Last time out, Leicester City kicked off 2026 in the abysmal manner that came so familiar throughout the year prior. Three goals courtesy of Japhet Tanganga, Tom Cannon and Callum O’Hare sealed the three points for the Blades in an easy night of football. Despite the improvements against Derby, City once again looked out of ideas as they fell further and further away from the elusive play-off positions. As a result, here is the Leicester predicted lineup to take on West Brom, in a must-win game if Marti Cifuentes wants to keep his post as Foxes boss.
Leicester Predicted Lineup vs West Brom for Championship Tie
How Leicester City Have Lined Up Recently
Against Sheffield United, Cifuentes made just two changes to the side that defeated the Rams. One of the major areas hurting City recently is defensively, as goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk wasn’t able to keep a clean sheet at Bramall Lane. The academy graduate has struggled at times this season, as he continues to adjust to life as his side’s number one. Meanwhile, the centre-back partnership of Caleb Okoli and Ben Nelson remained intact, with Belgian International Wout Faes not included in the matchday squad. To round off the backline, Luke Thomas returned to the lane for the first time since his loan spell with the club back in 2023. In addition, Ricardo Pereira was also selected after being benched a few days earlier against Derby.
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. Since Harry Winks’ fallout with yet another manager, the trio of Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Oliver Skipp and Jordan James has solidified its place in the starting eleven. In a similar vein to the way he finished the calendar year, James begins 2026 with yet another goal, although this time it was a consolation given the scoreline.
Whilst Abdul Fatawu and Stephy Mavididi provide width off the flanks, it was another tough evening for the duo that lit the Championship up just two years ago. Interestingly, teenager Jeremy Monga had more touches in the box than both players in just half an hour of gametime. The wonderkid remains a target for several Premier League clubs, despite penning a new deal in the past summer. To cap off the lineup, Silko Thomas made his inaugural start for the club’s first team squad after impressing off the bench against Derby.
Leicester City’s Recent Form And Tactics
As for the game, the home side was in control from minute one. They had the line-share of possession throughout the first half, which in return gave them the platform to create chances. Despite having seven shots, three of which were on target, they found the opener after 36 minutes through a set-piece. Fan favourite James lost the aforementioned Tanganga, who brilliantly met Sam McCallum’s corner to make it 1-0.
Leicester struggled to muster a response, as they sent just one shot goalward, which, all things considered, was an audacious effort from Abdul Fatawu. This didn’t get any better in the second half, as the home side went on to make it three via former player Cannon and despised former Coventry City player O’Hare. Both goals came through work down the right-hand side, where Thomas lost his marker, and the cut-back found the Blades attackers.
Read More: Last Predicted Lineup
The loss on New Year’s Day once again marked the inconsistencies of Cifuentes’ side. Following a second positive display against East Midlands rivals Derby, the blueprint for the new year was clear. Leicester fielded seven academy graduates that night, a feat which best epitomises the flock of talent coming out of Seagrave. However, once again Monga, Louis Page and Bade Aluko sat on the bench, whilst Decordova Reid, Thomas and Mavididi continued to get more minutes.
Whilst throwing young players into tough games isn’t alwys the answer to be the answer, something has to change. When Page entered the pitch alongside Monga, the duo offered much more threat going forward, as exemplified by the momentum chart. In contrast, Thomas at left back once again left a lot to be desired with another poor performance. The 24-year-old has been constantly targeted this season, as the opposition often finds joy when attacking down his side. Adding a more athletic option like Aluko, in hindsight, should work, but the youngster needs more experience after a harsh first start against Southampton.
Leicester City Team News
As confirmed by the Spaniard, absences are an expectation heading into the clash against the Baggies. After retruning against Derby, Aaron Ramsey once again came off injured, which leaves him as a recent doubt. Aside from this, longer term absentees such as Boubakary Soumaré, Victor Kristiansen and Harry Souttar remain on the fringes. However, in terms of positives, Jannik Vestergaard and Patson Daka both returned last time out, and add much-needed competition for places.
Leicester Predicted Lineup vs West Brom
GK: Jakub Stolarczyk
RB: Ricardo Pereira
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
