Leicester City vs Aston Villa: Predicted starting XI in ‘El Sackico’

Leicester City are winding up for a possibly monumental midlands derby. The Foxes need a win. Brendan Rodgers needs to choose a strong starting XI.

Six games played, one point gained, rock bottom of the Premier League with five league losses in a row. This lack of form is unacceptable for a King Power side which includes a brilliant midfield, great strike force, and decent if now understaffed defensive line-up.

Truly, the Northern Irish head coach will need to perform much better if the Foxes are to progress and escape this odd relegation battle the team have ended up in. So, here are the 11 players I think Rodgers will deploy.

Leicester City’s biggest game

In a fixture which was previously dubbed ‘El Sackico’ by supporters of both Aston Villa and Leicester, it seems both coaches have managed to avoid sacking before even Thomas Tuchel and Scott Parker. Nevertheless, both Rodgers and Steven Gerrard will be looking for all three points to protect their jobs.

There is much need for improvement. According to FB Ref, the King Power side have amassed 0.92 in expected goals per 90 and conceded 1.52 xG90. Most of that coming from Kelechi Iheanacho’s open goal chance, Patson Daka, and Harvey Barnes. Two of those have started one match alone.

There should be little doubt in what team the gaffer will choose. There are always preferences for myself and other supporters, but I feel we can have a pretty good guess. I believe the side will look something like this:

Danny Ward, James Justin, Jonny Evans, Wout Faes, and Timothy Castagne at the back. Wilfred Ndidi, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Youri Tielemans, and James Maddison in midfield. A front two of Harvey Barnes and Jamie Vardy will likely be used.

My preferred XI

Instead of focusing on getting the best players involved, I would prefer a focus on adapting the system to better suit our strong midfield and strike force. In essence, get those who have performed passionately involved more often and possible give others a rest.

As such, I would prefer a line up consisting: Daniel Iversen, Justin, Caglar Soyuncu, Faes, Castagne, Ndidi, Boubakary Soumare, ‘KDH’, Dennis Praet, Patson Daka, and Kelechi Iheanacho. Barnes and Tielemans can always be brought on to change the game, and two actual strikers and ‘Bouba’ will offer better stability in the opening stages.

It is also worth stating that Ward has been left for dead by poor defending, and has not been up to the tough challenge put before him. To be honest, Ward has been fine mostly, but the Welsh international has struggled with clearing the ball, nervous distribution, and unconfident decision-making. The Danish international must be given a chance.

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