Aston Villa vs. Leicester City, Carabao Cup semi-final: Expected XI

Leicester City meet Aston Villa in Birmingham for their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg on Tuesday. Here is FoL’s expected line-up.

Finally the big match is nearly upon us. With away goals not affecting the final score of the second leg, the game is balanced perfectly at 1-1. Although some would say Aston Villa have the upper hand, as Leicester City are playing away.

Nevertheless the Foxes have returned to confident, winning ways of late so they will be focused and well prepared. In the first leg we all witnessed a more lethargic than usual Leicester team, however the lifeline was secured by a goal from Jamie Vardy’s understudy, Kelechi Iheanacho.

Meanwhile, Villa have made a signing – Mbwana Samatta, a centre-forward with a decent reputation. He is receiving some attention but is unlikely to start for the Villains. Not to mention former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina joining on loan. They are not to be underestimated.

Leicester City predicted XI

Before the game, as always, Brendan Rodgers spoke to the press; he updates them and fans on injuries, team news, transfer statuses – in January – along with his thoughts on the upcoming opponents.

Rodgers said that defender and club captain Wes Morgan is unavailable for the contest. Neither is French defensive-midfielder Papy Mendy fit for the short trip.

Boost

Though Leicester City talisman Vardy is now set for a comeback, following a muscle injury. Rodgers rates his chances of starting the clash at around 80 per cent. Lcfc.com have more details on the presser, and our thoughts are here.

Foxes of Leicester expect a strong team, this is our predicted XI, in a 4-1-4-1 formation: Kasper Schmeichel (captain); Ricardo Pereira, Jonny Evans, Caglar Soyuncu, Ben Chilwell; Wilfred Ndidi; Youri Tielemans, James Maddison; Harvey Barnes, Ayoze Perez; and Vardy.