It is going to be a tricky affair for Leicester City when they host a jubilant Leeds United in the Round of 16 tie in the Carabao Cup. Leeds will be high on confidence following their 3-0 rout of Bristol City in the Championship at the weekend and will try to muster something positive from this match.
Leicester have been without a manager since the club hierarchy decided to show the door to Craig Shakespeare. Michael Appleton has been handed the interim charge and the 41 years old relieved some of the pressure as he guided the team to a 2-1 win over Swansea City in the Premier League at the weekend.
The Foxes are well aware of the current situation and any kind of a mishap in this match would seriously dent their confidence. Leeds are well capable of putting on a show and have already proved their mettle by getting the better of Burnley in the last match in this competition.
Predicted 4-4-2 Leicester City Starting Lineup Against Leeds United
Defence
Eldin Jakupovic is yet to feature in a match since his summer move from Hull City and is likely to make his maiden senior appearance for the Foxes. Kasper Schmeichel deserves a breather from his duty and is expected to be dropped to the bench.
We could see a new name in the Foxes backline as Christian Fuchs could be given a start in the centre of the defence. Predominantly a left back Fuchs has previously played in this position and Appleton needs to ensure his experiment doesn’t go to waste completely.
Harry Maguire will be alongside him to rearguard the Foxes goal. Ben Chilwell will get a chance to impress on the left side while Danny Simpson will continue his stride on the opposite side.
Midfield
Daniel Amartey will be in the anchor role in the two-man midfield. The Ghanian international needs to do the pressing from the deep in order to prevent the Leeds attack from hunting them down.
Andy King will be the creative force in the middle of the pitch.
Attack
Ahmed Musa has fallen in the pecking order at the King Power Stadium and is likely to have a rare start in this match. The 25-year-old will be seen on the right flank.
Leeds defence could find it difficult to deal with the pace and trickery of Demarai Gray. Kelechi Iheanacho is yet to justify his price tag and will have another chance to prove his credentials.
Islam Slimani will be his strike partner up front. This is how they might line up:
