Star Returns: Strongest 4-4-2 Leicester City Line-Up To Face Stoke City

Leicester City Predicted Line-Up vs Stoke City

Leicester City will hope to continue their resurgence under new manager Craig Shakespeare after the international break, as they welcome Mark Hughes’ Stoke City to the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

The Foxes are enjoying a great run of form in recent weeks and have won all of their previous 3 Premier League fixtures. They come into the game following a 3-2 win away at West Ham United and will be looking to pull further away from the relegation zone with another win on Saturday. The last time the two teams met, the match ended in a 2-2 draw at the Bet365 Stadium, but Shakespeare will be hoping to extend his winning record to five games in all competitions.

Team News:

Captain Wes Morgan is expected to make a return to the playing XI after missing out against West Ham due to a back strain. Midfielder Nampalys Mendy has returned to full training after recovering from his knee injury and could find a place on the bench. Molla Wague remains the only long-term absentee, having been ruled out for the season due to a dislocated shoulder.

Here is how Leicester could line up on Saturday:

Manager: Craig Shakespeare

Formation: 4-4-2

Expected Starting XI:

Kasper Schmeichel (GK)

The Great Dane has been in fine form of late and has single-handedly saved Leicester on many occasions with some great saves. He is definitely one of the first names on the team sheet.

Danny Simpson (RB)

At right-back, the consistent Danny Simpson is expected to continue. The former Newcastle United man has been a constant presence in the Leicester defence, and we don’t expect that to change.

Wes Morgan (CB)

The captain sat out the West Ham encounter due to a back problem. He has had a good two weeks to recover from it and expect him to return to the line-up ahead of Yohan Benalouane.

Robert Huth (CB)

Slotting alongside Morgan will be veteran defender Robert Huth. The former Stoke City defender will be relishing going up against his former teammates.

Christian Fuchs (LB)

And completing the back four will be Christian Fuchs at left-back. The Austrian has been one of the few consistent players for the Foxes this term and will look to keep Jonathan Walters quiet.

Riyad Mahrez (RM)

On the right-hand side of the midfield, we will see Riyad Mahrez take the pitch. The Algerian winger has hit some form in recent weeks and will look to hurt Stoke with his slaloming runs.

Danny Drinkwater (CM)

In the middle of the park, it will be the ever-present Danny Drinkwater. The Englishman is the linchpin of the Leicester midfield as he pulls the strings for them. He will be key to unlock a tough Stoke defence.

Wilfred Ndidi (CM)

The 20-year old has become a regular starter under Shakespeare and has returned the faith of the manager with some solid performances in the centre of the pitch. He will hold onto his place alongside Drinkwater.

Marc Albrighton (LM)

On the left-flank, it will be the hard-working Marc Albrighton. The 27-year old is a key player for Leicester with his runs down the left and his accurate crossing. He is a sure starter.

Shinji Okazaki (CF)

Up front, it will be Japanese striker Shinji Okazaki. The forward hasn’t been among the goals of late but will continue to start based on the sheer amount of hard work and industry he brings to the table.

Jamie Vardy (ST)

And alongside Okazaki, it will be star man Jamie Vardy. The Englishman has shown signs of form in recent weeks after a poor start to the season and scored for the Three Lions against Lithuania in the international break. He would love to keep the form going.