How Leicester City Have Lined Up Recently
In Andy King’s first game in charge, just one change came. Jakub Stolarczyk remained in between the sticks, as the Foxes’ 24-game run without a clean sheet hits a new low. A centre-back partnership of Ben Nelson and Caleb Okoli started, although the Italian saw the red mist descend after just a quarter of an hour gone. At left-back, Luke Thomas returned, which led to Nelson moving more centrally and Jannik Vestegaard out the side with an injury. Capping off the backline was the skipper Ricardo Periera, who has now featured in four consecutive games.
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In midfield, Louis Page partnered Hamza Chouhdury, although the latter was forced off with injury early on. This led to Harry Winks returning to the pitch for the first time since being hooked at half-time against Sheffield United in late November. Just in front of them was Bobby De Cordova Reid, who also played for very few minutes as Bade Aluko came on to replace the outgoing Okoli.
Out wide, Stephy Mavdidi and Abdul Fatawu started, with the duo continuing to struggle. Leading the line was, of course, Jordan Ayew, who missed a crucial penalty when Leicester were gaining momentum and searching for a way back into the game. It was the Ghanian’s 30th appearance of the campaign, which perhaps best emphasises his influence within the squad.
Leicester City’s Recent Form And Tactics
Against the Addicks, King’s first game in the hot seat got off to the worst possible start. Okoli was sent off after 15 minutes, which completely altered his tactics and plans. Most importantly, Aluko came off the bench and played in the centre-back role, which isn’t his natural position. Due to the disadvantages, the visitors found the opener through Sonny Carey. Harry Clarke, on the right-hand side, had acres of space to drive into, and his ball into the box wasn’t dealt with by the youthful backline.
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Just over 10 minutes later, Lyndon Dykes doubled their lead as another cross came into the box, and was met by a player in red. Despite this, in the second half, King’s team talk clearly made a difference as his side found major improvements. Fatawu even won a penalty, but Ayew couldn’t convert it, which subsequently halted the momentum that City were gaining. Whilst Charlton, of course, didn’t need to take any risks going forward, Leicester did look more threatening. They had 14 shots, which led to a total of 1.54 on XG, a tally far superior to their opposition, which hasn’t been commonplace this season.
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With King’s first game in charge practically written off after just 15 minutes, it will be interesting to see what kind of magic he can work against the Blues. He also now has the luxury of new additions, which will certainly provide more competition for places. Jamaal Lascelles and Joe Aribo add plenty of experience, whilst Dujuan Richard offers something unique up top. Meanwhile, Divine Mukasa is a youngster full of flair and confidence, with a point to prove after being on the fringes of Manchester City’s first team.
Leicester City Team News
As confirmed by the manager, absences are an expectation heading into this trip to St Andrews. Following an injury against Charlton, Hamza Choudhury could be out for a while as he is visiting a specialist in London. Meanwhile, Vestergaard could return after not being in the matchday squad last weekend. In terms of other positives, Victor Kristiansen is back in training after a long-term injury, whilst Oliver Skipp is back available after missing two fixtures.
Leicester Predicted Lineup vs Birmingham City
GK: Jakub Stolarczyk
RB: Ricardo Pereira
RCB: Jamaal Lascelles
LCB: Ben Nelson
LB: Luke Thomas
DM: Oliver Skipp
DM: Joe Aribo
RW: Abdul Fatawu
AM: Bobby De Cordova-Reid
LW: Stephy Mavididi
ST: Jordan Ayew