Leicester City will look to maintain their consistent start to the campaign when they host Everton at the King Power Stadium today. The Foxes are coming on the back of a three-game winning streak in all competitions, including a victory against Wolves via a penalty shootout in the Carabao Cup.
Everton, on the other hand, were knocked out of the Carabao Cup earlier this week, slumping to a disappointing defeat against Southampton via a penalty shootout. They have been far from perfect under Marco Silva this season but a win on Saturday could seriously boost their confidence, going into the international break.
Team news
Leicester City will be without the services of midfielder Matty James and key attacker Demarai Gray, both of whom are ruled out with injuries. Jamie Vardy, on the other hand, suffered a knock in the win over Newcastle though it’s likely that he will be fit enough to start.
Defence
Kasper Schmeichel will start in goal for Leicester as he looks for his third clean sheet of the season.
Daniel Amartey will once again be deployed as the right-back with Ben Chilwell starting on the opposite flank.
Earlier this week, Puel revealed why 34-year-old Wes Morgan is being preferred ahead of new signing Jonny Evans in central defence. And we expect the Frenchman to opt for the veteran defender once again this weekend as he partners Harry Maguire at the heart of Leicester’s four-man backline.
The latter played a key role in the win over Newcastle, scoring a goal whilst winning the most number of headed duels in the team.
Midfield
Wilfred Ndidi and Nampalys Mendy will continue to start at the base of Leicester’s 4-2-3-1. While Ndidi has been vital in midfield with his tackles and interceptions as well as his aerial prowess(5 aerial duels won against Newcastle), Mendy is an outstanding partner to have, thanks to his industry in midfield. His tenacity and work-ethic also help Leicester become much sharper in the pressing phases.
Attack
As for the creativity, the onus will be on James Maddison, who has been deployed in a wider position in his last few matches. But he might start today in the no.10 role pushing Iheanacho out of the team. Ricardo Pereira will start on the right flank with Rachid Ghezzal a possibility on the left-wing. Jamie Vardy is in good form and will hold the key today.
SCHMEICHEL
AMARTEY-MORGAN-MAGUIRE-CHILWELL
MENDY-NDIDI
PEREIRA-MADDISON-GHEZZAL
VARDY
Stat courtesy: Whoscored