Rotherham vs Leicester: 3 Foxes who deserve a chance

Enzo Maresca’s new-look Leicester City made it a fourth consecutive win after last weekends late drama against Cardiff City. Standing in the Foxes’ way of another win this weekend is one of many Yorkshire opponents, Rotherham United. In contrast to LCFC, the Millers are yet to pick up their first win and sit 22nd in the early league table.

Even so, it would be naive for Enzo Maresca to think this game will be a walk in the park. Rotherham will likely set up to defend deep, denying space for Leicester City to work with and probably not falling for most of the press-baiting traps the Foxes set.

To counteract this, there may need to be some changes in personnel. Therefore, FoL have picked three players who deserve a chance in the upcoming game against Rotherham.

1. Cesare Casadei of Leicester City

Despite the Italian not being given the best introduction by LCFC’s sub-par media team, Casadei made the best first impression on the football pitch. Though he was only on the pitch for 30 minutes, the 20-year-old endeared himself to the Foxes faithful with a crucial goal. The goal in itself was unremarkable but the ability to get into the box and stay alive to chances was clearly evident.

Against Rotherham’s likely low-block, the away side will need the two No.8s to attack the box and make penetrating runs in behind. With crosses and cut-backs the likely avenue to goal, Casadei’s physical presence and natural goalscoring instincts will give Leicester City another way of finding the back of the net.

2. James Justin

Despite remaining unbeaten, Leicester City have struggled to prevent teams creating chances, highlighted by the Foxes’ mid-table position for xGA. This has largely been down to a failure to stem transitions. Ultimately, the likely reason for this is a lack of pace at the back, the price to pay for picking a ball-playing centre-half such as Jannik Vestergaard. Perhaps, therefore, Enzo Maresca might consider using James Justin as the right-sided centre-back.

Whilst not a natural central defender, Justin has proven his versatility many times and against Burton looked assured in that role. LCFC are likely to dominate possession, but having at least one athletic defender may help to prevent attacks before they result in a shot on goal.

3. Dennis Praet

The right-wing position has been problematic for many years, since the departure of Riyad Mahrez in 2018. Many candidates have tried to fill his boots but all have failed. Whilst Turkish winger Yunus Akgun is reported to be imminently arriving, the Leicestershire side are unlikely to be able to call upon his talents as soon as tomorrow’s game.

This suggestion might seem harsh on Wanya Marcal-Madivadua, but against opponents where there will be little space, the qualities of the Belgian may come in handy. Despite lacking the athleticism of his younger counterpart, Praet possesses excellent crossing ability as well as greater game intelligence.

Being able to retain and recycle possession, whilst also being able to make intelligent runs into the half-spaces will help LCFC to sustain and create pressure, even if Praet lacks the dynamism of a traditional winger.