If one year ago someone would have said that Leicester City will be taking part in the Community Shield as the Premier League Champions, you would not have been blamed to term that person as a fool. But here we are 2015-2016 Premier League Champions Leicester City will take on Manchester United the FA Cup Champions on Sunday at the Wembley Stadium. The Foxes were brilliant last season as they defeated one team after another and finished the season on top with a gap of 10 points over Arsenal. For nine months and 38 games, Claudio Ranieri’s squad was the best side in England.
Leicester were on the brink of relegation in the 2014-2015 season, they started last season with odds of 5,000 to 1 to win the Premier League and in May this year, they did the unthinkable. But on Sunday they will answer the question of what comes next now? They will be up against a United full of confidence after some quality reinforcements this year and a manager who hates losing. Interestingly it was Mourinho himself, who took from Ranieri in 2004 as the Chelsea manager. Here we look at the predicted Starting XI that Ranieri might opt for.
Goalkeeper: Kasper Schmeichel
Schmeichel was one of Leicester’s star performers last season, playing every minute of the campaign and keeping 15 clean sheets in the process. He has reportedly agreed on a new contract extension of 5 years. He is the club’s number one keeper and will surely start on Sunday.
Defenders: Fuchs, Wes Morgan, Robert Huth and Simpson
Fuchs endured a disappointing European Championship with the Austrian National team and will be itching to get back on the field and start afresh. He will slot in at left-back, while Simpson will come in on the right. The defence line will remain the same as what started in the majority of the games last season. Wes Morgan will lead the side on Sunday, he will be stationed in central defence alongside Robert Huth. Both of them formed a solid partnership at the back and therefore will be looking to continue the same next season.
Midfielders: Albrighton, Drinkwater, King and Mahrez
Kante’s departure to Chelsea is going to leave a wide gaping hole in the centre of the field, Andy King will be responsible for taking over the baton from the Frenchman. He did well in Euro 2016 for Welsh national team and should start in central midfield alongside the gritty Drinkwater. Mahrez who has been a target of much speculation this summer following his outstanding performance last season will slot in on the right wing, with Albrighton on the left.
Strikers: Jamie Vardy and Musa
Similar to Mahrez, Arsenal were keen to bring Vardy to the Emirates this summer, however, the England international declined the gesture and instead signed a much-improved contract with the Foxes. He will partner new signing Musa up front. The Nigerian came on in the second half against Barcelona and netted a brace, therefore there will be huge expectations from him this season. He will be responsible for taking some of the goal scoring pressure off Vardy.
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