Following back-to-back victories against Charlton and Birmingham City, Leicester City return to action with a trip down south to Oxford. After some important business on transfer deadline day, and a strong start to the season, City’s fortunes look on the up. Therefore, with the new additions and the international break out of the way, here is the Leicester City Predicted Lineup as they visit the Kassam Stadium.
How Leicester City Have Lined Up Recently
Over the past few weeks, Marti Cifuentes has made several changes as he looks to find results. Despite a poor performance against Preston, Jakub Stolarczyk looked to move past his mistakes as he kept back-to-back clean sheets against both Charlton and Birmingham. The centre-back partnership of Caleb Okoli and Jannik Vestergaard has been ever-present so far this season, with Cifuentes describing them as providing a “good balance”. Rounding off the backline, academy graduates Luke Thomas and Hamza Choudhury continued their run of starts.
Boubakary Soumaré, alongside Oliver Skipp, has been the preferred double pivot recently as Harry Winks drops out. Questions over Bilal El Khannouss took up most of City’s time during the transfer window, and the concerns subsequently led to 17-year-old Louis Page coming into the squad. Out wide, deadly duo Abdul Fatawu and Stephy Mavididi returned to action against Birmingham City, as they look to reignite the form of two years ago. Meanwhile, Jordan Ayew remained up top as fellow striker Patson Daka joined him during the second half against Blues.
Leicester City’s Recent Form And Tactics
The first five fixtures of the Cifuentes era haven’t been perfect, but the most recent performance against Birmingham City was incredibly encouraging. Coming into the game, Chris Davies’ side were in great form, having picked up seven points from a possible nine in the league. In addition to this, their performance against the recently relegated Ipswich Town was strong, as a late penalty denied them a perfect start.
In contrast, the Foxes’ start wasn’t super positive as underwhelming performances came in all three games. Despite this, they still picked up two wins and have shown that their quality players can change a game in an instant. As a result, in the last match, it was Cifuentes’ side that came out victorious due to their strong game plan and individual brilliance.
Early on, it was once again Fatawu who gave his side the lead through a top-draw finish on his left foot. For much of the rest of the game, City were willing to relinquish possession and frustrate the visitors by using their 4-4-2 mid-block. Birmingham really struggled to create chances, and a major factor for this was how narrow both Leicester wingers were, which meant they couldn’t get the double pivot on the ball, where they can dictate. In addition, playing deeper also suited the likes of Skipp, Vestergaard and Thomas, as the trio all struggled in previous games.
Consequently, Davies’ side had just one shot on target and didn’t offer a substantial threat going forward. Eventually, it was the Foxes who found the late goal as Ricardo Pereira doubled the lead and provided a well-deserved victory.
Leicester City Injuries to Consider
As revealed by the Spaniard, there are no fresh injury concerns. Bobby Decordova Reid, Harry Souttar and Victor Kristiansen are all yet to feature for the squad this season, with their injuries being more long-term. Although there are no injuries, wonderkid Page did return from England U18 duty with a “feeling in his hamstring”; however, it’s not for concern as he remains available.
Leicester City Predicted Lineup vs Oxford United
GK: Jakub Stolarczyk
RB: Ricardo Pereira
RCB: Caleb Okoli
LCB: Jannik Vestergaard
LB: Luke Thomas
DM: Boubakary Soumaré
DM: Oliver Skipp
RW: Abdul Fatawu
AM: Aaron Ramsey
LW: Stephy Mavididi
ST: Jordan Ayew
Analysis and Extended Commentary
The upcoming clash against Oxford United presents Leicester City with an opportunity to further solidify their positive momentum under Marti Cifuentes. While the early stages of the season showcased some inconsistencies, the recent victories against Charlton and Birmingham City have instilled a renewed sense of optimism within the squad and among the fans. Cifuentes’ tactical adjustments and the individual brilliance of key players have proven to be a winning formula thus far.
Goalkeeper: Jakub Stolarczyk
Stolarczyk’s recent performances have been a welcome sight for Leicester City. After a shaky outing against Preston, he has bounced back admirably, keeping consecutive clean sheets. His confidence appears to be growing, and his shot-stopping ability will be crucial against an Oxford United side that will undoubtedly look to test him. Stolarczyk’s ability to command his area and distribute the ball effectively will also be vital in dictating the tempo of the game from the back.
Defense: A Solid Foundation
The central defensive partnership of Okoli and Vestergaard has emerged as a reliable force for Leicester City. Their understanding and communication have been instrumental in maintaining defensive stability. Okoli’s athleticism and tackling prowess complement Vestergaard’s aerial dominance and experience. Luke Thomas and Ricardo Pereira provide vital width and attacking impetus from the full-back positions. Thomas’s ability to deliver accurate crosses and Pereira’s overlapping runs will be crucial in stretching the Oxford United defense. Pereira’s experience and leadership will also be vital in guiding the younger players in the team.
Midfield: The Engine Room
The double pivot of Soumaré and Skipp offers a blend of defensive steel and creative flair. Soumaré’s ability to break up play and shield the defense provides a solid foundation, while Skipp’s passing range and vision can unlock opposition defenses. The absence of Harry Winks from the starting lineup is notable, but the Soumaré-Skipp partnership has proven effective in recent matches. This pairing provides a good balance between defensive solidity and attacking drive. Their ability to control the tempo of the game and dictate the flow of possession will be crucial in dominating the midfield battle.
Attack: A Threatening Trio
The attacking trio of Fatawu, Ramsey, and Mavididi possesses the pace, skill, and creativity to trouble any defense. Fatawu’s explosive runs and clinical finishing have made him a constant threat on the right wing. Aaron Ramsey, a recent addition to the squad, brings a wealth of experience and playmaking ability to the attacking midfield role. Mavididi’s trickery and eye for goal make him a dangerous proposition on the left flank. The combination of their individual qualities and their understanding of each other’s movements will be key to unlocking the Oxford United defense.
Striker: Jordan Ayew Leads the Line
Jordan Ayew’s work rate, hold-up play, and ability to link up with the midfield make him a valuable asset in the attacking third. While he may not be the most prolific goalscorer, his contributions to the team’s overall attacking play are undeniable. His experience and understanding of the game will be crucial in leading the line and creating opportunities for his teammates. The introduction of Patson Daka as a substitute could also provide a different dimension to the attack, with his pace and finishing ability posing a threat to tiring defenders.
Tactical Approach
Cifuentes’ tactical approach against Oxford United is likely to be similar to the one that proved successful against Birmingham City. A solid defensive structure, combined with quick transitions and incisive attacking play, will be key to securing another victory. The 4-4-2 formation provides a good balance between defense and attack, allowing Leicester City to remain compact and difficult to break down while also possessing the attacking firepower to punish opposition mistakes. The ability to adapt and adjust the game plan based on the flow of the match will also be crucial, as Oxford United will undoubtedly pose a different challenge than Birmingham City.
Key Battles
The midfield battle between Soumaré, Skipp, and the Oxford United midfielders will be crucial in determining the outcome of the game. Leicester City’s ability to control possession and dictate the tempo of the match will depend on their success in this area. The defensive battle between Okoli, Vestergaard, and the Oxford United forwards will also be key. Leicester City’s ability to keep the Oxford United attack at bay and prevent them from creating clear-cut chances will be vital in securing a clean sheet. The attacking battle between Fatawu, Ramsey, Mavididi, Ayew, and the Oxford United defense will be crucial in determining whether Leicester City can score the goals needed to win the game. The ability of these players to exploit weaknesses in the Oxford United defense and create scoring opportunities will be key to securing a victory.
Conclusion
Leicester City’s predicted lineup against Oxford United reflects a team that is confident, well-balanced, and tactically astute. With a solid defense, a dynamic midfield, and a threatening attack, the Foxes have the potential to dominate the game and secure another victory. However, they must remain focused, disciplined, and adaptable throughout the match, as Oxford United will undoubtedly provide a stern test. The key to success will be to execute the game plan effectively, maintain defensive solidity, and take advantage of any scoring opportunities that arise. With a strong performance, Leicester City can continue their positive momentum and solidify their position as one of the top teams.