Paul Merson delivers 'big' Leicester City vs Aston Villa prediction

Leicester City will return to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon (3pm) when they take on Aston Villa at the King Power Stadium.

The Foxes, who are winless in their last two league games, will be keen to return to winning ways as they look to climb up the table with seven games left until the end of the season. City are currently ninth in the league table.

While Steven Gerrard's Villa will be desperate to take all three points after suffering four consecutive defeats.

Jamie Vardy, who returned to training with the squad on Thursday after recovering from a knee problem, is likely to have some involvement in the game. But, in his weekly SportsKeeda column, Paul Merson believes that will not be enough for the Foxes to avoid defeat.

He said: "Leicester City have turned a corner in the Premier League. They've got a big game in the Europa League next Thursday - their last shot at silverware this season. Will they rest their players against Aston Villa? If I'm Brendan Rodgers, yes.

"Philippe Coutinho has been impressive for Villa, but a permanent deal will depend on his wage demands. If he drops his wages, Villa will sign him but otherwise, they're out of the running.

"This is an important period for Aston Villa. The next few games will tell Steven Gerrard which players he can count on and which players he can let go ahead of next season. They might be able to win this game if Leicester rest their players."

Leicester City 1-2 Aston Villa.