Is this now Leicester's strongest XI with Bristric & Ravizzoli in?

Players come and players go, and that sentiment is certainly true at King Power Stadium this summer; a 'revolving door' is far too mild a phrase for how many athletes have moved on, and there has also been plenty of incoming business. As a matter of fact, eight senior signings have now been completed on Filbert Way during Russell Martin's fledgling tenure.

Indeed, the Foxes have enjoyed a strong pre-season overall, looking dominant against most opponents even if they did slip to a defeat late in the schedule. The former Southampton, MK Dons, Rangers and Swansea City boss also tasted success in his first competitive match as LCFC manager: Leicester beat Northampton Town 1-0 at home in the League Cup at the weekend.

Caleb Okoli nodded in the only goal from a corner versus the Cobblers. Though the centre-back has been linked with a move away, it is Harry Souttar who has attracted far more transfer speculation. Irrespective, set-pieces at both ends are expected to be a key area, with the club working to strengthen and solidify those aspects for the upcoming campaign.

With so much upheaval in the squad, it is natural to wonder what the starting line-up might look like ahead of the 2026/27 season. The Blue Army will likely be pleased that so many positions have been bolstered by new signings, some of whom are full internationals - a situation that still feels surprisingly ambitious for a club now competing in England's third tier.

Even so, the ambition remains unchanged, as Martin has made clear: the primary goal is to secure promotion back to the English Football League Championship. When assessing the boss's potential XI for the season, it makes sense to begin with goalkeeping, as is standard.

Stoppers Fran Vieites and veteran Asmir Begovic both left Leicestershire this summer, but two senior replacements (and arguably superior ones) have arrived in Franco Ravizzoli and Alex McCarthy. As everyone will recall, McCarthy played for the Saints when Martin was in charge there, and both he and Ravizzoli (with the gaffer at Blackpool briefly) are comfortable playing out from the back, clearly fitting the manager's preferred style of play.

Potential Leicester City starting XI

Jakub Stolarczyk may no longer be favoured as the first choice, even though he did start the EFL Cup match against the Cobblers on Saturday. Foxes of Leicester believe either McCarthy or Ravizzoli could emerge as the regular starter - whether through their own respective quality or when Stolarczyk ultimately makes mistakes.

Whoever takes charge of goal will most likely be protected by a back four. Luke Thomas may well lose his left-back spot to new signing Christian McFarlane at any stage. Harry Souttar and Caleb Okoli are currently the preferred centre-back partnership; Leicester will need to sign another centre-half should Sheffield United succeed in luring away the Australian amid a reported £8 million bid for the defender.

Jayden Joseph seems to be ahead of Bade Aluko at right-back at present. Meanwhile, Oliver Skipp, Sammy Braybrooke and Liam Cullen are in contention to form a midfield trio.

Tommy Watson could feature on the left flank, with Stephy Mavididi pushing as the Brighton & Hove Albion loanee's closest rival. On the right, Will Alves, Wes Burns and Cullen are among the available options at present, while Admir Bristric is set to lead the line.

However, another striker is still needed to provide backup and competition for the Bosnian. This is a key area to continue strengthening before the season gets fully underway.

Possible XI: McCarthy, McFarlane, Okoli, Souttar, Joseph; Skipp; Braybrooke, Cullen; Watson, Burns; Bristric.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow