In the real world Van Nistelrooy and Thomas Frank have been chatting to Sky Sports before kickoff:

“It’s turning those perf into points,” said the Leicester manager. “Consistency comes on the training pitch. The development is there on the individual players who are getting better, also as a team physically. We know if we continue like this, we can get points. It’s always a balance.”

“I’m very wary it’s going to be very difficult,” said Frank. “Leicester have everything to play for, they’re going to come flying out. No doubt they see us as an opportunity to get points.”

Some of those Argo quotes might be applicable to Ruud and Leicester, come to think of it.

“The best bad idea we have.”

“There are only bad options, it’s about finding the best one.”

Another astute email has dropped in, via Joe Pearson.

Is it just me, or does anybody else think Ruud gives off Ben Affleck vibes? Just asking.

Our other live football offering for the evening is under way. Join Macclesfield-born maestro John Brewin for coverage.

Van Nistelrooy watched on from the stands in November as Leicester surrendered a 1-0 lead at the Gtech Community Stadium and ended up thumped 4-1. The scale of the job facing the Dutchman would have been crystal clear from that day onwards.

Since the four points Leicester accrued in RvN’s first two games following that visit to the Bees, they’ve lost 10 out of 12 games. Eesh.

An email agreeing with me? Yes! It’s from Jeremy Boyce:

As you say, bit of a bonkers match to predict. Can’t win at home v Can’t win away. 0-0 then? Or maybe not, given the way Ruud’s boys ship goals, as well as having a redoubtable and brilliant former carpet-fitter still banging them in when they can give him the ball. I’m betting on an Mbeumo/Wissa inside 2 mins, a late Vardy shouldered equaliser in added time, and lots of huff’n’puff without purpose in between. Should I get down the bookies’ now? Obviously we do not condone gambling and would never put THAT on our shirts. Would we?

Am I naive in predicting that this game will perhaps not the foregone conclusion the form-book suggests? Leicester really need this; like really need this. Brentford aren’t quite on the proverbial beach as yet, but they seem safely ensconced in mid-table and probably won’t trouble the European places.

Van Nistelrooy has looked a little lost in the King Power dugout since replacing Steve Cooper, but if he can’t fire up his troops for a game like tonight’s, he’s in the wrong job.

Some things to read:

Not a record you’d want to have. Not even Amorim’s Manchester United are threatening this one.

Team news

Preamble