3 things to look out for in MK Dons vs Leicester City
By Will Kennedy
Will Leicester City’s castaways feature?
It’s no secret that there is still a lot of deadwood laying around the club, with the January transfer window a perfect opportunity to clear out the litter. Usually, the Carabao Cup is a chance for forgotten players to make a statement to the manager and the fans as they try to fight their way back into contention.
The nature of tonight’s game, however, means that Rodgers will be keen to get minutes into his most crucial players ahead of the resumption of the Premier League – rather than affording charity minutes to those on the fringes. This means we are unlikely to see the likes of Vestergaard and Iverson, and Ayoze Perez may only feature off the bench.
Absences and injuries could bring two players back into the spotlight though, Jonny Evans came off the field injured against Troyes which could allow Caglar Soyuncu a chance to play. You’d imagine both Amartey and Faes will start at the back, but Soyuncu could start too if Rodgers chooses to play three central defenders.
Soyuncu’s name keeps on cropping up in transfer rumours across Europe, with the Turkish international surly departing Leicestershire sooner rather than later. Another who has been linked with a move away, Dennis Praet could get a look-in with Maddison away for the game.
Praet featured in Maddison’s absence when the midfielder was suspended for the win over Leeds earlier this season, and the Belgian could be the one to fill in for Madders once again on the right side of the pitch.
In addition, due to James Justin’s injury, we will undoubtedly see Luke Thomas deputise on the left of defence. Whilst Rodgers only sees Thomas as a back-up rather than a week-in, week-out starter for the club, he will have to utilise Thomas until he can find a suitable replacement for Justin in the January window.