Leicester City travel to the Stadium of Light under tremendous pressure to win the match. The reigning Champions have been dismal in the league so far and their players have been shadows of what they were last season. Despite an amazing run in the Champions League, where they are still unbeaten, they have failed to step out of 1st gear in the League. Currently in the 14th place with 13 points from 13 games, it has been a rocky and unexpected ride for them. The loss of Kante has hit them hard and their midfield looks bereft of quality and tenacity. The decision taken against replacing the Frenchman seems to be a foolish one and is something that might haunt the who’s who in Leicester.
They will be facing Sunderland, a team who have crippling issues of their own. David Moyes has overseen a disastrous opening period and till 3 weeks back, they were without a win. But the two back to back wins was punctuated by a 2-0 loss against Liverpool and they will be looking to continue their new-found form against the Foxes.
Although Leicester are the reigning Champions and Sunderland are in the relegation zone, seemingly destined for the drop, the match is expected to be a close contest between the two sides.
PREDICTED LEICESTER CITY LINE-UP VS SUNDERLAND (4-4-1-1)
DEFENCE
Ron-Robert Zieler will be in goal with Kasper Schmeichel’s injury keeping him sidelined. Zieler should look to grab this opportunity with both hands and make the decision tougher for Ranieri when the title-winning goalkeeper returns. Danny Simpson will be at right-back. Robert Huth and Wes Morgan are expected to be the central defensive pairing. The duo formed the backbone for the incredible run last season but have been porous this time around. Fuchs will be at left-back and will look to peg the Black Cats in their own half on the flanks.
MIDFIELD
With Drinkwater still absent due to his suspension, King and Amartey are the likely options again to line up in the centre of the park. The inexperienced midfield might be put under pressure if Moyes gets his tactics right. Riyad Mahrez will be on the right-hand side and will look to draw some positives from his penalty last week. The Foxes need him to fire. Albrighton will be on the opposite flank.
ATTACK
Slimani might get a start after coming on to score a goal in the last match. One amongst Vardy and Okazaki will likely be benched with the Japanese looking at a bench role. Vardy will most likely be starting.
