Leicester City’s troubles went from bad to worse with a shock 1-0 loss against Bournemouth on Tuesday night. However, considering how the Foxes have fared this season so far, it wasn’t all that shocking. Claudio Ranieri’s boys thrashed Pep Guardiola’s mighty Manchester City 4-2 last Saturday and made the world think that they are finally back to their best. It was a performance you expect from the Premier League champions but alas! Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth defeated them in the midweek.
The Premier League holders will travel to Bet365 Stadium on Saturday to take on Mark Hughes’ Stoke City who have also failed to perform on a consistent basis this season. However, Stoke City could be six points ahead of the Foxes on Saturday before the kickoff if they can win their midweek game against Southampton. If Leicester City can still pick up their form, they have the quality to finish in the top half but if things continue like they are, we might see them entering the relegation scrap.
Here is the predicted Leicester City against Stoke City.
Defence
Ron Robert-Zieler is likely to retain his place for another match with Schmeichel being doubtful for the game. He might make it in time for the game, though. Danny Simpson missed the Bournemouth game with a suspension after picking up five yellow cards. The Englishman will return to replace Luis Hernandez at right-back in the Stoke game.
Skipper Wes Morgan will continue at the heart of the defence alongside Robert Huth. On the left-hand side, it will be the attack-minded Christian Fuchs as usual.
Midfield
Danny Drinkwater should return to the starting XI following the poor display of Leicester City midfielders against Bournemouth. Daniel Amartey has been dismal in midfield and to be fair, he does not even look a Premier League quality player.
Andy King is likely to continue in midfield and will pair up with the English international in the middle of the park. Recently awarded African Footballer of the Year Riyad Mahrez will start on the right flank. Marc Albrighton should keep his place on the left flank.
Attack
Islam Slimani has been a hit in the Premier League after his club record move to Leicester City and will keep his place up front alongside Jamie Vardy.
Vardy has been pretty silent this season apart from the Manchester City game and needs to come back to his best really soon if Leicester are to finish in a respectable position.
