Unlike Leicester’s Premier League season, which started horrendously this year, the defending EPL champions have had a pretty solid campaign as far as the UEFA Champions League is concerned with two wins from two games against FC Porto and Club Brugge.
A startling contrast back at home on the performance basis, where the Foxes have managed only 8 points from eight games, have slipped down to the thirteenth position. With a discouraging performance against Chelsea, it is being led more to believe that last season’s success was more of a fluke than quality.
As Leicester suffered their fourth defeat of the season, Ranieri gets another opportunity at bringing an air of optimism in King Power Stadium on Tuesday, when they will be facing FC Copenhagen. They, on the other hand, will be riding high on confidence at the back of a routine 2-0 win against Silkeborg.
T4O’s predicted Leicester city lineup against FC Copenhagen (4-4-2)
Defence
The similar defence of the last season, which was rock solid last season is seen leaking quite often this year. The back four- Fuchs, Huth, Morgan, and Hernandez- was seen often troubled by Chelsea on Saturday. The physical presence of Huth, who had scored crucial goals for the team last season from set pieces, is clearly missing.
Same goes for Morgan’s leadership at the back. Moses last evening squandered few chances in front of the Leicester net, which would otherwise have made the score more humiliating. Wes Morgan though won 4 of 5 aerial duels last evening with 3 crucial interceptions and 9 recoveries, he could not save his team the blushes.
Fuchs and Hernandez have also looked out of pace on the planks, which was the main reason for Leicester’s blunt attack. Luis Hernandez could only deliver 2 of 5 crosses and Fuchs only providing 2 successful blocks.
Midfield
Morgan had earlier lamented the absence of Kante from the midfield, who could never really replaced by the team. Ranieri chose to play Amartey, Schlupp beside Albrighton and Drinkwater giving rest to Riyad Mahrez, which might indicate his ploy for the Champions League game in midweek.
The traditional four midfielders were scrappy against Chelsea, who undoubtedly had a more quality than FC Copenhagen. Hence, on Tuesday, Leicester are expected to have a comparatively easier game.
Attack
The star striker Jamie Vardy, whose magical performance at the front earned him a place everywhere including FIFA 17’s cover has been a shadow of himself last season. Vardy’s lacklustre performances have been intricately linked with Leicester’s form, which reflects how centrally he sits at Ranieri’s plans. He will look to rejuvenate it in the midweek.
