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Leicester City 4-1 Watford: FA Cup holders cruise into the fourth round thanks to goals by Youri Tielemans, James Maddison, Harvey Barnes and Marc Albrighton as Claudio Ranieri's return is ruined

The lights briefly went out on Leicester's first campaign as FA Cup holders but James Maddison shone brightly through the gloom to ensure their defence began with a victory.

A combination of illness, injury and four men at the Africa Cup of Nations left Brendan Rodgers with only eight senior outfield players, with Jamie Vardy, Jonny Evans and Timothy Castagne among a remarkable 17 unavailable for this tie against Watford.

So when the floodlights failed 11 minutes into the second half – just after Harvey Barnes had put Leicester 3-1 up – Rodgers would have had a few dark thoughts.