Leicester City might see a turn of events in the coming days as it will be all knockout fixtures for the Foxes. The only positive aspect about Claudio Ranieri’s gloomy campaign has been the side’s progress in the Champions league and FA Cup, despite their awful form in the Premier League.
After the club publicly released a statement claiming their support for their manager, who led them to Premier League title last season, the Foxes went down yet again in the weekend, at the hands of Swansea City. Just two points from reaching the bottom of the table, the Foxes are still just about floating above the relegation zone by one point.
Leicester face an easier opponent in Millwall this weekend, where the Foxes are more or less the favourites go through. But, things can get complicated this time too, as Ranieri will have one eye on their massive fixture against Sevilla next midweek in the Champions League. Europe is the only platform to leave a mark before Leicester fade next season and we expect Ranieri to give everything there. Millwall could face Leicester’s second team as Derby County did in the replay fixture last week.
Predicted Leicester City XI vs Millwall
Defence
Ron-Robert Zieler is expected to take his position under the bar once again. Although he hasn’t been anything exceptional so far, conceding 16 goals in nine matches, Ranieri would like to have his first-choice keeper reserved for the big night.
Young Ben Chilwell is expected to get the nod for the left-back position as Christian Fuchs is expected to be rested. Daniel Amartey is expected to start at the right defensive flank. Danny Simpson will be playing against Samir Nasri next week and Ranieri is expected to keep him fresh.
The centre-halves are expected to be the highly unused Yohan Benalouane and Marcin Wasilewski. Their partnership worked well the previous time and Ranieri will bet on them to get the job done.
Midfield
Nampalys Mendy and Andy King are expected to play as the double pivot against Millwall. Mendy had a terrible start to the campaign where injuries held him back on several occasions, which has resulted in new recruit Ndidi to get into the first team ahead of him. King has won Ranieri’s trust after some impressive displays during Drinkwater’s absence and he is expected to captain the side.
The playmaker’s role has been quite undecided for Ranieri who largely played with a 4-4-2 formation last season. However, we expect the Polish youngster, Bartosz Kapustka, to start there this time.
Attack
The wings are expected to be taken by Demarai Gray and Marc Albrighton. Ranieri will want both Slimani and Vardy fresh for the midweek game and we expect Ahmed Musa to start up front this time.
