With 43 points from 33 games, Claude Puel’s Leicester City have cemented their place in the top half of the points table but have very little chance of breaking into the top 6 this season. But the manager will hope to end the season on a high to take some momentum into the next season and will want his side to arrest a mini-slump, after losing to Burnley and Newcastle United in the last two games.
They have a serious chance of getting back to winning ways this weekend when they welcome a Southampton side struggling to pick up points this season. With relegation looming large, the Saints threw away a two-goal lead against Chelsea last weekend and have now picked up just two points from their last seven league games.
A loss in this game will seriously reduce their chances of retaining their top-flight status and are sure to come out all guns blazing in this game. But they are low on confidence and could be up for a battering at King Power. Here is the predicted lineup Puel might field for this tie:
Team News
In early team news, Matty James and Vicente Iborra are the only absentees for the Foxes ahead of this game. Kasper Schmeichel picked up a niggle in that game against Burnley and is expected to miss this tie while Shinji Okazaki and Daniel Amartey will both undergo late fitness tests before the game.
Expected lineup (4-4-2)
Defence
With Schmeichel doubtful for this game, Ben Hamer, who came on for the last few minutes against Burnley, is expected to start under the bar this weekend. He could be the weak link and needs to be protected well by Wes Morgan and Harry Maguire, both of who have been solid at the back this season for Leicester.
Ben Chilwell has been a regular at left-back and will retain his place in the side while Danny Simpson has also been effective and will start at right-back.
Midfield
Wilfried Ndidi was missed last weekend by Leicester but he is now available to play and will start at the heart of the midfield for Leicester. Adrien Silva is now a regular in the first team, thanks to injuries and will keep his place alongside Ndidi this weekend.
Marc Albrighton, who was an unused substitute in the last round, could replace Demarai Gray on the left flank. Riyad Mahrez was not at his best against the Clarets and should put in a better performance against The Saints. He will start on the right flank in the midfield.
Attack
Demarai Gray did not have the greatest game against Burnley. But he will start in a no. 10 role this weekend. Jamie Vardy is Leicester City’s top goal scorer and will be the biggest threat for Southampton this weekend.
Here is how they might line up:
