Leicester City will take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on August 14. Both teams are without a win in the Premier League and find themselves just above the relegation zone. The Foxes sit 15th, with Crystal Palace a spot below. In what is bound to be a close contest, here’s how Leicester City could line up against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on August 14.
Goalkeeper
Mads Hermansen
Hermansen is the undisputed number-one keeper at the club. The Denmark international has been solid in goal, making some impressive saves in Leicester’s opening games. Hermansen also shows composure on the ball, with Steve Cooper continuing Enzo Maresca’s philosophy of building from the back.
Defence
Ricardo Pereira, Caleb Okoli, Wout Faes, James Justin
Having sat on the bench so far, Pereira should be given a chance in the starting line-up. Justin replaces Victor Kristiansen on the left as an inverted fullback. Following a decent debut, Okoli keeps his place in the team with Faes alongside him. While Jannik Vestergaard has a solid case to start, his lack of pace keeps him on the bench for now.
Midfield
Harry Winks, Oliver Skipp; Facundo Buonanotte
Winks and Skipp continue as a pivot at the base of the midfield. The two are press-resistant and exude composure, making them vital members of the starting eleven. With Palace expected to dominate proceedings as the home side, the English duo will have quite a bit of defending to do.
Leicester were too defensive in their last game against Aston Villa, with Wilfred Ndidi as the attacking midfielder. Against Crystal Palace, Buonanotte gets the nod ahead of the exciting Bilal El Khannouss. The Argentine has Premier League experience and has started the season well with the Foxes. El Khannouss will be a strong option off the bench in the second half.
Forwards
Abdul Fatawu, Jamie Vardy, Jordan Ayew
With Patson Daka injured and Odsonne Edouard ineligible to face his parent club, Vardy starts up front. While Fatawu has struggled to get the better of the opposition fullbacks, he remains one of Leicester’s major threats and works admirably hard in defence. Stephy Mavididi made an instant impact coming off the bench against Aston Villa but Ayew retains his starting spot to face his old club. Ayew’s ability to hold the ball and draw fouls will be important for the Foxes at Selhurst Park. Mavididi remains an excellent option for Steve Cooper to bring off the bench in the second half.
Leicester City predicted XI vs Crystal Palace
Mads Hermansen; Ricardo Pereira, Caleb Okoli, Wout Faes, James Justin; Harry Winks, Oliver Skipp; Facundo Buonanotte; Abdul Fatawu, Jamie Vardy, Jordan Ayew.
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