Foxes of Leicester
Fansided

How Leicester could line-up against West Brom in EPL opener

By Joshua Holland

The Premier League Nike Flight balls (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
The Premier League Nike Flight balls (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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Denmark’s Robert Skov (L) and Belgium’s Timothy Castagne (Photo by LISELOTTE SABROE/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images)
Denmark’s Robert Skov (L) and Belgium’s Timothy Castagne (Photo by LISELOTTE SABROE/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images) /

Leicester City goalkeeper- Kasper Schmeichel

After not missing a Premier League game since 13 May 2018, Kasper Schmeichel has developed into a leader on and off the pitch. With Wes Morgan mainly a figure on the substitute bench, Schmeichel’s encouragement can be constantly heard, especially with the empty stadiums.

The great shot-stopper made 13 clean sheets last season as Leicester failed to secure UEFA Champions League football at the end of last season. A couple of mistakes pre-lockdown is part and parcel of the life of a goalkeeper, but the Denmark international will remain number one despite rumours of him moving elsewhere this summer.

Right-back- James Justin

The 22-year-old arrived from Luton Town last summer and has seen his value increase. Justin made only three league appearances before starting the final 10 games in a variety of positions.

From playing at left-back against Aston Villa in March to centre-back against Crystal Palace, Justin’s versatility makes him a valuable player in Rodgers’ squad. With Ricardo Pereira still out injured, Justin is in line to continue his streak in the first-team.

Centre-back- Caglar Soyuncu

Leicester City’s Turkey international will be available on Sunday after missing the final three games of last season due to suspension. The defender completed 90/9% of his passes last season (fifth highest in the league) and 81.8% of his dribbles (sixth highest in the league).

Soyuncu’s ability to offer them two statistics as a centre-back is why he is a fan favourite. His presence in the back four will fill others with confidence and against a newly-promoted side, his job will be to intimidate whoever starts upfront for West Brom.

Centre-back- Filip Benkovic

Despite my belief that Rodgers fully backs Filip Benkovic, the Croatian could be set to finally make his Premier League debut, two years since his arrival.

Following two loan spells at Celtic and Bristol City, Benkovic impressed in both countries and has returned to King Power Stadium to feature in pre-season friendlies. With no centre-back signing secured, yet, and with Wes Morgan (injury) and Jonny Evans (suspension) are unavailable, so Benkovic is the best new option.

Left-back- Timothy Castagne

The only signing through the door at Leicester City this summer. Timothy Castagne could make his Foxes debut on Sunday after returning from international debut unharmed and fit.

Moving to England from Atalanta, Castagne, like Justin, is capable of playing on the left or right. Being more of a wing-back, rather than a full-back, Castagne will likely not feature higher up the pitch until a centre-back is signed.