Leicester City shook the world last season by going all the way to win the Premier League title with all the odds against them. Champions League football is the big reward for Claudio Ranieri’s boys’ brilliant work last season. The Premier League holders will travel to Jan Breydel on Wednesday to kick off their first ever Champions League campaign with an away tie against Belgian Pro League holders Club Brugge.
Both sides won domestic silverwares last season but have failed to start this season on a high. Leicester City have managed just four points this season from four games and are on the back of a heavy 4-1 defeat against Liverpool on Saturday. On the other hand, Club Brugge’s season has been largely disappointing until this point as the Belgian side have picked up just seven points this season from 6 games.
The hosts have won just two of their last six games in Belgian First Division while Leicester City have won just once from five competitive fixtures this season. On paper, Leicester City look the stronger side as Ranieri will be looking to make Leicester’s first ever Champions League outing count.
Here is Leicester City’s predicted starting lineup against Club Brugge.
Defence
Kasper Schmeichel will keep his place under the bar ahead of Ron-Robert Zieler. Danny Simpson limped off with a nasty knock during the Liverpool game and the right-back is likely to miss the game as Luis Hernandez is likely to take his place in the right-back position. Skipper Wes Morgan and Robert Huth will start at the heart of the defence. Christian Fuchs, one of Leicester City’s very few players who have Champions League experience previously, will start in the left-back position.
Midfield
Riyad Mahrez is yet to show his true colours this season but the Algerian is an assured starter on the right flank. Danny Drinkwater will start in the middle of the park alongside Daniel Amartey. Ahmed Musa is likely to beat Marc Albrighton for a start on the left flank.
Attack
Jamie Vardy will keep his place up front without a shadow of a doubt. It was surprising to see Islam Slimani, Leicester City’s club record signing, not making his debut for his new club against Liverpool on Saturday. The Algerian forward is likely to pair up with Vardy up front against Club Brugge. With his aerial ability and Vardy’s pace, Leicester City look deadly in attack.
