After a tumultuous pre-season, Leicester City are back in competitive action as they host Sheffield Wednesday. New manager Marti Cifuentes is now at the helm, whilst legends like Jamie Vardy and Wilfred Ndidi have bid farewell. Although Asmir Begovic is the only addition to the squad, City look much improved ahead of their return to the Championship. Here is Leicester City’s predicted lineup as they take on Henrik Pedersen’s Sheffield Wednesday.
Leicester Predicted Lineup vs Sheffield Wednesday for Premier League Clash
How Leicester City Have Lined Up Recently
In the final pre-season friendly, Cifuentes utilised his 4-3-3 system to great effect, as Fiorentina came unstuck. Mads Hermansen started in between the sticks for the first time since late April, and this was despite links regarding a move away from the King Power. A centre-back partnership of Caleb Okoli and Jannik Vestergaard kept a clean sheet, with the duo providing stability in and out of possession. Academy graduates Luke Thomas and Hamza Choudhury then rounded off the backline, as James Justin and Ricardo Pereira remain sidelined.
Read More: What We Learnt from Leicester City’s Pre Season Clash vs Fiorentina
Boubakary Soumaré continued his run of games, featuring as the regista due to Harry Winks’ stint on the bench. Meanwhile, Oliver Skipp and Bilal El Khannouss rounded off the midfield, rotating with others and advancing. The dynamic duo that lit up the Championship just two seasons ago returned as Stephy Mavididi started off the left and Abdul Fatawu off the right. Leading the line was Jordan Ayew, who has excelled under Cifuentes as he has been able to drop between the lines and play as a false nine.
Leicester City’s Recent Form And Tactics
With Cifuentes in charge for four of the pre-season clashes, we have been able to get a glimpse of his tactics ahead of the new season. The players look much improved under the new regime, as they press high and utilise rotations. Although it takes time to adjust to this philosophy, profiles such as Fatawu and El Khannouss look to be perfect.
The Foxes now seem to have an identity, and the win versus Fiorentina highlights the change. Immediately, they pressed high and looked to suffocate Fiorentina by giving them no space or options. Ayew’s opening goal emphasises this as Fatawu forces the turnover high up the pitch, leaving the visitors vulnerable.
Read More: How Marti Cifuentes Has Developed A Clear Identity After Just Three Friendlies
Likewise, the Ghanaian excelled when one-on-one with his defender, as his explosiveness was too much. This eventually led to City doubling their lead, as he utilised a terrific piece of skill to beat his man and curl it past the keeper. Similarly, El Khannouss also excelled as his passing range has been incredibly beneficial. The wonderkid constantly rotates into deeper positions, which allows him to circulate the ball and combine with others.
Despite the positives, Cifuentes’ side have also faced some issues, with injuries to many full-back options. Luke Thomas may feature, which could also be problematic, as he isn’t technical enough for the system.
Leicester City Injuries to Consider
As revealed by the Spaniard, there are a couple of injuries within his squad. As mentioned previously, full-back is where the side is struggling ahead of the season opener. Pereira and Victor Kristiansen will miss Sunday’s game, but shouldn’t be out for a sustained period. Despite the negatives, James Justin will be available and will slot into the system well due to his ability going forward and cutting inside.
Leicester City Predicted Lineup vs Sheffield Wednesday
GK: Jakub Stolarczyk
RB: Hamza Choudhury
RCB: Caleb Okoli
LCB: Jannik Vestergaard
LB: James Justin
DM: Boubakary Soumaré
DM: Oliver Skipp
RW: Abdul Fatawu
AM: Bilal El Khannouss
LW: Stephy Mavididi
ST: Jordan Ayew
