Leicester City are travelling to Highbury Stadium for their FA Cup third round draw against Fleetwood Town. A romantic return for Jamie Vardy to his former club. He became the most expensive non-league player with a £1m price tag when he moved to Leicester back in 2012.
This fixture is quite favourably set for the Foxes who are competing for a European spot finish in the Premier League. An FA Cup trophy along with that would make the Foxes’ current campaign a massive success.
They have been inconsistent in the league with just one win in their last 5 outings. Claude Puel’s men overtook Huddersfield Town 3-0 in their first game of the year at the King Power Stadium.
This comes as a huge boost to progress further into the next stage of the FA Cup.
However, Fleetwood Town are eager to cause an upset against a top pedigree side. The Cod Army have never even played against top-flight opposition before, let alone made it past this round of the competition.
The Foxes have won in their last eight third round ties and is majorly favoured to overcome their League One opponents.
Puel might field his men in the 4-4-1-1 formation.
Defence
Ben Hamer should replace Kasper Schmeichel in between the sticks. The 30-year-old last appeared against Manchester City in the quarterfinals of the League Cup and was well tested in the penalty shootout.
Aleksandar Dragovic might return to the lineup from the centre-back role. He should get paired up with Harry Maguire, with Wes Morgan and Robert Huth ruled out for this fixture.
Daniel Amartey has been struggling in the right-back role with Danny Simpson currently nursing an injury. However, with no other quality options on the bench, the Ghanaian might be called up again. Ben Chilwell was rested in the last fixture and is the best choice to start from the left.
Midfield
New signing, Adrien Silva made his debut against Huddersfield Town with a substitute appearance. He might feature along with Vicente Iborra around the centre circle.
Marc Albrighton is expected to get a breather in this tie and might not start. He can be replaced by Ahmed Musa. He has just made one senior appearance this season and should be given an opportunity to prove himself from the left wing.
Demarai Gray is expected to feature from the right flank to provide more width to the Leicester gameplay.
Attack
With Jamie Vardy still not declared fit for this tie, Kelechi Iheanacho might start in the number nine role. Shinji Okazaki is the best choice to feature behind in the shadow striker position. The duo will be eager to increase their goal tally for the season.
