Will Rachid Ghezzal start for Leicester City in the Premier League

Foxes of Leicester analyse whether Rachid Ghezzal will begin for Leicester City in the Premier League verses the impressive and unbeaten Liverpool. Whilst predicting the starting line-up.

Leicester City easily defeated Fleetwood Town in the Second Round of the Carabao Cup, Tuesday. This fixture gave chances to impress to peripheral players, new signings and development squad prospects

One of the afore-mentioned categories contains a familiar seeming, fresh Fox called Rachid Ghezzal. Remember the name. A left-winger who can also play across the support attack line.

In fact, Ghezzal is of strong pedigree: his brother is an Algerian international too. He played successfully in France at Monaco and Lyon and French internationals at youth level. Claude Puel had him under his wing as a youngster without a senior appearance.

Scoring against the Codmen in the cup inevitably produces ponderings of him starting versus Liverpool. However, this could be hasty. Nevertheless it was a spectacular goal, indeed. Reminiscent of a former Leicester City and Algeria wingman.

Receiving the ball out wide, Ghezzal cut in, with two opponents giving chase, curling a beautiful shot into the far corner from around 25-yards out. Subsequently, the Foxes won 4-0; the 26-year-old has now fully ‘arrived’ at the Midlands club – following a slower transition than expected.

Speaking to lcfc.com after the match, Ghezzal said:

"“I feel well, I’m training very hard and I’m happy to score today.”"

Will Ghezzal start the Liverpool game on Saturday?

Ever informed Leicester Mercury quote Christian Fuchs on his new teammate:

"“There are a couple of similarities (between Ghezzal and Mahrez). The first training session we were like: ‘Hold on, he looks familiar.’“Also the way he played and the way he scored his goal looks very familiar but I don’t want to compare him with Riyad. He is a great player, Rachid, that can benefit from time.“He performed very well. He should grow a couple of muscles but after that he will be a great player!”– Christian Fuchs"

The Mercury described the new Fox as a “real threat” during the Fleetwood victory. Yet, Fuchs gives a revealing opinion: leading us to believe Ghezzal is not quite ready for the premiership.

Vicente Iborra is friends with Abdelkader Ghezzal, Rachid’s brother; they played in Spain for Levante together.

Foxes of Leicester’s official Twitter account was not the only one to notice Ghezzal’s gazelle-like gliding dribbling style – similarly to, yes, Riyad Mahrez.

Other attributes of Ghezzal include: swift ground passing, one-twos, unselfishness, speed, confidence and solid technique. In addition to a determination to reclaim possession of the ball persistently. Along with an eye for goal – as we witnessed this week. Though, Puel will possibly not consider his winger to begin the match.

Marc Albrighton will probably come back into the Leicester City side. His crossing and key passes have been excellent in supplying assists once again this campaign. It is the correct alteration for Puel.

Therefore, Ricardo Pereira will move to right-back: an attempt to control Sadio Mane. Politely, Daniel Amartey is not ready for that challenge; as a midfielder, he is already being played out-of-position.

Ghezzal won’t take James Maddison or Demarai Gray’s place. With the help of fellow ‘Young Lion’ Ben Chilwell – they are proving to be a deadly trio. Regardless of Jamie Vardy missing for a final time; there is nothing to lose against a top quality Reds team this weekend.

Saturday’s Leicester side should have two changes from the Southampton contest: Albrighton in for Amartey and Jonny Evans replacing Wes Morgan. Ghezzal is close, very close to starting. This is the likely line-up:

Kasper Schmeichel (captain); Ricardo, Evans, Harry Maguire, Chilwell; Papy Mendy, Wilfred Ndidi; Maddison, Gray, Albrighton; Kelechi Iheanacho.