It is going to be interesting to see if we can build some momentum over the festive period. The fixture list is tough, but we need to see our team be competitive at the very minimum.
Ideally, we will pick up a few points to aid our survival battle. The match today is a good opportunity, as we are facing a team low on confidence or form in Leicester City.
Below, we predict the likely starting eleven for the 2pm kick off at the King Power Stadiun:
Martin Dubravka – This is no longer a debate any more. Eddie Howe may wish to sign a better keeper in the next 12 months, but for now, Dubravka is the best option we have. He should have some sharpness now and we will need him at our best given the matches we have ahead.
Javier Manquillo – Manquillo has been impressive when he has played this season. He isn’t great in either half of the pitch, but he is steady and the best right back we have.
Fabian Schar – There might be a small doubt over Schar as he has been suffering with a niggle. He and Lascelles looked good as a pairing last weekend. They deserve a chance to build a partnership. On the ball, Schar is a useful player to have as he can launch attacks.
Jamaal Lascelles – It was a magnificent performance from the skipper last week. Hopefully it is the start 9f a resurgence for him, as he has been struggling in 2021. He will have a tough task against Jamie Vardy, who has historically done well against us.
Jamal Lewis – In a short space of time, Jamal Lewis has gone from a player never used to a first team starter under Eddie Howe. It was always expected that he would get into the team and his performances have been impressive. Hopefully he continues to grow.
Jonjo Shelvey – We know how highly he is rated by Eddie Howe. His passing range will be key in the coming weeks, as we will need to do well on the counter attack. Last season, our pace and dynamism caused Leicester problems. It can do again and Shelvey will be vital in launching those attacks.
Joe Willock – There has been some criticism of Willock in recent weeks, but his energy and work rate is key in the balance of the formation. His mobility covers for Shelvey in the middle of the park and he is an active presser in the system. Since Howe took over, his goal threat has been increasing too.
Joelinton – Like Lewis, Joelinton has had quite some transformation under Howe. He is one of the first names on the team sheet and he is no longer seen as a waste of a shirt. His pressing and physicality will be key in unsettling the Leicester defence.
Miguel Almiron – I think it is clear that the South American impresses Eddie Howe last weekend. His energy is infectious and he will be particularly important in matches like the ones we have this month.
Allan Saint-Maximin – The Frenchman has been underwhelming in the last couple of matches, but he will be given a lot more space and freedom in the attacking half against better opposition. We are due a match winning performance from the attacked. Maybe it will come this weekend.
Callum Wilson – His goals have been a big reason for our four points that we have picked up over the last two matches. Wilson is hungry for more goals and he will sense a vulnerability in the Leicester defence.
