Leicester City’s topsy-turvy season continued as they recovered from a 4-1 mauling at the hands of Manchester United to see off Porto in their second Champions League group game. A Slimani strike was enough to see off the Portuguese club 1-0, which made it two wins out of two for the English Champions.
Leicester City have been erratic till now and a part of it is understandable with the varied expectations and the sudden workload thrust on them. Teams have become much more cautious in the approach against the Foxes, which has restricted them from playing the smash and grab football brand of football of last season. They currently find themselves in the 12th position with a total of 7 points from 6 games. It is evident they will not be able to replicate the dizzying achievements of last season and will have to employ damage control measures to finish in a respectable position in the table.
They face Southampton at home, next. And the match will be expected to be a close encounter with Southampton showing signs of gradually adapting to Claude Puel’s tactics. Although they are on 8 points themselves, both the teams still have a fighting chance to finish in the top half at the end of the season.
Leicester have so far struggled to adapt to the fixture congestion, especially after a European match and this will be an acid test for Ranieri’s boys.
T4O’s PREDICTED LEICESTER CITY LINE-UP VS SOUTHAMPTON (4-4-2)
DEFENCE
Kasper Schmeichel will be back in goal and will hope to replicate his enterprising form, from last season which hasn’t been on full display till now. Simpson will most probably make a comeback at right-back with the central defensive pairing likely to be Robert Huth and Wes Morgan once again. The pair kept a clean sheet against Porto which would have given them a world of confidence. Christian Fuchs is expected to be at left-back.
MIDFIELD
Danny Drinkwater, who has been subject to transfer rumours in light of his impressive displays will be partnered by Daniel Amartey with Nampalys Mendy still injured. Riyadh Mahrez will be on the right-flank and will be the torch-bearer of the Foxes attacking endeavours. Demarai Gray has been impressive in his cameos but it will be too early for him to displace Albrighton as of yet.
ATTACK
Jamie Vardy and Islam Slimani will again be partnered up top with Ahmed Musa likely to appear from the bench.
