Predicted Leicester City Line-up To Face Crystal Palace In The Premier League
Leicester City have not been the same side since scripting a miraculous 2015-16 title-winning campaign. They not only failed to defend the silverware but also failed to grab a ‘Top half’ finish last season. Claudio Ranieri was succeeded by Craig Shakespeare who also was dismissed following a series of disastrous outcomes earlier this campaign.
But the Foxes seem to have found their rhythm back since appointing former Southampton boss Claude Puel as their new manager has clinched 4 consecutive wins in the league to take his spirited outfit to 8th place in the tally. His return to Southampton on Wednesday night proved to be a memorable one for the Frenchman as his boys registered a thumping 4-1 win at St. Mary’s.
Leicester, however, are expected to maintain their winning streak when they host a struggling Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon at King Power Stadium ahead of their crunch midweek clash against leaders Manchester City.
Team News
Leicester City, fortunately, do not have many casualties during this busy schedule except Robert Huth and Matthew James, who are still recovering from their long-standing ankle and calf injuries respectively. Shinji Okazaki, one of the top performers in Leicester’s 4-1 triumph over Southampton, had a minor facial injury but is expected to return on time ahead of their weekend clash.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Puel has opted for a pretty conventional formation that has brought back stability in his team, who are now showing glimpses of their form of the 2015-16 season. He lined up his side in a 4-4-1-1 in earlier outings who later switched to a 4-2-3-1 set-up during those games, which was even more prominent against the Saints. This flexibility has allowed Leicester to defend better as well as cause enough attacking menace on opponent’s backline.
Manager: Claude Puel
Kasper Schmeichel (GK)
Schmeichel has been Leicester’s main man between the sticks since their top-flight promotion and should retain his place against the Eagles this weekend.
Danny Simpson (RB)
The Foxes have got a fixed ‘back four’ for the majority of this season and Danny Simpson has been regular at the right-back slot. He will once again start in his usual role on Saturday afternoon.
Wes Morgan (CB)
The skipper has been rock solid in his central defensive role since earning a Premier League promotion back in 2014. He was truly inspiration while clinching the league title and is still leading his side with profound efficiency despite being in his mid-thirties.
Harry Maguire (CB)
The Englishman has been a great acquisition from relegated Hull City who has slotted in perfectly in Leicester’s deep defence alongside Morgan. He has replaced Robert Huth and assured a long-term solution for the Foxes’ backline.
Christian Fuchs (LB)
One of the Leicester heroes during their title-winning campaign who has been a regular in the left fullback role since completing a Bosman transfer from FC Schalke. The Austrian, too, is expected to keep his place against the Eagles.
Wilfred Ndidi (CM)
It is difficult to find a replacement of N’Golo Kante but the Foxes have got a quality midfielder in the Nigerian who completed his move last winter from Belgian side Genk. Ndidi has been a regular in Leicester midfield since then and has also brought back the stability to some extent in the middle of the park.
Vicente Iborra (CM)
The Spaniard was rested against the Saints and Andy King, his replacement, grabbed the opportunity by scoring one on Wednesday night. Yet, Iborra is still preferred in the Foxes midfield alongside Ndidi and is expected to return to the starting XI on Saturday.
Riyad Mahrez (RM)
The Algerian has come back to his absolute best in recent weeks and is scoring as well as assisting regularly like he did in the title-winning campaign. He was also voted the Premier League Player of the Year 2016 but struggled to replicate that form. Mahrez, however, is showing his true potential once again and would be keen to continue his sublime run of form.
Shinji Okazaki (CAM)
The Japanese attacker has impressed with his high work ethics but also staked his claim for a regular place in Leicester’s starting lineup by scoring a brace against the Saints at St. Mary’s. Although he suffered a minor facial injury, Puel is not expected to rest his in-form attacker against Palace and should hand him another start if he is declared fit ahead of the weekend clash.
Demarai Gray (LM)
The youngster has been showing his quality down the flank and is expected to return to the line-up when they host the Eagles on Saturday.
Jamie Vardy (ST)
It has to be Jamie Vardy who should lead the Leicester attack even though he is not scoring enough goals. The Englishman’s high work ethics, agility, and movement create enough space as well as opportunities inside the box that are now being utilised by the Foxes since Puel’s arrival.