Leicester City host Northampton Town in the first round of the Carabao Cup at the King Power Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Leicester City kick off their bid for redemption in the 2026/27 season with a Carabao Cup tie against Northampton Town. It has been a dismal two years for LCFC, who sit in League One after consecutive relegations from the Premier League and Championship.
The Foxes are now rebuilding under Russell Martin, who will be determined to start his reign with a win. They won four of seven games over pre-season, including a 3-0 triumph over their upcoming cup opponents.
Northampton Town are under new management themselves as they prepare for the trip to Leicester City. Chris Hogg has taken charge at Sixfields and is tasked with stabilising the club after relegation to League Two last term.
The Cobblers have had a mixed pre-season while they shape the squad to new boss Hogg’s liking. Seven new faces have joined, and it will be hoped more additions await as they hope for a far stronger 2026/27 campaign.
James Ray
“Anticipation is high at both Leicester City and Northampton Town as the new season gets underway. Significant improvements are required at both clubs after dismal 2025/26 campaigns, and if they can’t, then they could be set for unwanted stays in their new divisions.
“You have to favour LCFC coming into this one. The Foxes should be too strong for League One this term, let alone the Cobblers here.
“Even with new signings needed, Leicester should have a more than good enough team to get through to the second round. Town will hope to make it tough for Martin, but the hosts should control the ball and have the quality to create and convert chances when they come.
“It should be a fairly straightforward win for the hosts here. I’ll say City start their competitive campaign with a 2-0 triumph.”
Prediction: Leicester City 2-0 Northampton Town
Harry Mail
“I have been impressed with Leicester City’s signings so far this summer. LCFC have the chance to get back into the habit of winning games this season.
“This cup tie is an opportunity for Russell Martin to take a look at some of their new faces and their fringe players. I think they will have too much quality for their upcoming opponents, even if they put out a weakened team.
“Northampton Town will be in for a tough test against the Foxes at the King Power Stadium. They need a complete reset after the last campaign.
“The Cobblers were very poor in League One and will be aiming to bounce back in League Two. Although it may be a close one, I can’t see the visitors progressing into round two.”
Prediction: Leicester City 2-1 Northampton Town
Enjoyed that? Add us to your Google sources
See more EFL transfer news and match reaction from The72, first, in Google Search.