Leicester City and Watford have played out a goalless opening half in the first leg of their Championship playoff semi-final at the King Power Stadium.

Both sides toiled in wet and windy conditions but the visitors had a good chance to make the breakthrough on 22 minutes when Matej Vydra took advantage of a mistake from Jeffrey Schlupp to surge through on goal. However, his effort was kept out thanks to a low save from Kasper Schmeichel.

The Leicester goalkeeper was called into action again moments later as he palmed away Almen Abdi's long-range strike.

Despite plenty of possession for the home side, they struggled to create any decent opportunities in the Watford penalty area.

Chris Wood and David Nugent combined late on in the half before the latter swept his shot wide of the post.

Anthony Knockaert then fired an effort on goal from a tight angle, but Manuel Almunia was able to tip the ball away from danger.