Leicester vs Oxford: Predicted starting 11 as Foxes look to make it two in a row
Russell Martin's King Power squad welcome Oxford United, looking to build on their first win of the league season against Plymouth Argyle. The Foxes finalised their transfer business and will be expecting a tense match against the former EFL Championship team, but hope their new signings make a difference.
It looks really serious, unfortunately. I’m absolutely gutted for Jakub. Let’s hope for good newsRussell Martin, Via LCFC
The head coach has commented on the injury facing Polish goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk. Coming off during the Plymouth Argyle tie with an injury sustained in the opening minute, the goalie appeared to suffer a serious injury. The club have since confirmed Stolarczyk is likely out for the rest of the season.
[Conor Chaplin] does not feel it is too bad, but for him not to carry on, it is not going to be a really little one. So we will have to assess thatRussell Martin, via LeicestershireLive
Conor Chaplin and Caleb Okoli have been unavailable due to injuries, and we have no new information besides a possible exit for the Italian defender. Chaplin came off injured against MK Dons in the opening half and has struggled with injury since arriving from Ipswich Town. The club have since confirmed neither is available due to injury for this fixture, but are hoping for their returns over the next couple of weeks.
Predicted Leicester City starting XI
In the net, Franco Ravizzoli will not be making his Leicester City debut. It is more likely we shall see the new signing start in the EFL Trophy against Fulham's U21 squad. Therefore, the man whose inspired heroics kept Martin's clean sheet and first win... Alex McCarthy will start the match. Despite some shaky attempts at ball control and passing, so long as we do not allow him to receive a pass under pressure, McCarthy is a solid shot-stopper.
But when you look at who we had out... Louis Page has played three 90 minutes in a week... Christian [McFarlane] the same. JJ (Jayden Joseph) had to come off because he was really fatigued. Luke [Thomas] and Soutts (Harry Souttar) going againRussell Martin, via LCFC
The backline will see our first new signing make their debut. Christian McFarlane will start on the left side of defence, Luke Thomas will be rested in favour of Warren O'Hora, Harry Souttar will again captain the side, and Olabade Aluko may start the game to rest Jayden Joseph. However, Martin may instead decide to start 'JJ' and bring Aluko on at the 55-60 minute mark to reduce the strain on the player.
In midfield, it is impossible to see anything but Louis Page, Sammy Braybrooke, and like Bobby De Cordova-Reid. Even with De Cordova-Reid making myriad misses in the previous tie, Leicester's manager seems to prefer the experience he offers over the also experienced Liam Cullen. Chaplin would obviously start were he available. John Lundstram will likely come on during the match.
Upfront, LCFC will stick with Will Alves on the left and Harry Howell on the right. The pair have become nailed-on starters, showing themselves to be the sparks of creativity the Foxes need to create chances in tightly congested penalty boxes. In the middle, Admir Bristric will lose his starting spot to the 'Great Dane' Emil Riis as the King Power side will want to start converting their chances. The tall Danish forward could be a massive influence, finally a player who ought to know where the goal is.
Leicester City will push hard to get the win, and their deadline-day permanent signings will get their chance to show off their strengths at the King Power Stadium.
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