Latest team news: Leicester City v Manchester city, Carabao Cup

After losing their previous two matches, Leicester City will work hard not to lose a third successive one. Though, the toughest of opponents stand in the way of a semi-finals appearance for the Foxes. What’s the very latest team news:

Following a rather shock defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Manchester City won their next Premier League match against Everton at home. While Leicester City have lost the two previous division outings, home and away, to Tottenham Hotspur as well as Crystal Palace.

Yet both teams are naturally on form in the League Cup, making the quarter-finals. Their clash is played on Tuesday, December 18. Both sides usually make wholesale changes to their starting line-ups. Although, the Citizens’ second choice team is capable of making the top-half of the premiership.

In addition, they will likely be joined by senior stars Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero, per BBC Sport; as the two recover to full fitness. Similarly to Harry Maguire’s situation at the King Power Stadium. The media outlet also expects Foxes striker Jamie Vardy to be rested at the beginning, after his weekend return from a groin problem.

Here are two quotes from Claude Puel, firstly on squad fitness:

"“No [new] injuries. [Ben] Chilwell is still not fit and not available. We will see if Jamie [Vardy] needs a rest as it was his first game back after injury [vs. Crystal Palace]. Harry [Maguire] is okay. [Jonny] Evans is suspended.”– Claude Puel"

Secondly, on the return of a Leicester City champion, and former PFA Player of the Season, Riyad Mahrez:

"“He played and scored a lot for Leicester City. It will be good to see Riyad again, he gave his best for the Club. I hope he is on the bench, though!”– Claude Puel(Both quotes via: lcfc.com)"

Yes, that would be a particularly awful night out for the Blue Army hypothetically: knocked out of the cup to a Riyad Mahrez goal.

BBC Leicester Sport also reveal an interesting snippet from the presser:

"What’s more important, progression in the cup, or keeping players fit?Puel: “All games are important. If we have an opportunity to continue this journey then that will be important for the squad. There’s a possibility here for us to win something”"

So, the Frenchman is willing to sacrifice Premier League points – or the capacity to pick up more – in order to win a cup. Which, we mustn’t forget, is a way into European competition. Admirable.

Leicester City, Man City likely starters

Consequently, Puel’s talk and Pep Guardiola’s interview teach us much in regards to the beginning sides of either team. There is also players’ social media or sound bites which often disclose details, sometimes inadvertently.

For example, Maguire will probably start for Leicester: main stars usually miss League Cup games, but he was sidelined and therefore needs his ‘minutes’ for practice and fitness. Not to mention his disclosure – insisting on a good crowd and team fight – from the Leicester City tweet directly above.

Predicted starting line-ups

Leicester City: Danny Ward; Christian Fuchs, Harry Maguire, Caglar Soyuncu, Danny Simpson; Vicente Iborra, Adrien Silva; Fousseni Diabate, Shinji Okazaki, Rachid Ghezzal; Kelechi Iheanacho.

Manchester City: Arijanet Muric; Oleksandr Zinchenko, Vincent Kompany, Nicolas Otamendi, Kyle Walker; Fabian Delph, Phil Foden, Ilkay Gundogan; Brahim Diaz, Kevin De Bruyne; Gabriel Jesus.

Guardiola stated that he will not rest as many prominent options due to injuries.

A semi-final place awaits the winner of this contest. However, the team willing to sacrifice the most of its leading players may prevail as winner. Foxes of Leicester predicts a 2-2 draw, and a Foxes triumph on penalties with Ward the hero again.