Leicester vs PSV: Foxes predicted XI for UECL QF
Leicester City have good personnel availability for the PSV Eindhoven fixture, with the Foxes needing a steadfast performance to progress in the Europa Conference League.
Against one of the best Dutch sides around, the King Power club will have their work cut out for them. From Noni Madueke to Cody Gakpo, their team is littered with technically gifted and expressive talent. Surely this match will be a spectacle.
However, Brendan Rodgers will hope this is not much of a show: another professional win with few goals is all the gaffer will want out of the East Midlands outfit. Leicester need consistency, not explosiveness. It is certain the Northern Irishman shall use an extremely strong team. So, here is all the injury news and our predicted XI ahead of our most critical fixture to date.
Next. Maddison’s price revealed as LCFC consider selling. dark
Leicester City minus six
The squad is almost complete. Finally, after an entire season of injury troubles, a team roughly resembling a balanced and fit whole is available. Of course, there are notable injuries and potential absences which could force the manager to adapt the playstyle or call upon U23 players.
As per Premier League Injuries, the East Midland residents will be without Jamie Vardy, Danny Ward, Ryan Bertrand, and Wilfred Ndidi. There were doubts around Luke Thomas (still recovering from a minor injury picked up with England U21s) and Jonny Evans. However, Thomas is now ready.
Although, the good news is the continued return to fitness of key players: Wesley Fofana, James Justin, and Timothy Castagne being chief among them. Defensively, these stars make up three of LCFC’s back four when available. Finally a backline to be happy about.
Predicted starting XI
As previously mentioned, there are not a myriad of permutations or options which Rodgers could possibly choose. It is quite the opposite. The boss might choose either to be defensive or more progressive.
Regardless of which Rodgers chooses, there is no question as to who the goalkeeper will be. That right is reserved for legendary stopper, Kasper Schmeichel. Eldin Jakupovic could come on if an injury were to befall to the Great Dane.
In a more cautious setup, a 4-3-3 with an anchor midfielder is the most likely formation. Ten outfielders consisting of Castagne, Caglar Soyuncu, Fofana, Justin, Hamza Choudhury, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Youri Tielemans, Harvey Barnes, Patson Daka, and Marc Albrighton could be deployed.
In a more progress based option, a 4-2-3-1 might be preferred. This would consist of many of the same Foxes: Castagne, ‘Cags’, ‘Little Wes’, ‘JJ’, ‘KDH’, ‘Starman’, James Maddison, Barnes, Ademola Lookman, and our Zambian striker.
Must Read. See Khun Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha statue at Leicester unveiling. light
My preference would be to maintain a more prudent style in the first half, hoping to tire out the opposition before bringing on the energy and creativity required to break them down and get some goals. This being said, I always love a forward-thinking as well as possessive Leicester side.