Foxes of Leicester
Fansided

An Ideal Starting XI for Leicester City against Huddersfield Town

By Michael Abbott

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 15: Marc Albrighton of Leicester City celebrates after scoring his team's second goal with team mate Ben Chilwell of Leicester City during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Leicester City at Vitality Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 15: Marc Albrighton of Leicester City celebrates after scoring his team's second goal with team mate Ben Chilwell of Leicester City during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Leicester City at Vitality Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) /
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BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: James Maddison of Leicester City scores his team’s first goal from a penalty during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Leicester City at Vitality Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: James Maddison of Leicester City scores his team’s first goal from a penalty during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Leicester City at Vitality Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) /

Central Midfield: Wilfred Ndidi (DM), Nampalys Mendy(DM), James Maddison (CAM)

Ndidi and Mendy are two of Leicester’s best performers this season. They have already formed a strong partnership in the centre of the park. One thing they could improve on, however: their forward passing and through balls. Too often they pick the same, safe passes and leave the creative playmaking to James Maddison. In order for Leicester to be successful, both Ndidi and Mendy need to become more of a creative outlet for City, as opposed to relying on the Englishman to create magic.

Maddison has been Leicester’s best player this season. He adapted extremely quickly to the Premier League and has already become a fan favorite with his performances on the pitch. He is constantly a creative option for City, while the rest of the team has struggled to add anything going forward without Jamie Vardy.  Madison will keep his place in the City starting lineup this weekend and has a good chance to add to his goals and assists tallies.

Wide players: Marc Albrighton, Ben Chilwell

Albrighton is the Foxes most underrated player. Wherever he plays for City he always puts in a shift. Whipping crosses into the box on his right foot may be his speciality, but he always makes sure to track back and defend – especially when others have over-committed going forward. In this formation Albrighton will play as a right-wingback, and would most contribute in attack; as well as defending.

Ben Chilwell is City’s most consistent defender all season. His steady presence at the back, and willingness to get forward has transformed him from squad rotational player, to full England International. In this system, Chilwell would be more be an attacking presence; in addition to having the instruction to track back and defend when needed. His marauding runs forward will be necessary to keep Huddersfield pinned back in their own half. Using this system allows Puel to utilize both Chilwell and Albrighton’s work rate to keep Huddersfield deep; and to keep City from being caught out on the counter.