Leicester City vs. Tottenham Hotspur: Preview and Prediction
As Leicester City prepares to face Tottenham Hotspur in their Premier League opener, both teams are dealing with notable changes and challenges. For Leicester, this match marks their return to the Premier League after a season in the Championship, while Tottenham seeks to start strong under the continued guidance of manager Ange Postecoglou.
Leicester City
Leicester City has experienced significant changes during the summer transfer window, with several departures altering the squad’s dynamic. However, manager Steve Cooper remains cautiously optimistic about the team’s potential. The Foxes have made a bid for Tottenham midfielder Oliver Skipp, but the 23-year-old is unlikely to be available for this match.
One key addition to Leicester’s midfield is Harry Winks, a former Tottenham player. Winks is expected to start in midfield alongside Wilfred Ndidi, providing experience and stability in the center of the pitch. However, Leicester faces some challenges upfront, with veteran striker Jamie Vardy unavailable due to injury and Patson Daka sidelined after undergoing ankle surgery.
To address their attacking needs, Cooper is likely to start Thomas Cannon as the central striker, supported by Stephy Mavididi on the left wing. Recent signing Facundo Buonanotte could play in an advanced role behind Cannon, while Abdul Fatawu is expected to start on the right wing, offering pace and creativity.
In defense, Leicester will rely on Caleb Okoli to fill in for the injured Conor Coady, partnering with Wout Faes at center-back. Victor Kristiansen is expected to start at left-back, with Ricardo Pereira on the right, forming a defense that will need to be solid against Tottenham’s attacking threats.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Hermansen; Pereira, Faes, Okoli, Kristiansen; Winks, Ndidi; Fatawu, Buonanotte, Mavididi; Cannon
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur enters this match with some key absences and a reshuffled lineup. The biggest news from the Spurs camp is the suspension of Yves Bissouma. The midfielder, who was recently caught inhaling laughing gas, has been sidelined by Ange Postecoglou as a disciplinary measure.
Without Bissouma, Spurs may lack a natural holding midfielder, prompting Postecoglou to field Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr in the double pivot. James Maddison, who has impressed since joining the club, will take on a more advanced role, orchestrating the attack from midfield. New arrival Archie Gray is expected to start on the bench, adding depth to the squad.
In defense, Tottenham will field their strongest available backline, with Destiny Udogie at left-back, Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero in central defense, and Pedro Porro at right-back. This lineup will aim to provide a solid foundation against Leicester’s attack.
Up front, Tottenham faces uncertainty with Richarlison’s fitness. The Brazilian forward may not start, paving the way for new signing Dominic Solanke to make his full debut. Solanke, who joined from Bournemouth in a record-breaking transfer, is expected to lead the line, supported by Dejan Kulusevski and Son Heung-min on the wings.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Bentancur; Kulusevski, Maddison, Son; Solanke
Key Stats
- Leicester City defeated Tottenham 4-1 in their most recent encounter at the King Power Stadium.
- Leicester has scored at least two goals in their last four home matches against Tottenham in all competitions.
- Tottenham has lost only one of their last eight opening-day games in the Premier League.
- Over 2.5 goals have been scored in 25 of Tottenham’s last 29 Premier League games.
- Son Heung-min has nine goals and four assists in 14 matches against Leicester, making the Foxes one of his favorite opponents.
Player to Watch: Dominic Solanke
Dominic Solanke is under the spotlight as Tottenham’s new marquee signing. The former Bournemouth striker has a lot to prove as he steps into the No. 9 role. Solanke’s ability to finish clinically and lead the line will be crucial for Tottenham, especially with Richarlison’s fitness concerns.
From a tactical perspective, Solanke will be looking to establish himself as Postecoglou’s go-to striker, and a strong performance against Leicester will help solidify his position. His debut offers the perfect opportunity to showcase his talents and justify the hefty transfer fee Tottenham paid for him.
Prediction: Leicester City 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham is expected to start the season on a positive note, leveraging their attacking prowess to secure three points. However, defensive concerns may prevent them from keeping a clean sheet, allowing Leicester to find the back of the net.
Leicester will be under pressure in their Premier League return, and despite the backing of their home crowd, they may struggle to match Tottenham’s quality. A closely contested match could see Tottenham emerge victorious with a 2-1 scoreline, kicking off their campaign with a hard-fought win.
