Leicester City have launched the 2026/27 campaign with the clear and unambiguous objective of securing League One promotion as well as an immediate return to the EFL Championship. Burton Albion, by contrast, are braced for a long, hard season in the third tier, with Gary Bowyer's primary ambition almost certainly being to preserve the club's divisional status for another year.
The two sides are meeting for the first time ever in league action, and Leicester City hold a clear historical advantage over Burton Albion. Of their five prior competitive encounters (all played in domestic cup competitions) Leicester have won four, while Albion, just one.
The Brewers' solitary success against the Foxes was a memorable 4-2 victory at King Power Stadium back in August 2012. Since then, Leicester have dominated the competitive fixtures, which includes a 2-0 Carabao Cup victory at the Pirelli Stadium on 9 August 2023.
Most recently, the two clubs faced off in a pre-season friendly on 18 July 2026. Where City secured a 3-0 win away from home.
Russell Martin faces a selection puzzle as he prepares for his first home league match in charge, with two players in particular dominating the team news narrative. Jayden Joseph, who marked his first league appearance for the club with the opening goal in the 1-1 draw at Notts County, is fully fit and poised to retain his place in the starting line-up, providing a timely boost for the new regime.
Conor Chaplin, however, presents a far more complicated dilemma for the head coach, with reports suggesting the summer signing may be ruled out through fitness or even tactical uncertainty. Which leaves his participation from the beginning in doubt.
Predicted Leicester City and Burton Albion teams
With those factors in mind, Leicester City are predicted to line up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, with Alex McCarthy in goal and a defensive quartet of Luke Thomas, Caleb Okoli, Harry Souttar and Joseph. Oliver Skipp likely anchors the midfield with Sammy Braybrooke and Liam Cullen ahead, while Will Alves and Tommy Watson may provide width; Admir Bristric should start up front.
Martin also gave an update on the fitness of his squad 🚑
— Leicester Xtra (@XtraLeicester) August 21, 2026
✅ Jayden Joseph is 'good to go' despite taking a knock at Notts County.
❔ Conor Chaplin is back training. Martin says he has a 'tough decision' to make over whether he is ready to be included. pic.twitter.com/peg6RYec13
The visitors are expected to adopt a 3-4-2-1 shape as they seek to frustrate their hosts, with Corey Addai starting between the sticks and a back three of Toby Sibbick, Finn Delap, and captain Curtis Tilt. The wing-back positions will be occupied by Kyran Lofthouse and Jack Armer.
While George Evans and academy graduate Sulyman Krubally form the central midfield partnership. Moving further forward, Kgaogelo Chauke and a fully recovered Charlie Webster will occupy the other central roles playing directly behind lone striker Matthew Dennis.
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