Leicester vs Forest: predicted Foxes XI

Prior to the kick-off between Leicester City and Nottingham Forest in the Midlands derby, Foxes of Leicester attempts to predicted the LCFC starting XI.

We may only be about to enter October, but the Foxes’ clash against the Tricky Trees is a monumental affair. If either side loses, the impact could be heavy to bear. A draw leaves Leicester’s current state absolutely unresolved; victory merely extends the date of Brendan Rodgers’ fate, surely.

Should LCFC lose the upcoming match at King Power Stadium versus local rivals, the atmosphere towards the end of the contest will be very unpleasant from the home support. At the hypothetical final whistle, hateful chants and boos aimed at Rodgers would be as bad as we have ever witnessed.

The last time the east Midlands club’s football was as bad was during the Claude Puel era. Results and defensive displays at that time hadn’t quite descended to the level they are right now, in my opinion. This exact period was directly prior to the former Liverpool boss’s arrival on Filbert Way. Remember, following Puel’s sacking by Khun Top Srivaddhanaprabha, the chairman cited a toxic climate around KPS as one reason for the Frenchman’s departure.

Predicted Leicester City XI for derby clash

Before we announce the starting side ‘BR’ will possibly select, let’s run through injuries, fitness news and expectations. First of all, Wilfred Ndidi: the Nigeria international is under the spotlight for uneven performances of late, though remains a crucial part of the group. As pointed out to me earlier, losing Ndidi’s height whilst defending aerial balls would arguably cause further damage. He is a doubt but not yet ruled out for the the Reds meeting.

Meanwhile Rodgers confirmed during his pre-match press conference that Dennis Praet had been struggling of late. Although the Belgian is seeming on course to be fit once more.

FoL shall be surprised if Jamie Vardy begins this huge game as a substitute: an invariably fiery fixture feels tailor-made for the striker to open his 2022/23 account in front of goal. Patson Daka was apparently ill whilst representing Zambia, and Kelechi Iheanacho seemingly requires a partner, if you need further reasons.

Daniel Iversen is another change I would make to the XI, but feel Rodgers will continue with Danny Ward as No.1. Foxes of Leicester’s expected LCFC lineup is below; players are assigned from left to right:

Ward; James Justin, Wout Faes, Jonny Evans, Timo Castagne; Boubakary Soumare; Youri Tielemans, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall; Harvey Barnes, James Maddison; Vardy.