After losing back to back matches in the Premier League, Leicester City will look to bounce back to winning ways when they host West Ham United at the King Power Stadium tomorrow.
The Foxes will be coming up against a Hammers side, who have also lost their last two matches, which makes this a fascinating encounter as both teams will battle it out for the three points on Saturday.
Leicester City team news
Wes Morgan is suspended until 3rd November. The veteran defender has already received two red cards this season and has rightly been on the end of some major criticism from fans for his lack of discipline.
In addition, Leicester will also miss out on the services of midfielder Matty James, who is suffering from an Achilles problem. In what will come as a boost, both Jamie Vardy and Demarai Gray have returned to training, though an immediate start looks unlikely for Gray.
Predicted Leicester City lineup vs West Ham United
Defence
Claude Puel’s plot to deploy three-men at the back against Arsenal clearly didn’t work last weekend, despite looking promising at times. As a result, the Frenchman will likely revert to his customary 4-2-3-1 formation with Kasper Schmeichel starting in between the sticks.
New signing Jonny Evans will continue to deputize for the suspended Wes Morgan. He will partner English international Harry Maguire at the heart of the Leicester City defence. Maguire’s aerial prowess(won the most number of aerial duels in the team this season) could be key this weekend as Leicester look to pounce on the West Ham defence by using their proficiency from set-pieces.
Elsewhere, Daniel Amartey will shift to a wider position to feature as the right-back with Ben Chilwell starting on the opposite flank. Chilwell has impressed this season, having made 10 key passes, eight interceptions along with 21 tackles and it will be interesting to see how he deals with West Ham’s threat in the wider areas.
Midfield
Wilfred Ndidi and Nampalys Mendy will retain their place at the base of Leicester’s 4-2-3-1. Ndidi’s excellent work-ethic(39 tackles and 14 interceptions this season) could be key, especially in dealing with Mark Noble’s excellent ball circulation in the middle third of the pitch.
Elsewhere, new signing Ricardo Pereira will start as the right-sided midfielder with Demarai Gray yet to be match fit. Marc Albrighton is expected to be deployed on the opposite flank after having returned from injury last weekend. He appeared as a second-half sub for Kelechi Iheanacho and is tipped to start this weekend against West Ham United.
Attack
Albrighton’s return to full fitness will allow James Maddison to start in his preferred attacking midfield position. The former Norwich starlet has notched up 18 key passes this season and his creativity could be key as Leicester look to create opportunities for their main striker Jamie Vardy upfront.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
