Leicester City fans were given bad news in the pre-match press conference regarding the availability of Conor Coady. The defender picked up a seemingly innoxious injury during the in-house preseason game against their Belgium counterparts OH Leuven and will miss the opening game against local rivals Coventry City. Last Word on Football has put together the Leicester City predicted lineup for their opening-day clash.
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Maresca’s Press Conference
Leicester City Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed the news at the press conference yesterday. Questioned about when the influential defender will return, no clear answers were available. There seems to be no clarity as yet with regard to the exact details of the injury, which will concern some of the City faithful. The other notable absentee for the opening game will be Victor Kristiansen, who has a minor injury.
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The positive news is that Dennis Praet, Wout Faes and Jamie Vardy are all available after having picked up minor knocks during preseason. The City manager gave no clue how his team would line up for the M69 derby. Leicester City’s last game, which showed hints of promise despite the heavy defeat to Liverpool in Singapore last week, provided a clue as to the potential starting team for the Championship opener.
How will Leicester City Lineup?
It is likely that City will start with a back four which will transform into a back three whilst in possession. Ricardo Pereira will drift into midfield to link with another summer signing, Harry Winks. The hole left in defence by the absence of Coady looks likely to be taken by either Jannik Vestergaard or Harry Souttar, although the former seems the favourite. Having been asked about the future of Souttar, Maresca gave little away, giving many the impression that he may not be an ideal fit for the new manager’s style of play.
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The midfield is likely to consist of Harry Winks and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall as definite starters. Wilfred Ndidi has been one of the most surprising performers during preseason, showing flexibility in a new box-to-box role, proving to be Leicester’s most threatening player. If he stays at the club and can settle into this new role, he can add a whole new dimension to his game.
New signing Stephy Mavididi will provide guile and pace from the wing. Depending on the exact formation Maresca chooses to adopt, he has a wealth of options as his main striker. Club legend Jamie Vardy showed signs of form towards the end of last season, and his presence on the field will undoubtedly lift the spirit of his teammates. Both Kelechi Iheanacho and Patson Daka will also hope to play a part, with both having the potential to influence and contribute to Leicester’s Championship title bid.
Expectations of the fans is high, and securing three points against the Sky Blues would be the perfect start.
Leicester City Predicted Lineup
Mads Hermansen, Ricardo Pereira, Jannik Vestergaard, Wout Faes, Callum Doyle, Harry Winks, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Wilfred Ndidi, Stephy Mavididi, Kasey McAteer, Jamie Vardy.
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