Leicester City travel for their first ever competitive trip in Russia for a Wednesday fixture against Spartak Moscow. Here is the expected XI.
Brendan Rodgers will have a selection nightmare when considering who to play: does he continue with a team which bested Manchester United – a team with Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Victor Lindelöf – or does he give other players a chance.
Foxes’ supporters can expect Rodgers to make changes to the side, though he tends to maintain a certain core to the squad. I also anticipate a change in formation to provide more pace and impetus on the wings.
Leicester City injury news
The King Power side will be relieved to not have any further injuries going into this match. Of course, Wesley Fofana, James Justin and Wilfred Ndidi remain out, though Justin is close to returning to training.
Jonny Evans came off with cramp against Manchester United, though should still be available should the gaffer choose to make use of him. It is not something I would want to see, but he certainly makes LCFC perform more efficiently throughout the side.
However, the boss is likely to consider Jannik Vestergaard as deputy for the upcoming European encounter.
The lowdown on Spartak Moscow
Spartak Moscow are a traditionally physical side. Their pressing is mostly in a deep block but is hard: a player on the ball in the final third will find themselves either surrounded by Spartak players or with feet constantly trying to unsettle them or take the ball.
They will also play with a compact block. This means the defensive lines will be close together and space in the central area – particularly around and within the penalty box – will be hard to find. This disadvantages players such as James Maddison who require space to play their best game.
It is also highly likely we will see long direct balls on the counterattack as their primary progressive trait. The Russian side will exploit a high press by Leicester to search long balls for a strong target man. This mimics Michail Antonio’s role for West Ham United.
Therefore, the Foxes’ wing play is paramount to whether or not they can win this match. On the attack, wingers will be needed to remain wide and cut through either one or both defensive lines. On defence, wingers will need to rush back to pressure attackers from the rear and regain possession quickly.
Possession and progression retention is what Rodgers will want to see: keep the ball and keep the ball in their half of the pitch. Any chance of losing the ball would provide a counterattacking opportunity and lead to a repeat of the Legia Warsaw match.
Predicted Foxes XI
I do not doubt that Rodgers will employ a 4-3-3 formation for Leicester City; with a pacy front line, a strong back line, and a possessive midfield.
Kasper Schmeichel will start in goal, with a back four of Timothy Castagne, Jannik Vestergaard, Caglar Soyuncu, and Ryan Bertrand. The ex-Southampton players will assist in the high press, where Soyuncu’s strength is going to be paramount.
In midfield, we shall see a start for Hamza Choudhury, Boubakary Soumare, and Youri Tielemans, though there is a chance the England outfit choose to rest Tielemans in favour of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall who has not featured much yet this season.
Up front, Patson Daka will be flanked by Harvey Barnes and Ademola Lookman. All three of these players are pacey, strong in one-on-one duels, and can break lines with their incisive movement. Expect to see Lookman come into his own in this match.
There is also a small chance of seeing Filip Benkovic – who will be desparate for a start soon – and Ayoze Perez. Ayo was great off the bench against United, and could play better centrally; I would take of Bouba for Ayo if this were to happen.
Let Foxes of Leicester know what you think on our social media channels, and me know what team you want to start against the Russians.