90min

Leicester predicted lineup vs Man City - Community Shield

By Jamie Spencer

Leicester are in the 2021 Community Shield as FA Cup winners
Leicester are in the 2021 Community Shield as FA Cup winners / Visionhaus/Getty Images
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FA Cup holders Leicester face reigning Premier League champions Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley on Saturday evening, raising the curtain for the new 2021/22 season.

Brendan Rodgers has seen his team go toe to toe with the Premier League’s best over the last two years and will be hopeful to go one better than fifth this season.

It likely won’t be quite full strength sides yet from either side but a good performance here will help build confidence and momentum for when the actions gets going for real next week.

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Ricardo Pereira
Ricardo Pereira is getting closer to his form of old / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Danny Ward (GK) – Shared duties with Kasper Schmeichel against Villarreal in the last friendly and could get a final nod here before the Dane takes over for the start of the Premier League season.

Ricardo Pereira (RB) – Getting closer and closer to his form before his 2020 ACL injury, which arguably makes the Portuguese like a new signing.

Caglar Soyuncu (CB) – Now finds himself the senior centre-back among the available defenders and will be keen to start the season well after a disappointing Euro 2020.

Filip Benkovic (CB) – Could get a rare opportunity in light of Wesley Fofana’s injury, with Jonny Evans also out and Wes Morgan now retired. The alternative would be Daniel Amartey or a complete reshuffle forcing Wilfred Ndidi to play in defence.

Luke Thomas (LB) – The youngster is battling for a place against new signing Ryan Bertrand, who brings vast top flight experience to the Foxes.

2. Midfielders

James Maddison
James Maddison remains linked with an Arsenal transfer / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Wilfred Ndidi (CM) – If the defensive injuries don’t force the Nigerian international into the back four, he will be Leicester’s midfield engine and anchor, tasked with winning the ball back.

Youri Tielemans (CM) – It was his sensational goal back in May that won the FA Cup for the Foxes and fans will be hoping for a similarly inspired performance to kick off the new campaign.

James Maddison (AM) – Rodgers is hopeful that the number ten will stay put between now and the transfer deadline at the end of the month amid transfer links to Arsenal.

3. Forwards

Harvey Barnes
Harvey Barnes is back from a season-ending knee injury / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Ayoze Perez (FW) – Gave a much-improved performance against Villarreal last time out to justify his continued place. Hoping to get back to his 2019/20 form after a disappointing campaign last season.

Jamie Vardy (FW) – 35 in a few months, he remains Leicester’s main man up front. Hasn’t scored fewer than 17 goals in all competitions in a season since 2014/15.

Harvey Barnes (FW) – Injury ended his season in February, ruling him out of the FA Cup triumph and killing any dark horse hopes of going to Euro 2020. Back fit and still as speedy as before.

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