Predicted Leicester City Lineup To Face Stoke City In The Premier League
Following a pulsating FA Cup win against Sheffield United, Leicester City host Premier League strugglers Stoke City at the King Power Stadium this weekend.
The Foxes have been excellent since the appointment of Claude Puel and will be confident of their chances of overcoming the Potters. The former Southampton coach has guided Leicester into a comfortable mid-table spot and the Foxes are currently looking very likely to finish in the top half of the league come May.
Stoke City, on the other hand, are leading bottom club West Brom by just five points. The Potters have struggled a lot this season, largely due to their lack of identity. The Potters are currently winless in their last three games in all competitions and will be desperate to get all three points against Leicester City this week.
Team News
Head coach Claude Puel will have the privilege of choosing from a fully-fit Leicester City squad. Algerian superstar Riyad Mahrez made his first appearance after the deadline day drama, against Sheffield United last week. A host of other players are also available for the Stoke City clash, including Japanese forward, Shinji Okazaki.
Formation: 4-4-2
Claude Puel is likely to stick to his preferred 4-4-2 formation this weekend, with Jamie Vardy and either Iheanacho or Riyad Mahrez alongside him in the attacking setup. It will be interesting to see how Puel manages to overcome Paul Lambert’s 4-5-1.
Coach: Claude Puel
Kasper Schmeichel (GK)
The Danish international goalkeeper featured against Sheffield United, where he kept a much-needed clean sheet. Schmeichel will be looking to extend his clean sheets tally this week as Leicester City look to avoid conceding against a weak attack of Stoke City.
Danny Simpson (RB)
Head coach Claude Puel is not expected to make many changes in the defensive combination, with Danny Simpson once again expected to start as the right-back.
Aleksandar Dragovic (RCB)
Veteran Wes Morgan, who featured in the win over Sheffield United, could be replaced by Aleksandar Dragovic. The Austrian has normally been Leicester’s first choice CB alongside Harry Maguire this season and it will be no different this week.
Harry Maguire (LCB)
Former Hull City centre-back Harry Maguire will partner Dragovic in central defence. The English international has been one of the best players for the Foxes this season and is a sure starter.
Christian Fuchs (LB)
Christian Fuchs should replace youngster Ben Chilwell in the left-back position. The highly experienced Austrian defender will be a key cog in defence as Leicester look to stop Stoke City on the break.
Vicente Iborra (CDM)
Claude Puel is likely to go with the same midfield combination he used against Sheffield United. Therefore, Spaniard Vicente Iborra should start in central midfield. The former Sevilla midfielder will bring assurance and composure in the middle third of the pitch for Leicester City.
Wilfred Ndidi (CDM)
Wilfred Ndidi’s presence in midfield will be vital as Leicester look to dominate their opposition this weekend. The Nigerian will partner Vicente Iborra in central midfield.
Riyad Mahrez (RM)
Riyad Mahrez is once again expected to be given a starting berth against Stoke City this weekend. The Algerian superstar will be fully focused on performing well against the struggling Potters.
Marc Albrighton (LM)
Youngster Demarai Gray should be replaced by Marc Albrighton on the left-hand side of midfield. The 28-year-old will play a key role on the flanks. His impressive crossing ability coupled with his sensation runs behind the defence will be useful in the final third.
Jamie Vardy (ST)
Jamie Vardy will be the main man for Leicester City this weekend. The English international has the tenacity as well as the pace to prevail against this weak looking Stoke City, who are definitely low on confidence. Vardy will be looking to continue his scoring run after netting the winner against Sheffield.
Kelechi Iheanacho (ST)
Jamie Vardy should be partnered by former Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho in the centre-forward position. The attacking duo has the pace to create quite a stir in the opposing defence.