Leicester City v Watford: team news – injuries, suspensions, expected lineup

Claude Puel’s pre-Watford game press conference has just concluded. Here is everything of interest, including Leicester City injury updates, team news and Foxes of Leicester’s predicted lineup:

If they manage to beat an exciting Watford side tomorrow, Leicester City will be moving into European-qualifying-quality-form. A Hornets victory will see the proverbial vultures circling for Claude Puel’s head again. Whereas, a draw would mean the Foxes are unbeaten in six matches, in all competitions.

Meetings between the pair in the Premier League are as so: Leicester City have won an impressive five, while Watford have only defeated their opponents twice. There has been one draw thus far in the division. Foxes boss Puel praised a quality Watford side – complementing their cohesiveness and defensive organisation.

Injuries and suspensions

Speaking to the media in his usual pre-match press conference on Friday lunchtime, these are the important snippets from the Frenchman:

"“Vicente [Iborra] can come back. Harry [Maguire] made some warm-ups and touches with the ball this morning. I hope he can come back in training sessions next.”– Claude Puel(Via: lcfc.com)"

So, Vicente Iborra is ready to play but Harry Maguire is not – he should be in full training next week.

In addition, Leicester Mercury also gave us some headlines:

"“Ghezzal tried to run today and perhaps in the middle of next week he can come back also. Step by step we can find the squad the right level.”– Claude Puel"

Predicted lineup

Consequently, we can deduce a speculative but informed Leicester City starting team for Saturday’s showdown with the Hertfordshire outfit. Puel will likely field his usual 4-2-3-1 formation:

Kasper Schmeichel; Ben Chilwell, Wes Morgan, Caglar Soyuncu, Ricardo Pereira; Wilfred Ndidi, Papy Mendy; Marc Albrighton, James Maddison, Kelechi Iheanacho; Jamie Vardy.

Vardy will probably be just ahead of Iheanacho, who plays in the preferred Maddison No.10 role. With Albrighton right-wing and the former Norwich player – said to be upset with his Brighton conduct, now returning from suspension – slightly left, with carte blanche to roam in-field. Evans or Soyuncu is a tight call – that is why our estimation is fluctuating.

Leicester City meet Watford on Saturday, December 1. Both sides are enjoying productive seasons, with the Hornets playing excellent football and overachieving, until very recently, in some viewers’ opinions.