Cooper Makes Decision on Fatawu, Skipp Retains Spot: Predicted Leicester City XI, Team & Injury Updates vs. Bournemouth

Leicester City currently sit on three points after six Premier League matches, and with an international break looming after their home game against Bournemouth, anything less than a victory could increase the pressure on Steve Cooper.

Many Leicester fans remain skeptical about Cooper’s ability to lead the team to safety in the Premier League.

A disappointing draw at home against Everton, followed by a goalless draw in the Carabao Cup against Walsall, has only fueled these doubts.

Leicester displayed resilience by fighting back from a 2-0 deficit to equalize at 2-2 against Arsenal, but their hopes were dashed when they conceded two goals in second-half stoppage time, leaving North London empty-handed.

The upcoming match against Bournemouth marks the beginning of a crucial stretch of four winnable games, and Cooper understands the importance of securing a win.

Leicester City Team News Ahead of Bournemouth Clash

Fortunately for Cooper, he has nearly a fully fit squad as he prepares to face Bournemouth. However, Jakub Stolarczyk and Patson Daka remain sidelined due to injuries, with neither player having appeared this season.

While Stolarczyk is likely to remain out of the picture as the fourth-choice goalkeeper, Daka is expected to play a significant role once he recovers from ankle surgery.

Cooper also revealed in his pre-match press conference that midfielder Hamza Choudhury dislocated his shoulder during training on Wednesday, which is a significant setback for the team.

The severity of the injury remains uncertain as the club awaits the swelling to subside before conducting a scan, but Choudhury is set to miss the game against Bournemouth and possibly several more.

Jannik Vestergaard is back in training, but his involvement remains uncertain due to a loss of favor under Cooper.

Leicester City Predicted Lineup vs. Bournemouth

Once the disappointment of the late defeat to Arsenal faded, Cooper likely felt a sense of pride in his players’ effort.

The match against Bournemouth will present a different challenge, but Cooper is expected to stick closely to the starting XI that faced Arsenal.

Mads Hermansen delivered an impressive performance in goal despite conceding four against Arsenal and is set to retain his spot.

James Justin, who unexpectedly scored twice against the Gunners, will start at right-back, alongside Wout Faes, Caleb Okoli, and Victor Kristiansen in a settled back four.

Midfield is where Cooper faces key decisions. Against Arsenal, he deployed a very defensive trio of Oliver Skipp, Harry Winks, and Wilfred Ndidi, but he may opt for a more proactive midfield against Bournemouth.

This could lead to Facundo Buonanotte moving from the right to the attacking midfielder position.

However, it wouldn’t be surprising if Cooper chooses to keep the same hardworking trio from the previous match.

Cooper has been hesitant to field both Abdul Fatawu and Stephy Mavididi together, and with Mavididi currently in good form, Fatawu might again have to settle for a place on the bench.

Since joining on Deadline Day, Edouard has not done enough to warrant a starting spot over Jamie Vardy, and Cooper is likely to continue trusting Vardy against the Cherries.

Given this context, here is the unchanged side we predict Cooper will field against Bournemouth at the King Power Stadium on Saturday:

Leicester City (4-2-3-1): Hermansen; Justin, Faes, Okoli, Kristiansen; Winks, Skipp; Buonanotte, Ndidi, Mavididi; Vardy.

As the team seeks to secure vital points, Cooper’s decisions in this match could be pivotal in shaping Leicester’s trajectory this season.