Stoke City Vs Leicester City: The key decisions facing Claude Puel

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City and Claude Puel, Manager of Leicester City in discussion after the Premier League match between Leicester City and Everton at The King Power Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

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LEICESTER, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 29: Shinji Okazaki of Leicester City looks on during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Everton at The King Power Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

Return to Shinji Okazaki?

Claude Puel somewhat surprisingly left out Okazaki for his first game as Leicester City boss, but his energy could be vital for an away game the Foxes are expected to chase.

It would mean moving Riyad Mahrez out wide again, but as he would be facing a tough midfield in Darren Fletcher and Joe Allen, that might not be the worst idea.

Jamie Vardy has to press much more with Okazaki out of the team, perhaps wasting energy he could save for chasing through balls towards the opposition goal.

If the Japan international does return to the starting line-up, it would mean that one of the front four drops out. Presumably, this would be Ben Chilwell, which could solve that dilemma too.

Puel will have plenty to ponder ahead of the short trip to Stoke, which kicks off at 12:30 on Saturday.