier League Productions, believes youngster Jonathan Leko is capable of stepping up to the mark if he is selected by head coach Tony Pulis.  

“He’s got great ability and he can go past people,” he added.

“He’s strong in 1v1 situations.

“It’s not very nice facing up to him, because he’s very clever, he watches the defender make his move and he’s very good at going past people.

“For us as someone who’s coming off the bench, who can make an impact, that’s something that as team-mates and players we appreciate.

“Whether or not the manager will play him or not I’m not sure.

“Chadli will be a miss for us because he has been fantastic for us since coming here.

“Hopefully we don’t miss him too much as we have good quality in the players that can come in and replace him.”