{"id":498207,"date":"2019-08-06T13:00:39","date_gmt":"2019-08-06T17:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonfootball.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=498207"},"modified":"2019-08-05T16:21:54","modified_gmt":"2019-08-05T20:21:54","slug":"leicester-city-season-preview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2019\/08\/06\/leicester-city-season-preview\/","title":{"rendered":"2019\/20 Leicester City Season Preview"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Leicester City FC have a big season ahead. With Brendan Rodgers at the helm and fresh talent in the squad, Leicester will look to break into the top six this season. Here is your Leicester City season preview for the 2019\/20 campaign.<\/p>\n<h2>Leicester City Season Preview<\/h2>\n<h3>Manager&#8217;s Philosophy<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lwosonfootball.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/2019\/07\/17\/leicester-city-brendan-rodgers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Leicester have played an expansive brand of football under Brendan Rodgers<\/a> as opposed to Claude Puel&#8217;s conservative approach. Rodgers prefers a possession-oriented attacking philosophy.<\/p>\n<p>He&#8217;s looked to set up his side in a similar manner to how Pep Guardiola has designed the <a href=\"https:\/\/lwosonfootball.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/feeds\/manchestercityfootball-co\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Manchester City<\/a> team. Deploying a holding midfielder (usually the excellent <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/6b47c5db\/Wilfred-Ndidi?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Wilfred Ndidi<\/a>), the centre backs remain well protected and the team looks to push up with the ball.<\/p>\n<p>This gives full-backs <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/d2424d1b\/Ben-Chilwell?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ben Chilwell<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/75a72a99\/Ricardo-Pereira?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ricardo Pereira<\/a> the opportunities to maraud forward and join the attack. Both players have shown excellent offensive numbers since Rodgers&#8217; arrival at the club.<\/p>\n<p>The midfield has had a real injection of creativity and freshness. <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/56f7a928\/Youri-Tielemans?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Youri Tielemans<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/ee38d9c5\/James-Maddison?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">James Maddison<\/a> have generated great output in terms of numbers. The two midfielders ahead of the holding midfielder look to operate in spaces between the lines and press when out of possession.<\/p>\n<p>They also take turns in joining the attack with <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/45963054\/Jamie-Vardy?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jamie Vardy<\/a> who looks to run in behind the opposition defences. Brendan Rodgers has shown that although he likes his teams to have the ball, he&#8217;s not obsessed with it.<\/p>\n<p>Against the more celebrated sides, he&#8217;s seen adapting by employing another destructive midfielder (usually <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/7d2d3329\/Hamza-Choudhury?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Hamza Choudhury<\/a>) for either Tielemans or Maddison. This prevents the side from being predictable and ensures flexibility in approach for the coach.<\/p>\n<h3>Squad Depth<\/h3>\n<p>Leicester City&#8217;s upcoming season has a clear structure in terms of how their team will play possession-based and compact at the back. They have also built a squad to make this system a durable one.<\/p>\n<p>In <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/819aa8e7\/Ayoze-Perez?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ayoze Perez<\/a>, they have signed an able second striker. Leicester has strength in depth in midfield with <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/d6f88a1d\/Adrien-Silva?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Adrien Silva<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/1a4ef233\/Daniel-Amartey?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Daniel Amartey,<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/4468ec10\/Demarai-Gray?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Demarai Gray<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/3ea50f67\/Harvey-Barnes?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Harvey Barnes<\/a> being thorough professionals who are motivated to perform.<\/p>\n<p>The side does not even lack leadership as <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/53af52f3\/Kasper-Schmeichel?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kasper Schmeichel<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/80c31c97\/Wes-Morgan?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Wes Morgan<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/f8fcd2a5\/Jonny-Evans?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jonny Evans<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/a67a09fb\/Christian-Fuchs?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Christian Fuchs<\/a> continue their journeys with the Foxes. The only doubt in the scenario will be the impact of potentially losing <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/d8931174\/Harry-Maguire?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Harry Maguire<\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/lwosonfootball.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/feeds\/manchesterunitedfootball-co\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Manchester United<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>But the club has lined up more than decent replacements like <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/282f75f3\/Lewis-Dunk?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lewis Dunk<\/a> from <a href=\"https:\/\/lwosonfootball.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/clubs\/brighton-hove-albion\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brighton &amp; Hove Albion<\/a>. The club already has Evans, Morgan and young <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/21166ff4\/Caglar-Soyuncu?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Caglar Soyuncu<\/a> to play in the heart of the defence.<\/p>\n<h3>Prediction<\/h3>\n<p>Leicester City have all the ingredients to do well in the upcoming season. They have a settled coach, a packed squad and trusting ownership.<\/p>\n<p>Their squad has the necessary quality but also the grit and experience required to manage a Premier League season. Leicester also don&#8217;t have any European distractions like their competitors <a href=\"https:\/\/lwosonfootball.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/clubs\/wolves-club-analysis-news-fixtures\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Wolverhampton Wanderers<\/a> do.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lwosonfootball.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/clubs\/everton\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Everton<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lwosonfootball.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/clubs\/west-ham\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">West Ham United<\/a> will provide competition to them. Consistency will be key for all three clubs. But Leicester has an edge, it&#8217;s been there and done it. LCFC will surely be looking to give the top six a run for their money.<\/p>\n<p>Main Photo<br \/>\n<a id=\"qZ93g2vpQrtsI6X9sTMFCw\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/1164943827\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'qZ93g2vpQrtsI6X9sTMFCw',sig:'o0bb70uffPBOtnkdVTHyXkVkzcShp3RnqsIoJn7lqzg=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'1164943827',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Leicester City FC have a big season ahead. With Brendan Rodgers at the helm and fresh talent in the squad, Leicester will look to break into the top six this season. Here is your Leicester City season preview for the 2019\/20 campaign. Leicester City Season Preview Manager&#8217;s Philosophy Leicester have played an expansive brand of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3152,"featured_media":500239,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2,15,3],"tags":[127,2944,40,4027,136],"class_list":["post-498207","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-leicester-city","category-premier-league","tag-brendan-rodgers","tag-leicester-city-fc","tag-premier-league","tag-season-previews","tag-world-football"],"modified_by":"Martin Hawkins","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/498207","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3152"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=498207"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/498207\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/500239"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=498207"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=498207"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=498207"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}