Foxes of Leicester
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How Leicester City should approach their next two games

By Michael Abbott

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 30: Kasper Schmeichel of Leicester City celebrates his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Leicester City at Anfield on January 30, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 30: Kasper Schmeichel of Leicester City celebrates his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Leicester City at Anfield on January 30, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 27: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur reacts prior to the FA Cup Fourth Round match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on January 27, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 27: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur reacts prior to the FA Cup Fourth Round match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on January 27, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

Keys to Unlocking Tottenham Hotspur

The road doesn’t get any easier for Leicester after facing Liverpool and Manchester United. They then have to travel to Wembley Stadium to take on Tottenham, who, despite being in the top four,  have been affected by injuries to key players. They have looked far from their best over the past couple weeks and Leicester may be able to sneak out a win against them.

Without Moussa Dembele, arguably Tottenham’s most underrated player, and Dele Alli, Tottenham’s midfield has been easily overrun in their previous matches. Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko haven’t been nearly as effective and if Leicester can press the ball, Winks especially will not be able to play the passes he wants and will grow increasingly uncomfortable in the distributor role.

Leicester’s forward line should also press high without the ball to keep the home side’s back three under pressure all game to try and force mistakes that Vardy can pounce on. The more
Leicester press, the better the outcome.

Hugo Lloris is a great keeper, just not on corner kicks. He is constantly left flapping at balls whipped into the penalty area. Therefore, playing the likes of Wilfred Ndidi, Wes Morgan and Harry Maguire will be critical when it comes to set pieces and corners.

Leicester should once again utilise a 4-3-3. Pereira, Morgan, Maguire and Chilwell should all start in defence. The midfield is where it gets tricky. Puel can either approach the game with one defensive midfielder or two. Against a weaker Tottenham side than normal, he should just play with one. Ndidi or Mendy should sit in front of the central defenders, with Maddison and new signing Tielemans in front of him. Albrighton and Barnes should be on the wings, with Vardy up top once again.

Next. Youri Tielemans: Leicester City’s new signing assessed with ESPN’s Jonathan Johnson. dark

Leicester need to approach this match with belief. Press the ball when not in possession and try and break when Tottenham get caught up field. Having Tielemans in the squad will be a huge boost in particular. The midfielder can cover so much ground and that will be crucial, especially if Puel decides to play with only one defensive midfielder. The Belgian will emerge as a key figure in this game and will need to be disciplined both in attack and defence to help Leicester win this game.

Score Prediction: 1-2.