Twenty years from now, we’ll likely all have a family and kids. Hopefully, like us, they’re fans of Leicester City. Every parent likes to sit down with their kids and discuss the past. They like to talk about the great moments and even the not-so-great moments. When the kid asks, “What was the biggest game of the 2022/2023 season?”, this will be the game you tell them about. This is City’s Champions League final. The only difference is it’s more of a championship league final.
On Monday night the Foxes will go against Everton. Leicester currently sits 18th on the table while Everton is 19th in the league. The two teams are separated by one point as they have five games left in the season. If there is a winner from this game, it is likely the other team will face relegation. It is beyond important to win this game. The pressure will be on the players. First, the pressure will be on manager Dean Smith to put out a fantastic lineup. Here is what I predict he will do.
In his three games in charge, Smith has gone into the games with either one of two formations. Against Manchester City, he decided to go with a 3-4-2-1. Against Wolves and Leeds United, he decided to go with a 4-2-3-1. For this game against the toffees, I believe he will return to the 3-4-2-1 formation.
I believe this for three reasons. Firstly, against Leeds we had more success attacking from the wings instead of attacking from the central area of the pitch. I believe this is something he will want to capitalize on. Secondly, our fullbacks had a rough showing against Leeds. I believe Smith will want to have an extra center-back so we can have reassurance in the backline. Finally, our wingers have been playing better than our midfielders. I believe he’ll want to have more of them on the pitch.
Daniel Iversen will 100% be the man in goal. He has looked great since he was promoted to starting keeper. He has saved us from losing points. He then has three defenders in front of him that include Harry Souttar, Wout Faes, and Çağlar Söyüncü. It is unfortunate that it is now confirmed Söyüncü is leaving us this summer. However, he is clearly shown why he is talented enough to play for one of the top teams in Spain. As for Souttar, he’s been too talented to not be in the starting eleven. Now with us needing some reassurance in the backline, it is perfect to get him back in the starting eleven.
Victor Kristiansen and Timothy Castagne will be the left and right midfielders. This allows them to join the attack while coming back to defend. I believe this best suits how they both like to play the game. As for our central midfielders, I switched it up a tad. Boubakary Soumaré remains in the midfield. He has been too impressive these last two games to get benched. However, I believe James Maddison is his counterpart instead of Youri Tielemans. The Belgian had a fantastic disallowed goal against Leeds. Outside of that goal that didn’t count, Tielemans has not done any positives since his return. I say let Leicester’s star run the midfield with Soumaré. They could create some beautiful work there.
Harvey Barnes and Tete will be selected to be the left and right forwards. This benefits their pace and shooting. Tete has received a lot of hate recently. I still see the potential and he’s had great set-piece work. As for the main man up top, Smith will go for the inform Jamie Vardy. Kelechi Iheanacho will likely miss the rest of the season with a groin injury. So it is time for someone to step up. Vardy stepped up for us against Leeds, so trust should be with the Leicester City legend.