Leicester City have had only disappointment in their Premier League season so far but their debut season in the Premier club competition in Europe has been so far so good. The Foxes started their champions League campaign with a scintillating 3-0 win over Club Brugge and followed it up with an impressive 1-0 win over Porto. They now welcome Danish champions FC Copenhagen to the King Power Stadium knowing that another three points will all but guarantee them progression to the knockout stages.
Copenhagen are in fine form right now sitting at the top of the Danish League with 29 points from 13 games. They started their Champions League campaign with a 1-1 draw against Porto and then beat Club Brugge by four goals. They do have what it takes to cause problems to the Foxes and Claudio Ranieri must take a cautious approach while taking on the Danish giants.
Team news
Leicester City
Leicester City have an almost fit squad. Algerian duo winger Riyad Mahrez and striker Islam Slimani are set to return to the starting line-up. Midfielder Nampalys Mendy remains out after a minor operation on an ankle injury which has kept him out since August. Shinji Okazaki is also doubtful.
FC Copenhagen
Staale Solbakken has a fully fit squad to choose from.
Predicted lineups
Leicester City: Schmeichel; Simpson, Morgan, Huth, Fuchs, Mahrez, Amartey, Drinkwater, Albrighton; Slimani, Vardy
FC Copenhagen: Olsen, Ankersen, Joergensen, Johansson, Augustinsson; Verbic, Delany, Kvist, Falk, Santander, Cornelius
Tactical setups
Both sides are likely to shape up in a 4-4-2 formation. Both teams play a direct and attacking style of football. Whoever wins the battle in midfield, are likely to win the game. Copenhagen have sheer quality up front in Cornelius and Santander and can cause troubles on the break. Ranieri has to ensure that his side controls the midfield. Danny Drinkwater has to have a good game against the likes of Kvist and Delaney.
Key players
Leicester City- Danny Drinkwater
We haven’t seen Drinkwater showing his true colours so far this season. A few more off games and we will be bound to come to a conclusion that he was nothing but a one season wonder. The English international is running out of time to prove his worth and must improve really soon. As of now, he has to come up with a solid display in the Champions League against Copenhagen.
FC Copenhagen: Andreas Cornelius
The former Cardiff City striker is a key player for the visitors and can cause serious trouble to Leicester City with his excellent finishing ability and aerial prowess. The Danish international will be a player to watch out for as he travels to England once again.
Odds
Leicester – 10/11
Draw – 5/2
Copenhagen – 10/3
