Burnley v Leicester: getting the Foxes season back on track

How to win

Before writing about how the Foxes might look to win this match, I will note that during the pre-match press conference, Brendan Rodgers has made comments regarding ‘the young players’ – obviously referring to Sidnei Tavares, Vontae Daley-Campbell, and Khanya Leshabela.

As per BBC Leicester, the gaffer declared:

"“I’ve always believed in young players. You never know until you put them in. I’ve seen them grow and develop, and I watch them everyday in training”"

To be honest, with the injuries mounting, BR might just be forced to bring in Sidnei Tavares early. I love Tavares, so think he could play in the Maddison role, though not quite as him, keeping Tielemans in his transitional midfield role is critical.

So, the line-up I would like to see is this: Schmeichel, Castagne, Soyuncu, Amartey, Ricky P, Hamza Choudhury, Tielemans, Tavares, Leshabela, Iheanacho, and Cengiz Under.

I know, crazy. However, to beat Burnley the Foxes will need to have pace, energy, and an ability to both round and/or penetrate the defensive low block which will be formed by the Burnley defenders.

The only option on the wings is two inside/inverted wingers who can play more centrally and use pace and technical ability to beat defensive lines, combined with two highly progressive and attack-minded fullbacks who can round the defensive line.

Leshabela is the only option on the left wing who can fulfil this role. Though I think Luke Thomas might actually be alright in that role. Under is the obvious option on the right wing. I love Under, he is very dangerous and impatient on the ball, which brings much needed energy and unpredictability when facing such a stubborn defence.

It is a similar reason why I want to see Choudhury in the team over Ndidi. Despite Ndidi being one of the best in his role, Choudhury is more physical and energetic, helping to replace that defensive energy lost when Fofana was injured.

Tielemans is the core of Leicester’s transition from defence to attack, so must remain in that role. This is why Sidnei Tavares should play as the creative playmaker ahead of him, despite being better suited to the Tielemans role. Vardy should not be risked in this match; he felt a reaction during the Arsenal match, and I think we should not risk any potential injury to the legend.

To win, the Foxes need energy, pace, constant possession, and aerial supremacy in defence. Leicester City have this in abundance even with the injuries mounting. Let’s just hope we don’t have any more injuries eh?