Spartak Moscow Vs Leicester City Preview – by Ethan Farmer

Spartak Moscow Vs Leicester City Preview

Tonight, Leicester City will look for their first Europa League win of the season. Following a fortunate point against Napoli and a disappointing loss to Legia Warsaw, the pressure is mounting on Brendan Rodgers.

The Foxes have won just one of their last eight matches in all competitions, the win came against Millwall [dependent on Man United result]. This ran has included disappointing 2-2 draws to Crystal Palace and Burnley.

They sit bottom of their Europa League group after only getting one point from their opening two matches. A worrying start for the Foxes who were favourites to win the group.

Leicester are looking to turn this form around as more dropped points here make it very difficult to qualify for the next round of the Europa League. If they don’t make it out of this group, the fans will be calling for Rodgers to be replaced especially if their disappointing domestic form continues.

However, the owners have backed the Northern Irish manager, so they clearly trust his project.

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

Goalkeeper – Kasper Schmeichel

The former Leeds United shot-stopper is ever-present in between the sticks at the King Power. Schmeichel’s consistency for the East Midlands club is unmatched and he has to start.

Right-back – Timothy Castagne

Castagne offers a lot of attacking threat to Leicester whilst being solid defensively. This makes him a strong contender to start this match ahead of Ricardo Pereira especially as they’ll likely have to break Spartak Moscow down in this match.

Central Defender – Calgar Söyüncü

Söyüncü’s athleticism in this match could be crucial to stopping the Russian’s sides counter attacks. The Turkish defender’s presence in the back line is always felt for the Foxes.

Central Defender – Jonny Evans

The Northern Irish defender seems to be aging like a fine wine. Despite losing pace and having a few injuries, his performances haven’t deteriorated.

Left-back – Ryan Bertrand

Bertrand has played more minutes this campaign than many have expected. This is due to some good performances, he already looks like an excellent signing.

Defensive Midfielder – Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

The youngster had a quiet debut against Legia Warsaw. However, Dewsbury-Hall was deployed out of position. If he is given a chance in his defensive midfielder role, he could impress and push for more minutes.

Defensive Midfielder – Youri Tielemans

Tielemans being played further back could be pivotal to Leicester breaking Krasno-Belye. The Belgian’s ability to play further back and still offer a huge attacking threat is well utilised by Rodgers.

Right Winger – Patson Daka

Unfortunately for Daka and Leicester, Daka is yet to really hit form. Last season he managed 27 goals in 28 league matches meaning his ability shouldn’t be doubted, he just needs his first goal for the club.

Attacking Midfielder – James Maddison

Like Tielemans, Maddison’s creativity will be hugely important to Brendan Rodgers in this match. They will be expected to get three points here and the Englishmen likes to step up when his club need him.

Left Winger – Harvey Barnes

Barnes’ direct running and dribbling will be another important attacking weapon for the East Midlands club here. If he doesn’t start in this must win match, it will be a huge shock.

Striker – Jamie Vardy

Although this game may not suit Vardy’s strength of running off the last defender’s shoulder, his ability to pick up space and his finishing will still be hugely important here. Like Maddison, Vardy steps up in the big moments, Rodgers needs his keyman.