Leicester v Watford: Match preview and predicted starting XI

The Hornets will not see a major increase in xG, but will score once. Ismaila Sarr will almost certainly score as the player continues his form; his pace and ingenuity will be key to the way Watford hit Leicester on the break.

Expected and preferred XI

As is known by common readers, I have certain preferences for how the Northern Irishman should set the King Power side out, but often the gaffer prefers a system dictated by the level of collective pressure required to win the ball back constantly.

I believe Rodgers will keep using the 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 formation utilised against Legia Warsaw. This was effective as used the greatest strengths of Patson Daka and Barnes, alongside bringing Ademola Lookman further in-field where he is not found offside so much and can focus on tracking back when needed.

We can expect: Kasper Schmeichel, Caglar Soyuncu, Jonny Evans, Timothy Castagne, Luke Thomas, Wilfred Ndidi, Boubakary Soumare, Maddison, Barnes, Vardy, and Lookman.

My preference would only make two changes: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall for Soumare, and Ryan Bertrand for Thomas. Bertrand is a very good defender positionally and is a decent crosser from the left. While Castagne bombs forward, Bertrand can remain back to form a back three to deal with Watford’s counterattacking system.