Listening to Gary Rowett after the 1-3 collapse vs. Queens Park Rangers, it seems he could change both players and system for the next match away to Watford.
The shambles and lack of communication was a key reason for the goals Queens Park Rangers scored. You can blame Jacub Stolarczyk, but he is not the one doing the errors. Ben Nelson is the player to point at. He lacks vital skills in certain situations and struggles to read the game the way he should.
Ben Nelson is not a player to trust as a talisman in the back. He can be in there with a routined player alongside him to guide him, in that back four. However, he seems far from consistent at this level. He struggles with his positioning and struggles to read the game in the way he should. Caleb Okoli is a bit similar to Ben Nelson, but still a much better player in duels and tackles. He is a defender with a previous life in Serie A. Together with a more experienced player, Okoli is a proper option. Listening to people pointing at Caleb Okoli, you start wonder what for. He has done well, not been involved in any shambles and had good games. Ben Nelson is the player to remove. To be honest, he is only an emergency cover if Vestergaard, Lascelles or Okoli are not available. Hamza Choudhury is even a better alternative as a central defender than Ben Nelson.
The goalkeeper situation can also be addressed. At this time, Jacub Stolarczyk is the only solution. Asmir Begovic does not have the same range and is not the shotstopper needed. Jacub might have a distribution problem. You can solve this by sending a clear message from the bench. Tell him to just play the long ball out. Avoid short distribution on the floor.
We had high hopes for Gary Rowett and his style of management when taking over at Leicester. However, at this point, he has not managed to solve the situation as well as we would have hoped.
Up front he needs to think outside the box, and stop focusing on just two options. Patson Daka and Jordan Ayew are not better options than Abdul Fatawu as the top striker. Abdul could move into the middle, giving Monga and Mavididi a chance to play on each flank. We have talked about this the whole season, having these three players in the front line. If this was a choice between Ayew or Daka, it would be Daka. However, in terms of ability and talent, the three others are better footballers.
The midfield should change to a single pivot. Oliver Skipp in the deep role. Harry Winks and Jordan James on each side. To leave Harry Winks out of the team, at this point, is madness. He is the best footballer at this football club. He talks on the pitch. He also has the overall quality to drag this team out of the trouble they are in.
Devine Mukasa has not given us any proof yet that he is a player to trust in heated moments. He often vanishes and does not really have the ability to perform as he should. Still only 18 years of age and a player to put on in the final minutes if needed.
Divine news! 😄
Divine Mukasa has joined us on loan for the rest of 25/26! 🙌
— Leicester City (@LCFC) February 3, 2026
Ricardo Pereira should be the right back alternative if he is fit. If he needs a rist just play Hamza Choudhury. Choudhury should also be seen as a player in the midfield. He is a good tackler and a midfielder. If any of the three mentioned above get injured, give him a start. Joe Aribo is also a cover to consider.
Luke Thomas is the only option to the left in defence.
This is then the preferred line-up;
Stolarczyk – Pereira, Thomas, Okoli, Vestergaard – Skipp, Winks, James – Fatawu, Mavididi, Monga
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