Leicester’s midfield dilemma solved for Newcastle match

The dilemma solved

Newcastle United have some powerful, explosive, and dangerous attacking talents in their squad. To abandon all defensive responsibilities in midfield would be asking for a loss without a fight. That being said, we need to prioritise what has worked so well in the last two fixtures: get the ball and get it forward. As such, this means we need two good passers to take up that versatile deep-lying role.

For me, this means Oliver Skipp and Michael Golding partnered. Neither are out-and-out defensive midfielders, one is more progressive with the ball to feet, the other progresses with passes. With the likelihood of Jamie Vardy and Bounanotte playing upfront, those signature passes over the top from Golding will be crucial in creating chances against a strong team.

Meanwhile, El Khannouss works well with a player like Soumare, so naturally Skipp’s carry-based progression and ball retention with short passes between defenders and his companion midfielders will offer the best opportunity to retain the ball. However, I do feel this will end up as the starting lineup the King Power side will opt for.

I would expect Choudhury to start, with a focus on blocking passes to Alexander Isak, and possibly shield our slower defenders from such a brutally clinical striker. Skipp will start alongside Choudhury for the same reasons previously listed.