Last time out, Leicester City returned to the win column to cap off an incredibly tough year. A year which has seen a relegation from the Premier League, supporter dissatisfaction increase, and financial issues become more and more evident. A poor 12 months and one that ends with City sat 12th place in the Championship, and a stunning 17 points behind rival league leaders Coventry City. Therefore, here is the Leicester Predicted Lineup as they look to make it consecutive wins and kickstart 2026 positively with a trip to Bramall Lane.
Leicester Predicted Lineup vs Sheffield United for Championship Tie
How Leicester City Have Lined Up Recently
Against Derby, Cifuentes made just one change to the side that suffered defeat against Watford. Leicester number one Jakub Stolarczyk appeared for the 21st time this season, a tally which perfectly reflects his rising status around the club. Meanwhile, the youthful centre-back partnership of Ben Nelson and Caleb Okoli also remained intact as Wout Faes remains on the bench, and Vestergaard recovers from a knock against QPR.
To round off the backline, academy pair Hamza Choudhury and Luke Thomas both started. However, the Bangladeshi international’s replacement, Ricardo Pereira made his way onto the pitch just minutes after the break due to injury.
Read More: Former Leicester Player Praises Duo, Says One ‘Fits the Bill for Most Premier League Clubs’
Meanwhile, in midfield, once again, no alterations came. Fan favourite Jordan James once again was on the score sheet against Debry, whilst partner Oliver Skipp put in yet another steady performance. In the advanced 10 position was Bobby Decordova Reid, who, like James, scored for a second time against the Rams this month. Reid and the Welshmen have been crucial throughout December in finding the back of the net, as 7 of the 12 goals over December came from them.
As for out wide, Stephy Mavididi and Abdul Fatawu started with the latter tallying his seventh assist of the campaign. Then leading the line was, of course, Jordan Ayew, as Daka remains away and loanee Julian Carranza isn’t in Cifuentes’ plans. The Argentine is so far out of favour that winger Silko Thomas was brought on to replace Ayew as opposed to a natural striker, who was scoring goals at the San Siro back in March.
Leicester City’s Recent Form And Tactics
Despite consecutive defeats against QPR and Watford, no major changes were made by the manager. The personnel didn’t see major alterations, and neither did the tactics, but this time City managed to take all three points. A win that could prove crucial come May, as it keeps the Foxes in the play-off picture. They currently sit four points off sixth, which is surprising given the fact that before Monday’s game, they had only won two out of their last eight games. However, this stat more importantly emphasises how tight the league is this year, and perhaps the lack of quality.
Read More: Last Predicted Lineup
In the most recent clash, they found the opener. After receiving an overhit cross from Mavididi, Fatawu took on two men and used his unpredictability to get to the byline and find Decordova Reid with a cut-back. From there, the Jamaican found the back of the net to make it 1-0 in the East Midlands Derby. Despite this, the visitors did quickly respond with a goal of their own as Rhian Brewster also received a cut-back, before slotting it past Stolarczyk.
As the half went on, not many chances came, and once again James saved the Foxes. He made an excellent run into the channel and was well picked out by Thomas on the left-hand side. Overall, a first half with not many chances, and one without the line-share of possession; however, Leicester made use of what they had were clinical. In terms of the second half, the winter fatigue seemingly kicked in as neither side posed much threat, as suggested by just one shot hitting the target. Many changes came for Leicester, which helped derail the Rams’ momentum. With the addition of Jeremy Monga, Louis Page, and Thomas, City had a new lease of life and were able to press Derby much more effectively.
Leicester City Team News
As confirmed by the Spaniard, some absences are to be expected for the clash against the Blades. Due to the Africa Cup of Nations, Patson Daka won’t be present as he is currently representing Zambia. Meanwhile, both Aaron Ramsey and Choudhury are doubts heading into the game at Bramall Lane after injuries on Monday night. Vestergaard, who is recovering from a knock against QPR, is also unlikely to start. Aside from this, Boubakary Soumaré, Victor Kristiansen and Harry Souttar round up the long list of Leicester absences.
Leicester Predicted Lineup vs Sheffield United
GK: Jakub Stolarczyk
RB: Ricardo Periera
RCB: Caleb Okoli
LCB: Ben Nelson
LB: Luke Thomas
DM: Oliver Skipp
DM: Jordan James
RW: Abdul Fatawu
AM: Bobby Decordova Reid
LW: Stephy Mavididi
ST: Jordan Ayew
Featured Image Credit
IMAGO / News Images
