Leicester City started the campaign incredibly with a victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield. The FA Cup winners had a blip versus West Ham United in East London, but they bounced back with a late win against Norwich City at Carrow Road. The international break has been a blessing in disguise for the Foxes as they are expecting a few injury returns ahead of hosting Man City on Saturday afternoon.
The champions of England registered successive 5-0 wins against Norwich City and Arsenal prior to the break. They must be desperate now to seek revenge for the Shield defeat, however, the resurgence of Leicester under Brendan Rodgers’ would make this weekend encounter an intriguing one at the King Power Stadium.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Leicester City Lineup To Face Manchester City
Defence
Despite the mastery of Danny Ward in Wales colours, the experience and expertise of Kasper Schmeichel make him irreplaceable between the sticks. The big Dane would once again lead the Foxes from the last line of defence against his former employers.
The Foxes have an array of casualties with Wesley Fofana and James Justin remaining the long-term absentees. Jannik Vestergaard and Jonny Evans are major doubts and are set to undergo late fitness tests, but the gaffer is expecting to have Ricardo Pereira and Ryan Bertrand back to occupy the full-back roles. Çağlar Söyüncü is not enjoying the best of run lately but should still partner Daniel Amartey in the heart of the backline due to lack of options in the defensive third.
Midfield
The double-pivot of Wilfred Ndidi and Youri Tielemans is the most vital cog of Leicester’s formation. Not only does the pair marshall the defence but also plays a key part in attacking transitions from deep down the midfield. Boubakary Soumaré and Hamza Choudhury are there as alternatives to inject fresh legs late in the contest.
Harvey Barnes is yet to regain the form of the previous campaign down the left-hand flank, whereas the suspension of Ayoze Perez (following his marching order against West Ham United) should see veteran Marc Albrighton keeping hold of the right midfield role. Deadline-day arrival Ademola Lookman is a more aggressive option due to his pace and flair, but the work rate and balance of Albrighton must be prioritized in this tricky tie. James Maddison scored a stellar long ranger last term and should replicate a similar show from his preferred ‘number 10’ role.
Attack
In spite of having Kelechi Iheanacho and Patson Daka, 34-year-old Jamie Vardy is still irreplaceable while spearheading the attack. The Englishman has already fired in twice in 3 league outings and his hat-trick last season at the Etihad keeps reminding us of his excellence as an outright ‘number 9’.
