A midweek draw against Middlesbrough means Leicester City’s winless run has now been extended to five games. The recent struggles have left City in 13th place, with just 18 points. The discontent both online and around the stadium has been visible as the pressure continues to heap on Marti Cifuentes. Therefore, here is the Leicester predicted lineup as they travel to Norwich, in what is a must-win game for both sides.
Leicester Predicted Lineup vs Norwich City
How Leicester City Have Lined Up Recently
In the clash against Boro, Cifuentes once again made tweaks in a bid to find form. Despite starting in between the sticks, Jakub Stolarczyk’s run of minutes came to an end at half-time due to injury, and he was subsequently replaced by veteran keeper Asmir Begovic. As for the starting eleven, much of the change came to the backline. Caleb Okoli replaced Ricardo Pereira at right-back, which as a result, brought academy graduate Ben Nelson back into the side. He partnered Jannik Vestergaard and came ever-so close to a first clean sheet since September. Furthermore, Victor Kristiansen also dropped out, with Luke Thomas back at left-back.
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With the games coming in quick succession, it’s no surprise that more rotation came in midfield. Oliver Skipp formed the double pivot alongside fellow Spurs academy graduate Harry Winks, as Boubakary Soumaré missed out. With both Louis Page and Aaron Ramsey unavailable, Jordan James continued his run of games in the number 10 role. Meanwhile, out wide, Abdul Fatawu remained on the right with goalscorer Jordan Ayew on the left. Despite the many changes elsewhere, Julian Carranza was one of the only constants as he made back-to-back starts for the first time this season.
Leicester City’s Recent Form And Tactics
With the team suffering their sixth draw of the campaign, it’s evident that the abundance of flaws is still prominent. In their last 10 games, the Foxes have managed just one win, which is incredibly underwhelming given their three wins back in August. However, unlike the recent games against Hull, Millwall and Blackburn, Cifuentes’ side did look close to taking all three points.
Read More: Predicted Lineup Last Time Out Against Middlesbrough
A first half with few chances saw Leicester in front via an Ayew penalty just before the break. In addition to this, Okoli had a great chance from a set-piece, which really should have seen the Foxes take the opener even earlier. For much of the second half, Rob Edwards’ side were allowed to take control and dominate possession, as City became much more defensive.
Leicester’s best offensive moments of the half came in transitions when the pacey duo of Patson Daka and Stephy Mavididi combined. The quick interplay between them even led to a late red card for Alfie Jones, which left Boro down to 10 men for the last few minutes. Despite the disadvantage, the last of the visitors’ 12 shots on goal proved decisive, as Luke Ayling headed in a late equaliser to rescue a point.
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It was once again disappointing for everyone at King Power Stadium, especially considering the way in which Middlesbrough controlled the game. Similar to the 2-0 win against Birmingham City, they looked much more comfortable when defending deeper and having less possession. Evidence to support this is the total of 37% possession, and just two shots in the second half. When Cifuentes’ side doesn’t have an impetus to take the game to the opposition, they look much better, which may be a reason for their success against some of the better footballing sides.
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However, this isn’t likely to bring success, especially when you struggle to break down most teams in the division. The manager was appointed due to his attractive style of play and was given a side with many players who dominated the Championship just two years earlier. However, the poor recruitment and lack of investment have left a club that was in Europe three years ago rotting in the Championship.
Leicester City Injuries to Consider
As confirmed by the Spaniard, injuries will affect his squad for this weekend’s clash. Following an injury against Millwall, Ramsey remains sidelined for the trip to Carrow Road. Furthermore, Stolarczyk came off after the first half in midweek, which means he is also likely to miss out. Meanwhile, Kristiansen is struggling with a swollen knee, and will consequently take a fitness test to see if he’s ready.
Leicester Predicted Lineup vs Norwich City
GK: Asmir Begovic
RB: Ricardo Pereira
RCB: Jannik Vestergaard
LCB: Ben Nelson
LB: Luke Thomas
DM: Jordan James
DM: Harry Winks
RW: Abdul Fatawu
AM: Bobby Decordova Reid
LW: Stephy Mavididi
ST: Patson Daka
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