Stoke v Leicester: Foxes predicted XI in another important fixture

29 games played, 69 points gained, 10 points clear at the summit of the EFL Championship. A great time to be a Leicester City fan as Enzo Maresca continues to thrive despite recent disgruntlement between supporters. Otherwise, the transfer window is set to close, and it seems the Foxes are unlikely to lose any major players… hopefully.

Leicester City’s predicted XI

Stoke City remains a critical fixture for Maresca’s team. A loss gives Ipswich Town and Southampton the chance to close the gap with their ties, whereas a win maintains or builds the lead further. Either way, a strong team is obvious in this match.

Leicester could do with bringing in their usual backline, with only a couple of subs during the match if possible. Mads Hermansen should of course start between the sticks, with Callum Doyle, Jannik Vestergaard, and Wout Faes ahead of him in that back three during possession. As usual, Ricardo Pereira should seize that right-sided fullback to midfield role.

Midfield is perhaps a less certain list as we do not yet know the fate of transfers. However, as transfers are likely, I will note two for one position. Obviously, Harry Winks and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall start unless there are any injuries involved, alongside current Dennis Praet until either an incoming signing or Wilfred Ndidi returns from AFCON. As such, the Belgian should start unless Stefano Sensi is signed.

At the front, Stephy Mavididi - one of our best signings yet - Patson Daka, and Abdul Fatawu will head the attack. Kasey Mcateer could start ahead of the recently suspended Fatawu, but I feel the Ghanaian has proved himself the right choice for our right-wing whenever he is available. This being said, their is also a shout for Yunus Akgun who has scored twice in the last two matches he played in: we can do with goalscoring form.

My preferred substitutions would include Ben Nelson, Wanya Marcal-Madivadua, Yunus Akgun, Tom Cannon, and Kasey McAteer. Things can easily change as the match progresses, and I would love to see more of Harry Souttar at the back, maybe even Marc Albrighton too.

Whatever team Leicester City put out to face Stoke, they will need to control possession, move the ball incessantly forward and sideways, and stop conceding late in matches. The Foxes can win easily if they have Fatawu and Mavididi flanking a pacy forward. Let Foxes of Leicester know your starting XI through our social channels.