Leicester Predicted Lineup vs Middlesbrough for February 24

Last time out, a game of two halves saw Leicester pick up a point. The lack of continuity is something supporters have become accustomed to, with this group of players yet again struggling. However, this time they reacted incredibly well. The second half was some of the best football played all season, and should have delivered a victory if not for a late Stoke goal. Here is the Leicester Predicted Lineup to make the trip up to the North East.

Leicester Team News & Predicted Lineup vs Middlesbrough

How Leicester City Have Lined Up Recently

In Gary Rowett’s first game at the helm, more alterations were made. After another tough game against Southampton, Jakub Stolarczyk once again dropped out for Asmir Begovic. In the centre-back roles, Ben Nelson partnered Caleb Okoli, a duo which has become a necessity due to injuries. Meanwhile, at left-back, Victor Kristiansen made a return to a league starting eleven for the first time since the first of November. However, an injury to the Dane saw him make way after just 39 minutes, a situation which led to Luke Thomas coming on. On the opposite flank, veteran Ricardo Pereira started again.

As for midfield, Oliver Skipp accommodated Harry Winks. The former Spurs duo both impressed, with the latter even helping City take the lead. The duo complement each other well, which could give Rowett a selection headache when Jordan James returns. In the number 10 role, Manchester City wonderkid Divine Mukasa picked up a second start in the Championship. The youngster ran the show in the second half and was at the heart of all the Foxes’ attacking moves.

Read More: Leicester Appoint Former Player

Due to injury, the ever-reliable Abdul Fatawu wasn’t available. Neither was Jordan Ayew, which led to Jeremy Monga starting consecutive games. As for the opposite flank, Stephy Mavididi started. Although he didn’t find a first league goal of the calendar year, he had a much-improved game, with plenty of chances and great combinations with Mukasa. With a goal against Southampton in the week prior, it’s no surprise Daka started this time out. The Zambian has been in better form lately as he was involved in City’s goals.

Leicester City’s Recent Form And Tactics

Following an incredibly tough run of form, Leicester finally showed the fight and passion that fans desire. The game in Staffordshire got off to the worst possible start with Ben Wilmot opening the scoring after three minutes. The goal epitomises a dismal first half of football, as the Potters had plenty of opportunities to add to their lead. Leicester, meanwhile, had just three shots and offered minimal threat when going forward.

In terms of the second half, the game was completely flipped on its head. Rowett clearly made a difference with his team talk, as the equaliser came just minutes later. Mukasa found the ball on the left-hand side and looked to float a ball into the box, but it deceivingly tucked its way into the left-hand corner and past Tommy Simkin. A perfect start to proceedings, and a clear sign of Mukasa’s quality when he can orchestrate play in the final third. City kept on plugging away after the equaliser, with the best chances coming for Mukasa and Mavididi. After the change to bring Joe Aribo on for Monga, City’s shape became much more narrow with Mukasa and Aribo central, whilst Mavididi and Daka led the line. It’s evident that Rowett is willing to make changes, especially if it can make his side more unpredictable.

It’s fair to say the change worked well, as Winks soon rifled the ball into the back of the net to give Leicester the lead. It was adulation in the away end and the pitch alike, with both the players and supporters understanding the importance of the goal. Mavididi and Mukasa soon combined again and could have made it three if not for his wayward shot. Of course, City not taking their chances led to Stoke finding their own equaliser via Wilmot. Another mistake from the backline, which could prove costly come May.

Even after the late leveller, Leicester still continued their onslaught and really should have won the game. Mukasa was creating in all areas and put two excellent balls into the box; however, the subsequent finishes from Thomas and Aribo couldn’t beat Simkin. A hectic afternoon of action, in which both sides had plenty of chances, and may have felt hard done by not getting more from the game.

Leicester City Team News

Heading into the trip to Riverside, absences are an expectation. The likes of Harry Souttar, Aaron Ramsey, Hamza Choudhury, and Jannik Vestergaard are out for sustained periods. Meanwhile, both Fatawu and Ayew weren’t present in Staffordshire, which makes it unlikely that they will make a quick turnaround for Tuesday. In terms of other injuries, Jamaal Lascelles and James are also out, which has proved to be a significant blow.