There cannot be a better opportunity for Craig Shakespeare to kick off his managerial career with Leicester City. Claudio Ranieri’s assistant has been handed over the charge of the club recently until the end of this season and he will have the difficult task to overturn a 2-1 deficit against Sevilla in the Champions League.
Sevilla defeated Leicester City 2-1 in the first leg of the two-legged fixture. Jamie Vardy’s first Champions League goal gave them hope and a 1-0 win would be enough for them to book a berth in the next round. Claudio Ranieri was sacked after the loss at the hands of Sevilla and assistant manager Shakespeare took over the charge. He has been pretty good with his team selection and strategy as the Foxes registered two consecutive wins in the last two matches.
For Sevilla, it would be a very crucial game. The Spanish side have somewhere lost the plot after back to back dull draws in the La Liga. Jorge Sampaoli recently expressed his concern over his team’s poor run of form saying that if they don’t recover quickly it would be very tough for them against a team like Leicester City.
Team News And Predicted Lineups
Leicester City (4-2-3-1)
Craig Shakespeare is expected to field the same team that defeated Hull City 3-1 in the Premier League.
Schmeichel; Simpson, Morgan, Huth, Fuchs; Drinkwater, Ndidi, Okazaki, Marc Albrighton, Mahrez; Vardy
Sevilla (4-1-3-2)
Keeping the big game in mind, Sampaoli rested Nzonzi against Leganes but he is set to make a comeback in the starting lineup.
Rico; Mariano, Rami, Lenglet, Escudero; N’Zonzi, Sarabia; Correa, Nasri, Vitolo, Jovetic
Key Players
Leicester City
Riyad Mahrez- Leicester City fans must have been very pleased after watching the old Mahrez against Hull City and if he continues his form, Sevilla would be in severe danger.
Jamie Vardy- His away goal in the last match handed the Foxes a much-needed boost and the Englishman will try to recapture his form at the King Power Stadium.
Sevilla
Steven N’Zonzi- Sampaoli has experimented with a number of formation this season and will get back to the more stable 4-1-3-2 formation with N’Zonzi in the holding midfield position. N’Zonzi’s role will be very crucial as his physical strength and aerial ability will give a tough time to the Foxes.
Stevan Jovetic- The towering forward has racked up four goals so far since joining the club on loan from Inter Milan. Leicester City defenders have to keep a hold of him as giving him room could create problems for them.
Odds
Leicester City- 23/10
Draw- 27/10
Sevilla- 6/5
