Legia Warsaw Vs Leicester City Preview

Tomorrow/tonight sees Leicester City make the trip to Poland to face Legia Warsaw. This will be their second Europa League group match. Following a somewhat disappointing 2-2 home draw with Napoli in the first match, Brendan Rodgers will be desperate to put that in the past.

On paper, a 2-2 draw with Napoli doesn’t seem bad. However, given how the teams played, Leicester can count themselves fortunate. According to The xG Philosophy on Twitter, the homeside only created 0.97 expected goals compared to 2.38 for Luciano Spalletti’s side.

This does deserve to be caveated with Leicester’s injuries to key players such as James Justin and Wesley Fofana. However, the Foxes did play last season with numerous long-term injuries to players such as Harvey Barnes. This means Rodgers is used to finding creative solutions when players are sidelined.

This season however, Leicester have struggled with that. They go into this match with only two Premier League wins from six matches – these wins came against Wolves and Norwich. This sees them down in 13^th having lost half of their league matches, including their 4-1 hammering by West Ham.

A slow start to the season has seen some Leicester fans call for Brendan Rodgers to be replaced. Leicester won’t be quick to sack the Northern Irishman due to his work at the King Power including winning the Community Shield and the club’s first ever FA Cup. But with managers like Lucien Favre, Frank Lampard and Quique Setién available, Rodgers will be weary he needs to turn the results around.

Predicted line-up (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper – Kasper Schmeichel

Leicester’s captain is expected to start but don’t be surprised if he is given a rest. That would see Welsh shot stopper Danny Ward come in.

Right-back – Timothy Castagne

The Belgian has impressed since joining from Atalanta last summer. Unfortunately for him, he has to battle Ricardo Pereira for a starting place, so chances are few and far to come by.

Central Defender – Daniel Amartey

Rodgers is expected to play a rotated squad. This could see Amartey get given another chance at the back for the Foxes.

Central Defender – Johnny Evans

The veteran doesn’t seem to age. The Northern Irish defender is always a rock at the back for Leicester and rarely makes a mistake.

Left-back – Ryan Bertrand

Another experienced player, Bertrand joined in the summer on a free. He is able to offer a lot of experience and give decent performances as second choice left-back.

Defensive midfielder – Hamza Choudhury

Due to rotation, Choudhury could get given another chance in Leicester’s midfield. If he’s given the chance and takes it, it will give Rodgers a lot to think about.

Defensive midfielder – Boubakary Soumaré

With Ndidi picking up a red card against Napoli, Soumaré is almost guaranteed to start in Poland. The Frenchman could be pivotal in this match.

Right winger – Ayoze Pérez

Pérez has had mixed form since joining from Newcastle. He seems to hit purple patches but overall, most fans seem underwhelmed with him, this could be his chance to prove doubters wrong.

Attacking midfielder – Kelchi Iheanacho

The Nigerian has really come into his own in the last 12-18 months after a slow start to life in the Midlands. He seems happy and ready to give his all for the club, this is the best version of him.

Left winger – Ademola Lookman

Lookman joined Leicester on loan from RB Leipzig on deadline day. After impressing on a loan spell in Germany, he’s yet to really find his feet. He’ll be hoping he can add to his singular League Cup goal in this match.

Striker – Patson Daka

The heir to Jamie Vardy’s throne could be the key to Leicester if they have any success in Europe this season. Following 27 goals in 28 Austrian Bundesliga matches last season, there is no doubting his ability, he just needs to get off the mark for the Foxes.