To say that Leicester City’s clash with Manchester United is a must-win game is an understatement. Still, only four games into the 2022/23 season, the Foxes find themselves in desperate need of a result as they sit bottom of the Premier League table.
It’s a tricky time for them to play the Red Devils as they are starting to find their feet under Erik ten Hag with wins over Liverpool and Southampton after their poor losses to Brighton and Brentford. A loss for either the Foxes or United, however, will cause further damage in the dressing room and with the fans.
With Wesley Fofana’s transfer to Chelsea officially confirmed, it looks at if Leicester will be able to bring in some new faces after all, but Rodgers will want to lift the morale of his squad with a result. There will be no new faces involved tomorrow, but with the window still open at kick-off, the rumours of departures make predicting Leicester’s starting XI particularly tricky.
Youri Tielemans was rumoured to be the subject of a late bid, with both Liverpool and Newcastle keen on bringing the midfielder to their ranks, whilst Dennis Praet could be on his way back to Torino on loan. James Maddison is also a doubt with his fitness, but the signs of his potential involvement are positive.
Predicted Leicester City XI
Formation: 4-3-1-2
Perhaps a bold prediction, and one that may well be disproved, this formation is more of a ‘should’ than a ‘will’. There is good reason for this change in system, starting with two up front will create an extra problem for United’s defence.
The midfield also gets an extra man which allows for a competitive and sturdy base to control the game – something Leicester will need in order to disrupt the attacking ability they face. The formation also allows Harvey Barnes – the only real attacking winger the club currently has – a much needed rest as he returns from an injury layoff. If, and when, he is needed, he can bring some extra pace and skill off the bench.
Goalkeeper: Daniel Iverson
The first of a few big decisions for Rodgers to make, it seems an appropriate time for Daniel Iverson to get his chance between the sticks. We haven’t seen the best of him yet, but he did keep a clean sheet against Stockport on his professional debut for the Foxes, as well as saving three penalties in an incredible shoot-out performance.
Danny Ward has looked capable in net, but he doesn’t yet look comfortable. Whilst not making any glaring errors for the conceded goals, he hasn’t performed to the level we know he can reach. A start for Iverson may light something in him.
Defence: Timothy Castagne, Caglar Soyuncu, Jonny Evans, James Justin
Not too much of a surprise here as Daniel Amartey is dropped for Caglar Soyuncu. Amartey hasn’t been the problem for Leicester this season, but he has been a problem in the back line and has been culpable for several goals conceded. A few have questioned why Soyuncu hasn’t come in sooner, but it’s worth remembering that the Turk had a horrible time last season. His selection could begin to put some right.
Vestergaard is unlucky not to be picked, and if Ronaldo were starting, he would be a smart choice, but he will struggle against the pace of Rashford and Sancho. As for the rest of the backline, it speaks for itself. Those in reserves aren’t quite good enough to trouble the trio of Evans, Castagne, and Justin.
Midfield: Wilfred Ndidi, Boubakary Soumare, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, James Maddison
Presuming James Maddison is fit, he must start. Even if it’s only for the first half, his quality will be required if the Foxes want a result against United. If he can’t start, then Ayoze Perez is the best option at CAM with Praet’s future unclear.
A surprise inclusion at Chelsea, Soumare was one of the better players for City in their 2-1 loss and has performed quite a miraculous U-turn in his fortune. Initially a favourite to leave the club, he has insisted he wants to stay and fight for his place. Rodgers will be hoping he can continue his good form.
Rodgers said Soumare will not be leaving the club this transfer window: “There’s been a few clubs interested in him. He was very close to maybe going. He came to me the other day saying he was very keen to stay. He doesn’t want to end the story on the past year he’s had.” pic.twitter.com/TzpL4jBFx7
— BBC Sport Leicester (@BBCRLSport) August 27, 2022
Ndidi is the destructive and strong base that holds the centre of midfield, meanwhile KDH remains undroppable. His running and determination will be key in the battle of possession. Whilst the transfer speculation hovers over Tielemans, it is only right that he stays on the bench – if he is even at the club come kick-off.
Strikers: Jamie Vardy, Kelechi Iheanacho
The partnership that worked so well in 2021, it’s been too long since we’ve seen the duo of Vardy and Iheanacho starting together. Vardy has looked tired so far, and having someone he can make runs off, as well as a target to pass to, might just be what he needs.
Iheanacho, meanwhile, has been long due a recall to the starting XI in the Premier League. When he came on against Arsenal he looked extremely sharp and has been one of the Foxes’ best creative outlets. He pressed United to death the last time they came to visit the King Power; Rodgers will be hoping it’s more of the same. Daka, meanwhile, remains a great option off the bench and can be a game-changer.