It is notoriously difficult to accurately predict an opening EFL Cup lineup. A lot depends upon the priorities of the King Power side going into the tournament: do they care about their performances and do they want to rest key players for Premier League fixtures. The Welshman will have a lot to think about ahead of the match.
Compounding the complications are the existing injury news. As we know, Jamie Vardy returned early upon his own request at the Tottenham Hotspur opening tie which ended in a draw, but four remain doubtful or out entirely. Striker Patson Daka, left-back Luke Thomas, centre-back Conor Coady, and goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk are all highly unlikely to feature.
At least all four are not starters. However, the main issue is that we do not really want to be using up EPL starters in the EFL if we can help it: especially not against Tranmere Rovers. They are obviously not a terrible side, but they are one you expect Leicester to field a reduced squad to face. This does give the Foxes a chance to try out some players who are getting little to no game time in the league though.
That is exactly what I think Steve Cooper will do. The pride of the East Midlands is a club with a fairly good squad, a strong youth setup, and plenty of players to fill in where EPL starters are not needed. It could also act as a time for the new signings to be given a real opportunity. The Welshman will rest key players for the Aston Villa game instead of risking them.
Between the sticks, Cooper may simply opt to keep Mads Hermansen for the stability and stylistic fit the Dane provides Leicester City. However, we shall go with Danny Ward for this predicted XI, as the Welsh ‘keeper has been on the bench for our Premier League outings while Daniel Iversen has vanished from view – probably on the verge of an exit.
At the back, a back four will be employed. Ricardo Pereira (hopefully finally), Ben Nelson, Caleb Okoli, and James Justin should make up the defence. I cannot see anyone else being dropped into left-back beyond ‘JJ’ unless a youngster is brought into the starting XI or Thomas returns early. The Portuguese right-back would be a massive loss to not see feature.
In midfield, Harry Winks will hopefully be rested. Boubakary Soumare, Hamza Choudhury, and Will Alves (or Michael Golding) will probably make up the trio. I could also see Oliver Skipp starting instead of Alves and ‘Bouba’ being the more advanced midfield option. Alves however does need to get some opportunities at some point.
Up front, the line-up should be pretty much Stephy Mavididi – who has not started an EPL fixture – Jordan Ayew, and Kasey McAteer. I would be confused to see Bobby De-Cordova Reid, Jamie Vardy, and Abdul Fatawu starting in the cup in these early stages. Cooper should be opting for those not required for the Midlands rivals.
The Foxes could alter from this a little if the Welshman desperately wants to progress far in the opening stages of the EFL Cup. If so, Skipp, Wout Faes, and Winks will probably come into the XI over their counterparts. Which players do you think will be in the starting XI? Let Foxes of Leicester know through our social media channels.
