Tottenham v Leicester: full injury list and predicted, rotated XI
By Will Kennedy
After a tense European 1-1 draw against Jose Mourinho’s Roma on Thursday, Leicester City take on Jose’s former employers on Sunday, Tottenham Hotspur.
Following an embarrassing last-minute 3-2 loss at home against Spurs in January, it is natural for Foxes fans to want revenge. But Leicester will be looking at this game with one eye still poised on the trip to Rome.
Spurs currently sit fifth in the Premier League table. They are in a fierce fight with Arsenal and, somehow, Manchester United as they aim to take the final Champions League spot. Meanwhile, the East Midlands outfit are currently 10th. Other than momentum and pride, LCFC don’t have much to play for in the league.
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The King Power club’s injury nightmare has finally subsided with only three players unavailable for selection. Wilfred Ndidi and Ryan Bertrand are both out for the remainder of the season, meanwhile Eldin Jakupovic is still absent – though he wouldn’t be in contention even if fit.
The only new injury worry was that of Timothy Castagne. The Belgian international started against Roma on Thursday, though he groggily left the field of play after only 21 minutes, with James Justin taking his place. Below is Brendan Rodgers’ update on the fullback when he spoke to the BBC.
Rodgers on Castagne being taken off early on: "He had a head clash. He tried to play on, but did not feel quite right. Justin came in and he felt great."
— BBC Sport Leicester (@BBCRLSport) April 28, 2022
Thankfully, Rodgers later revealed that Castagne has no suffering effects of his early blow and is fully available for selection. Given that Justin played 70 minutes on Thursday, as well as the full 90 against Villa, I’d anticipate Castagne to start on Sunday.
Predicted Leicester City starting XI:
Considering the depth that the Foxes currently have, I’d expect to see mass rotation in the starting XI, with only Kasper Schmeichel and Youri Tielemans keeping their places. The availability of Boubakary Sourmare could spell a well-earnt rest for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall whilst the likes of Ademola Lookman, James Maddison, and Jamie Vardy will be on the bench, ready to change the game if called upon.
GK: Kasper Schmeichel (C)
LB: Luke Thomas
CB: Caglar Soyuncu
CB: Daniel Amartey
RB: Timothy Castagne
CDM: Papy Mendy
LM: Harvey Barnes
CM: Boubakary Soumare
CM: Youri Tielemans
RM: Ayoze Perez
ST: Patson Daka
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I’m anticipating the same 4-1-4-1 structure that kept Aston Villa at bay on Saturday, though the availability of Vardy could see a potential front two of Iheanacho and Daka – a partnership that has proven to be highly effective. The name of the game on Sunday is to shut out Spurs and Harry Kane, any points gained will be a huge bonus for Leicester, but all focus should, rightfully, be on the second leg of the Conference League.