A Dream Leicester City Lineup For 2017/18 Season
After a season full of surprises last time around, that ended with the Premier League glory for Leicester City, this campaign has acted as a strong reality check.
The Foxes struggled from the get-go in the ongoing season and looked destined for the drop to the Championship for good. But a managerial change that saw title winning boss Claudio Ranieri get the sack and be replaced by his former assistant Craig Shakespeare, turned the tide around for Leicester as they managed to pull off a comeback to salvage their season from doldrums.
Leicester currently occupy the 11th position in the league table and with still two games in hand, stand a good chance of finishing in the top-half. While the turnaround from relegation contenders to a upper half finish needs to be lauded, Leicester cannot afford to repeat the same mistakes they did this campaign and will need to put up a stronger fight from the early parts of the season.
They will need to plan their transfer business better as well. Last summer’s signings have been a huge mishit at the King Power Stadium as the likes of Islam Slimani and Ahmed Musa have struggled to deliver on a consistent basis. With some exits certain over the summer and some new faces set to arrive, here is how Leicester could line up in the Premier League next season:
Formation: 4-4-2
Manager: Craig Shakespeare
Ron-Robert Zieler (GK)
With Kasper Schmeichel a target for several high-profile clubs, there are good chances that he may leave the club, meaning that the goal will be manned by last summer’s signing Ron-Robert Zieler, who has hardly been used in the ongoing campaign.
Danny Simpson (RB)
The former Newcastle United defender has been a mainstay in the defensive line for the Foxes and should stay put at right-back.
Kara Mbodji (CB)
Anderlecht’s defensive stalwart Kara Mbodji has been a target for Leicester for quite some time now and after a failed January bid, a move in the summer is a strong possibility. Will replace the ageing Wes Morgan.
Ben Gibson (CB)
The Middlesbrough centre-back is another reported target for the Foxes. While the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal are also reported to be in the race, the appeal of regular first-team football may attract him to the King Power.
Christian Fuchs (LB)
Has been one of the most consistent performers for Leicester over the past two years. Unlikely that he will be replaced.
Bruma (RM)
The Portuguese winger’s agent admitted to interest from the Foxes and Southampton recently and with Riyad Mahrez all set to leave, he could be a fine addition to the ranks.
Danny Drinkwater (CM)
The 27-year old is the linchpin of the Leicester midfield and will most likely stay for the upcoming season as well.
Wilfred Ndidi (CM)
Has prospered excellently over the past month or so and has shown he can fill the huge void left behind by N’Golo Kante. A future star in the making for the Foxes.
Marc Albrighton (LM)
Winger Demarai Gray is another player who is widely expected to leave at the end of the season. But, irrespective of whether the 20-year old stays or leaves, Marc Albrighton will once again be a constant fixture on the left flank.
Tammy Abraham (ST)
The 19-year old Chelsea striker has been owning it in the EFL Championship this season with loan club Bristol City and has attracted interest from the Foxes. A loan deal maybe on the cards and if Leicester manage to pull it off, Abraham will add great firepower to their forward line.
Jamie Vardy (ST)
He is rumoured to be a surprise target for Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, if Antoine Griezmann leaves. Seems unlikely though and will stay put at the King Power for the next campaign.