Chaplin: In this division, we fancy our chances against anyone.

The idea that tonight’s visit to the dominant Championship leaders Leicester may be viewed as a free hit for him and his Town teammates has been rejected by top scorer Conor Chaplin.

It has been stated that the Blues are in a competition with Southampton and, to a lesser extent, Leeds United, for the second automatic promotion berth, with the Foxes currently leading the league by seven points and firm favorites to hold that position until the conclusion of the season.

Nine-goal Chaplin stated after the clubs tied 1-1 at Portman Road last month, “I definitely wouldn’t say it’s a free hit.” We wouldn’t see any games like that, in my opinion.

To be really honest, I believe that we prepare far too thoroughly and intelligently for games to be seen as free hits. We are confident in our ability to defeat any squad in this division.

“I believe we’ve demonstrated that, given the right circumstances, we can compete with anyone in this league, and I thought that was the case on Boxing Day. I thought we were on par with them, and if not, we most likely earned the point advantage over them that particular day.

“But let’s face it, they are without a doubt the best team in the division. Although we want to go there and get some, they have a fantastic team, Premier League experience, and players who would undoubtedly be looking to return.

Captain Sam Morsy equalized late in stoppage time to earn Town a point in the home match, and Chaplin said he will still have a role to play even though he will not be present at King Power Stadium this evening due to a two-game suspension.

When asked if Morsy had contributed to the match preparations for tonight, Chaplin said, “Yes, of course.” For us, Samy is a huge leader. Either way, he will be present. He is obviously suspended, but I think he will still be playing for the club. He plays a significant role in our work, serves as a strong leader for us, and he will still support us.

With 3,500 fans traveling to Leicester to support manager Kieran McKenna and the players, this evening’s match is the most recent in a long series of Town games to be shown live, and it looks to be another thrilling matchup.

When questioned if this is the kind of game that players would want to participate in, Chaplin said that it is. I am eager for it. It will be a fantastic event with a top-notch opponent, a great stadium, and a great atmosphere.

“It should be a thrilling game for everyone to be a part of, with two teams that are in good form really going at each other.”

The small forward, who has played 111 league games for the team (92 starts and the remaining 19 as a substitute), has already scored 44 goals. His most recent goal came from a Leif Davis corner header during a 2-1 victory at home against Sunderland, who is still in the running for a play-off spot.

“That was a great goal, a very important goal, with a great delivery and header,” he remarked. It was a nice finish, and I was pleased with it.

However, in response to a question concerning the phrase “Davis to Chaplin” that frequently appears in match commentary and the amount of practice the two put in, he said, “It’s probably at the point now where there’s not really too much work, in all honesty

“We have a great understanding of each other’s games and what each other enjoys. I know what kind of deliveries he likes, and he knows where I like to finish. I think a lot of it comes from just getting to know each other and having a positive relationship.

“There isn’t as much labor on the practice field these days. Early on, it most likely was, but these days it’s just about playing the same game as each other.

Davis has consistently provided assists, and Chaplin continued, saying, “I certainly expect them deliveries.” One of the best left feet I’ve ever played with is his. He has an incredible left foot.

“I have complete faith that he will locate me and select the appropriate delivery method when I’m in those situations. He has been a huge assistance to me and a major factor in my goal scoring—definitely a major, major factor.

Triumph against Sunderland in a match that was broadcast live on Sky Sports caused amazing celebrations that ranked among the many other instances at Portman Road in the past year or so where the players had achieved the desired result on the big stages.

“Yeah, it felt like a big win, definitely felt like a big win,” Chaplin said. It seemed like a unique evening. The fans, in my opinion, were excellent throughout the entire evening, and the atmosphere undoubtedly contributed to it. They are beginning to realize, I believe, that we will not always be excellent.

“I believe it’s challenging because of the scheduling, the caliber of the other squad and players, and the fact that we can’t always play well.

It’s about finding a way to produce results, and I believe they’ve truly bought into that in the past few. They’ve also really pushed us over the edge and, with the atmosphere they generated the other night, helped us to get a winner. It struck me as being really clever. One of the most memorable evenings I’ve spent at Portman Road was that one.