Leicester City fell to a demoralizing loss to Crystal Palace at home this weekend, but managed to retain their 8th place in the domestic points table. They are back in action this mid-week as they reap their benefits of knocking Liverpool and Leeds United out in the last two rounds of the League Cup.
The Foxes were drawn against Manchester City, in probably the toughest fixture of the quarterfinals but playing at home, they will fancy giving Pep Guardiola’s side a run for their money. Claude Puel will surely take this game seriously and here is the predicted lineup he might field for this tie:
Team News:
In early team news, Robert Huth and Matthew James remain the only injury concerns for the manager ahead of this tie.
Expected lineup (4-4-2):
Defense:
Kasper Schmeichel has always been a player for the big occasions and he is expected to keep his place on goal for this crunch tie. Danny Simpson remains the only first-choice right back at Puel’s disposal and deserves a rest. This could see Daniel Amartey fill in at right-back for this League Cup tie. Ben Chilwell, who has been effective in the last few games, could be given a break, bringing Christian Fuchs back at left-back.
Harry Maguire and Wes Morgan have formed a solid CB partnership for the Foxes but Morgan could be given a break for this game, which could see Aleksandar Dragovic start this game at CB. He will have his work cut out against a Manchester City side, that is playing some sensational football.
Midfield:
Wilfried Ndidi has been one of the best players in his position this season for Leicester City and could be given a rest. Andy King could get his chance to shine, albeit having to track the likes of De Bruyne and Silva in this tie. He should be partnered by Vicente Iborra, who is having a decent run of games in the first team under the new manager.
Riyad Mahrez has sparked into life in recent games and could be the danger man for Manchester City from the midfield. He will start on the right flank while Marc Albrighton should retain his place on the left flank.
Attack:
Islam Slimani and Shinji Okazaki have been frustrated due to lack of game time but the League Cup is a decent opportunity for Puel to showcase his side’s quality and he is expected to go with his full strength. However, the manager might give young Kelechi Iheanacho a chance to shine against his former club, starting him alongside Jamie Vardy, who will test the likes of Otamendi and Mangala in this game.
Here is how they might line up:
