Claude Puel drops an absolute bombshell

Leicester City manager Claude Puel dropped an absolute bombshell after the draw with Valencia Wednesday. Players Jamie Vardy and Harry Maguire will not feature in the Premier League opener with Manchester United. Can the Foxes still win at Old Trafford?

Leicester City boss Claude Puel told BBC Sport that Jamie Vardy and Harry Maguire will not feature versus Manchester United on August 10. After the 1-1 draw in a warm-up match against Valencia, Puel said: “If we are serious they cannot participate in this [Manchester United] game.” Jonny Evans is also struggling to be fit according to the Frenchman.

All major Premier League clubs are currently missing their most significant World Cup stars. For the opening game between Leicester and Manchester United, it is no different. United will miss several important players including: Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard, Marouane Fellaini and eventual competition winner with France, Paul Pogba.

Leicester are set to be without Jamie Vardy and Harry Maguire for the fixture. This affects the Foxes quite heavily. Although with the current United team, the Midlands side can still cause an upset. But how weak are the Red Devils?

I have been watching Leicester City and Manchester United in person and on television for around 25-years. And I can honestly say this is by far the weakest United side for at least that time. Now, as they suffer a World Cup hangover with their main star players still relaxing on holiday or returning next week – the Foxes have a big chance at Old Trafford.

Jose Mourinho managed the Red Devils to their highest post-Ferguson league finish in 2017/18, yet with so many starters missing – Leicester City can win their opening 2018/19 fixture. Usually traveling to either Manchester team for the first league game is a daunting, potential disaster. Not this time.

A weak United

Mourinho has insurmountable problems with his team; some are of his own doing. Injuries, complaints, missing players like Anthony Martial, vacations: he does not mind informing the media of his issues or embarrassing his squad publicly. There is even speculation from Daily Mail et al that his time is running out in Manchester.

I see no captain-material in the team. Maybe Paul Pogba will step up and transition national form to club. Alexis Sanchez has a point to prove; yet is self concerned, more than benefitting the unit. There are no Old Trafford leaders in a traditional sense, for example: a Steve Bruce, Eric Cantana, Roy Keane or even a Gary Neville – to name a few.

How did their friendlies go? Yes they beat a weakened Ronaldo-less Real Madrid. They also got spanked by Liverpool. United play Bayern Munich Saturday August 5 in a final pre-season outing. That is a tough test – a good omen for the King Power outfit. However, if the Foxes do not soak up pressure then counter, utilising their immense speed they will lose.

Likely Man United team v Leicester City

Alexis Sanchez is in good form and physical condition as the game approaches. Mourinho needs him on top form, as he has minimal strikers to choose from. Reports claim Romelu Lukaku has returned early from the extended break afforded to latter stage World Cup players – and is declaring himself available for the match. Yet, like Vardy, the Belgian will possibly struggle for match sharpness. Although, the Foxes have Kelechi Iheanacho finding form: two goals in two warm-up games against premium opposition – timing is everything.

I expect United to line-up like this, with a 4-2-3-1 shape: David De Gea; Antonio Valencia, Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly, Luke Shaw; Ander Herrera, Fred; Juan Mata, Alexis, Andreas; Romelu Lukaku.

Promoting youth

Puel made a telling statement before the Valencia friendly:

"“I hope now for the next game we can put out a team with more experience and more maturity.” (Via: Leicester Mercury)"

Puel then proceeded to leave multiple fringe and overpaid, underperforming players out of his starting line-up versus Valencia. While promoting several youth players; of which, Darnell Johnson and Josh Gordon stood out. Will any of them make the bench or even the team for Old Trafford? Possibly the substitute option.

In other news – the Red devils have apparently ‘cooled‘ their interest in Maguire – leaving the England international free to sign his improved deal with Leicester City. However, many fans believe Puel needs another centre-back transferred in, especially with Evans sidelined too. Another shock emerged Thursday morning as L’Equipe stated assistant manager Pascal Plancque has apparently been removed from his position. More information will follow as we get it.

If I had to predict the result of the premiership opening fixture between the two clubs – which I do – I’d say a score draw, 1-1.