The season is finally upon us. 49 days since the 2019/20 campaign came to an end, Leicester City’s 2020/21 gets underway on Sunday after a short break.
Leicester City go into Sunday’s visit to West Bromwich Albion with only one signing, three pre-season friendlies (in which they have won one and drew two) and full of first-team injuries.
With James Maddison, Ricardo Pereira, Wes Morgan Christian Fuchs all out, Jonny Evans (suspended for three games) joins the list of absentees.
However, Wilfred Ndidi and Ayoze Perez returned to action in last weekend’s draw with Blackburn Rovers, whilst Jamie Vardy has been in action for the previous two fixtures.
In the last meeting between the two sides, where Claude Puel’s side eased past the Baggies 4-1 in March 2018, only five players remain at the club who started that game.
Brendan Rodgers has already been provided with a selection headache. He isn’t spoilt for choice. A back three or his popular 4-1-4-1 are likely to be chosen.
Unlike Leicester, West Brom has been busy in the transfer window. Making Matheus Pereira and Grady Diangana’s loan move permanent are popular moves from Slaven Bilic recruitment team. Former-Leicester man Cedric Kipre has moved from Wigan Athletic whilst David Button has arrived from Brighton to provide back-up for Sam Johnstone.
So how will Rodgers set his team up with such a limited squad?
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.
Right-forward- Marc Albrighton
Not everyone’s cup of tea, but Marc Albrighton will wear his heart on his sleeve and put 110% into every game. Sunday won’t be any different. Despite lacking the pace and flair that Demarai Gray and Harvey Barnes possess, Albrighton offers a varied outlet for Rodgers.
A goal in the opening friendly with Birmingham City will fill the former-Aston Villa man with confidence. Gray has failed to prove himself when given a chance from the start and given the opponents, Albrighton’s teasing crosses will be key to Leicester taking the three points home.
Central-midfield- Youri Tielemans
In Belgium’s 2-0 victory against Denmark, Tielemans put in a display that made him a favourite during his loan spell in 2019. Last season, Tielemans was pivotal in the club’s form. When he played well, Leicester played well.
Like Castagne, he has returned injury and Coronavirus free from international duty and will be looking to hit the ground running at the Hawthorns. His key passes and through balls ultimately help Leicester City tick, with his threaded balls producing opportunities for Jamie Vardy.
Central-midfield- Wilfred Ndidi
Returning to the Leicester team last weekend, having Ndidi available will be vital for Rodgers. The anchorman is likely to be the glue between the defence and midfield, sweeping any opponents who break past the middlemen.
Again, like Tielemans, when Ndidi is not playing or playing poorly, the side struggled. His influence is usually not recognised from outsiders, but the midfielder who is well-known for his interceptions will be looking to continue his fine season.
Central-midfield- Dennis Praet
This position was the hardest one. James Maddison would be a usual figure in this position, venturing up the pitch. However, the English midfielder remains out due to injury, so the space is available.
Nempalys Mendy featured in every game throughout pre-season, but with Ndidi back in action, it would be criminal to start two defensive midfielders at a newly-promoted team. So I’m going to go with Dennis Praet.
After a quiet debut season in England, Praet is set for an action-packed season this season with his experience in Europe. Leicester fans will be hoping he can provide more goals and assists this season.
Left-forward- Harvey Barnes
One of Leicester City’s most dangerous player, when he’s up for it. Barnes received criticism last season for his lack of efficiency. With only six goals and eight assists in 36 appearances, Barnes will be hoping to see the numbers increase.
A Premier League player for over a year now, an amazing season could help Barnes’ case for a possible call-up to Gareth Southgate’s European Championship squad.
Striker- Jamie Vardy
Who else to finish the team? Last season’s Golden Boot winner is set for his sixth successive season as the number one striker at the club and is looking to score over 20 goals for the fourth time.
Vardy’s pace that he is so renowned for in 2016 has slowly decreased, but his knowledge of the game and how he reads the flow of the ball has been the main reason to how he netted 23 times last season.
Vardy comes up against one of his favourite opponents. With four goals against the Baggies have come at the Hawthorns and he will be looking to rustle more feathers, despite the game being behind-closed-doors.