How Leicester City Have Lined Up Recently
Against West Brom, Marti Cifuentes made three changes amid a struggle for form with three defeats in their last four. Although City shot-stopper Jakub Stolarczyk couldn’t deliver a clean sheet to stop the 20-game drought, his saves proved crucial in securing victory as he picked up the Man of the Match award. Whilst Jannik Vestergaard has returned to the squad, the centre-back partnership of Caleb Okoli and Ben Nelson remains intact. Meanwhile, Ricardo Pereira started in successive games, as Hamza Choudhury made a switch to the left due to Luke Thomas’ move to the bench.
As for midfield, once again, no alterations came. Due to the absences of Harry Winks, Boubakary Soumaré and Aaron Ramsey, the options in the centre of the pitch have been severely reduced. As a result, the trio of Bobby Decordova Reid, Oliver Skipp and Jordan James continued their run of games in the starting eleven. However, with teenager Louis Page impressing off the bench and Soumaré back from injury, the competition is likely to heat up.
Out wide, Jeremy Monga replaced Stephy Mavididi on the left, whilst Abdul Fatawu once again proved the difference maker on the right. The duo that dominated the Championship just two years ago, once again combined for the late goal as Mavididi’s cross was perfectly met by the Ghanaian. Up top, Jordan Ayew led the line, and managed to score his fifth league goal of the campaign; a number which is already equal to his tally last season.
Leicester City’s Recent Form And Tactics
Going into the game, both sides were desperate to take all three points. With new managers, the two Midlands clubs have struggled to adapt throughout this season and as a result both sat in the bottom half of the table. In the last encounter, a late goal from Reid stole a point for the Foxes after Albion couldn’t take their chances; a synopsis eerily similar to how it played out the second time.
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After a great start to the clash, Leicester found the opener through some excellent combinations and a third-man run from James. The quick passing cut through the visitors block and gave Ayew an easy finish for 1-0. Despite the positive signs, in accordance with much of the season, Leicester couldn’t maintain control and prevent the Baggies from responding. Karlan Grant gained the separation from the aging Pereira and found himself through on goal, where beat Stolarczyk and found the back of the net.
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In the next 45, Mason’s side once again were knocking on the door. Price hit the post and Stolarczyk was called upon numerous times. The Polish shot stopper has come under much scrutiny this season, as he has the most errors leading to goals in the whole league with three. However, he responded brilliantly with some massive saves, With the game level, a bit of magic was needed, and that’s what Fatawu provided as he smashed the ball home in the 95th minute. Even after the winner, Leicester pressed on and came close to a third, if not for Josh Griffiths denying Page.
Leicester City Team News
As confirmed by the Spaniard, absences are an expectation heading into the FA Cup clash. After returning against Derby, Ramsey once again came off injured, which means he is out for the next few months. Aside from this, longer-term absentee Harry Souttar is gaining fitness after being on the sidelines for over year. The Australian is now dealing with a fresh injury, but is making steps to return to action. As for positives, Soumaré is back, having been out since late November. However, it’s not clear how he will fit into plans given interest from AS Monaco.
Leicester Predicted Lineup vs Cheltenham Town
GK: Jakub Stolarczyk
RB: Hamza Choudhury
RCB: Caleb Okoli
LCB: Ben Nelson
LB: Olabade Aluko
DM: Oliver Skipp
DM: Louis Page
RW: Silko Thomas
AM: Bobby Decordova Reid
LW: Jeremy Monga
ST: Patson Daka
Featured Image Credit
IMAGO / Pro Sports Images