Strongest line-ups when the manager has a fully-fit squad
CITY MISSING EVANS AND FOFANA IN
IT’S not very often that Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has had a full squad to choose from since arriving at the King Power Stadium, writes Amie Wilson.
Injuries have especially hit the team over the last two seasons with a number of players spending time in the treatment room.
While the situation has eased up a little, there are still a few key players who are yet to return, especially in the backline.
It may yet be a few months before the possibility of having everyone available is a reality.
But when that does happen, it will give Rodgers a few selection headaches going into games.
So how could a fully-fit Leicester City line-up look once players such as Wesley Fofana, James Justin and Wilfred Ndidi return to action?
Here is a look at two possibilities with two different formations.
Possible Leicester City XI (4-2-31):
Schmeichel; Castagne, Evans, Fofana, Justin; Ndidi, Tielemans; Barnes, Lookman, Iheanacho; Vardy
It’s fair to say Leicester haven’t had too much luck with defensive injuries over the last 18 months with three of what will arguably be the first choice back four all suffering long-term problems. Jonny Evans is City’s most experienced defender and the one who brings a calmness and leadership to the backline.
The Northern Irishman has been struggling with a foot injury which has disrupted both the end of last season and the start of this one.
The backline was rocked further when Wesley Fofana suffered his horrible injury in the pre-season clash against Villarreal.
Fofana was a revelation after joining from St Etienne last summer and City fans will be hoping he can rediscover that form once his rehabilitation is complete.
When they are both fit, Evans and Fofana are the first choice centre-back pairing when playing four at the back.
James Justin was on the verge of an England call-up due to his performances at left-back last season, but a ruptured ACL in the FA Cup clash against Brighton cut his season short.
The full-back is now nearing a return to fitness and will arguably again become City’s best left-back option despite the arrival of Ryan Bertrand in the summer.
A midfield pairing of Wilfred Ndidi and Youri Tielemans is one of the strongest in the league when on form with Harvey Barnes and Ademola Lookman providing speed and penetration from wide areas.
Kelechi Iheanacho has been one of City’s key players for the last six to 12 months, finishing as top goalscorer last season, giving Rodgers no choice in starting him.
The Nigerian can line up just behind Jamie Vardy where he can help to both create and score goals.
Possible Leicester City XI (3-51-2):
Schmeichel; Soyuncu, Evans, Fofana, Ricardo, Ndidi, Tielemans, Justin; Maddison, Iheanacho, Vardy
The three at the back system would allow Rodgers to get both Maddison and Iheanacho in the starting line-up, but at the expense of both Barnes and Lookman in wide areas.
Caglar Soyuncu could slot into the defensive line, with the Turkish international tending to perform better alongside both Fofana and Evans.
Right-back is one of the most competitive positions in the team with both Timothy Castagne and Ricardo Pereira battling it out, but Ricardo may just get the nod in the more attacking wing-back position.
The inclusion of Maddison would allow Iheanacho to play closer to Vardy in a front two with Maddison becoming the provider.
When on form, the City number 10 is one of the most creative players in the Premier League.