Russell Martin and Leicester City have been completely transformed this summer, myriad players arrived and departed King Power Stadium. For the long-suffering Blue Army, the business done has been largely exactly what was needed: key sales brought in acceptable or even higher than expected fees, while dead weight was cleared out.
Free transfers, loan deals and several paid signings have all bolstered the squad, bringing a fresh look and greater balance to the ranks. Among the better additions are players who have immediately raised the standard and given the side options they lacked last term like Liam Cullen and Tommy Watson.
Martin also secured his first competitive win in charge when Leicester overcame Northampton Town in the EFL Cup. Yet victory was not enough to satisfy many supporters, who were left frustrated by what they saw on the pitch.
Despite the old adage that a win is a win, plenty of Foxes fans grew bored, spotted defensive errors, disliked the build-up play from the back and felt the LCFC side should have been far more clinical. Some even went as far as to brand the display arrogant from the East Midlands club.
The League One campaign ahead promises to be a sterner test regardless of how well the City team performs or how much they may be designated overqualified for the division. Even with promotion the clear target, navigating the division will be far from straightforward while the LE2 club remains in a state of turmoil and is up for sale.
Nevertheless, it is time to turn attention to the personnel who could be selected for the opening fixture against Saturday's Notts County visitors. There are several intriguing questions surrounding the predicted Leicester XI to face the Nottinghamshire side, with uncertainty across a number of positions.
Expected Leicester City line-up for Notts County fixture
The goalkeeper spot is wide open, but Jakub Stolarczyk remains a strong candidate to start as No.1, having staked a claim for the literal jersey in preseason. If selected, the Pole will be looking to make the position his own from the very first whistle.
The defence is likely to line up with Luke Thomas on the left, followed by Caleb Okoli, Harry Souttar and Jaden Joseph on the right. Souttar is one of the most notable names in the backline, with Martin keen to keep him and Leicester having turned down multiple bids from Sheffield United, who have so far refused to meet the ÂŁ10 million asking price.
Martin has even handed the Australian the captaincy in recent matches, underlining his importance to the new setup. In central midfield, Oliver Skipp and Sammy Braybrooke are expected to get the nod from the first minute.
This is where another interesting storyline emerges, as Louie Page is wanted by Manchester United, but Martin hopes to retain the Foxes starlet and has confirmed an offer for the player was rejected. The Leicester Mercury predicts Page will start in the No.10 role as the attacking midfielder.
Will Alves, who has impressed, should feature on the right wing, while Stephy Mavididi is tipped for the left flank. But the biggest talking point of all is up front, where Josh Holland suggests Admir Bristric will be left out of the side entirely.
"Predicted City XI vs Notts County: Stolarczyk; Joseph, Okoli, Souttar, Thomas; Skipp, Braybrooke, Page; Alves, Mavididi; Cullen"Leicester Mercury
That would apparently open the door for Liam Cullen to lead the line, a move that would catch many supporters by surprise. Cullen is primarily known as a winger or second striker, but did feature as a centre forward in the past.
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