Is there a big surprise coming in the Leicester City starting XI

Claude Puel will reportedly drop Jamie Vardy for Leicester City in the upcoming Premier League match against West Ham United. Is this a wise move for the Frenchman as he fights to keep his job?

Leicester City manager Claude Puel is preparing his squad for the visit of West Ham United. However, the biggest ‘news’ or rumour is the boss apparently drop main striker and club legend, Jamie Vardy. That is, if reports from the ever reliable John Percy are to be believed.

The alleged axing from the side is, obviously, unconfirmed – none of us will find out until an hour before kickoff one way or the other – but if it is true, the 57-year-old has put his neck on the line, a win will be compulsory in retaining his job.

Leicester City’s social media is fired up and ready to go, more information on Saturday’s game is available at lcfc.com. Naturally, there is no information on that situation for blatant reasons; yet, Vardy declared himself fit in an Instagram post following a stomach bug.

Friday night saw Telegraph Sport’s John Percy reveal the apparent news that Vardy is dropped for the Hammers match at the King Power Stadium:

"“Claude Puel is set to take a huge gamble by dropping Jamie Vardy for Saturday’s game against West Ham, as the Leicester manager fights for his future.“Puel is under increasing pressure after four defeats in the last six Premier League games but has opted to take Vardy out of his starting XI in a surprise move which Telegraph Sport understands has angered the England striker.”– John Percy (Telegraph)"

To be fair to the former England forward, his form is not bad in the Premier League: scoring three goals and assisting one in seven appearances. Though, he looked off the pace against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium; giving legitimacy to the Frenchman’s theory. If the experiment backfires – expect some of Blue Army, press and players to revolt in different ways.

Of the 31-year-old’s form, his gaffer said:

"“Jamie has had a difficult start because he came back from the World Cup without a pre-season and without good work with his team-mates. After, he has had a long suspension [after being sent off against Wolves].”– Claude Puel (Via: Telegraph)"

Going on to say Vardy’s consistency and confidence will return with perseverance and concentration. In addition, Puel explains how his player must be aggressive and press the opposition.

Realistically, if his teammate is absent, it will be Kelechi Iheanacho leading the line. Although, the Nigerian is making progress in his altered role as a makeshift facilitator: he has three assists, as well as his solitary goal.

Naming the probable starting XI is tricky these day but here goes: 4-2-3-1, Kasper Schmeichel; Daniel Amartey, Jonny Evans, Harry Maguire, Ben Chilwell; Vicente Iborra, Wilfred Ndidi; Ricardo Pereira, Marc Albrighton, James Maddison; Iheanacho.