Leicester City will be looking to regain some confidence when they meet their East Midlands rivals in the 4th round of the FA Cup. The tie is set to be an exciting one and although it will be between the Premier League Champions and a team in the Championship, it might not be that straightforward once the whistle blows. The Foxes have struggled to put up any semblance of a fight in their title defence and are in danger of slipping into the relegation zone after a string of negative results.
They will hope a win in the FA Cup helps them gather some much-needed momentum which can subsequently help them in the League but Ranieri will know that the Rams will be eager to get at the under-confident Premier League side and having already knocked out a Premier League side, will be eyeing another scalp.
Riyad Mahrez is available after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations in the wake of Algeria’s exit and Leicester will hope there is some sort of turnaround in form for their star winger.
However, his international team-mate Islam Slimani is injured. Striker Leonardo Ulloa, who handed in a transfer request last week, is out with a thigh problem, and Daniel Amartey remains on international duty with Ghana.
PREDICTED LEICESTER CITY LINE-UP VS DERBY COUNTY (4-3-3)
DEFENCE
Schmeichel might remain in goal with Ranieri desperate to win this one and the keeper has to be on his toes throughout the 90 minutes and avoid any guffaws. Ranieri might shift to the 4-3-3 formation which got him a win against Everton in the 3rd round. Simpson will then line-up at right back with the experienced duo of Robert Huth and Wes Morgan lining up at centre-back once again. The two of them haven’t been in great form and now need to step it up. Chilwell will be at left-back.
MIDFIELD
Ndidi might sit in front of the back 4 and sit at the base of the trio. He will have to keep the possession ticking over and also keep things tight outside the box. Drinkwater is likely to be stationed on the right-side of midfield and after an indifferent start will hope his form gets elevated to an extent. Andy King might be the third midfielder which is likely to give Mendy a rest.
ATTACK
Albrighton might line-up on the left wing with Andy Gray looking good for the right-wing role. Ahmed Musa might get a start after scoring a brace against Everton in the 3rd round.
