Three Crucial Decisions Steve Cooper Must Make for Leicester City’s Opener Against Tottenham – Opinion

As Leicester City look to survive in the Premier League this season, there is likely a mix of excitement and apprehension among the ranks.

Steve Cooper has made five signings since taking over from Enzo Maresca this summer, with Facundo Buonanotte’s loan move from Brighton being the latest.

The Welsh coach will want more, hoping to complete deals for striker Adam Hlozek and winger Wilfried Zaha.

However, for now, he must focus on the players he already has and make three big decisions ahead of facing Tottenham on Monday night.

Who Will Steve Cooper Select to Play Up Front Against Tottenham?

Leicester has been hit by a double blow with strikers Jamie Vardy and Patson Daka both expected to miss the start of the season due to injury.

Cooper hopes to have Hlozek at the club soon, but for the Tottenham match, he faces a selection headache with 21-year-old Tom Cannon as the only natural centre-forward available.

Cannon was expected to go on loan this summer before Vardy and Daka’s injuries, having scored just two league goals last season.

When Daka went off in the first half in the friendly against RC Lens last weekend, Cooper showed his lack of trust in the striker by bringing on winger Stephy Mavididi up front.

This proved ineffective as Leicester managed just two shots across 90 minutes of their 3-0 defeat, lacking a focal point that Cannon may have provided.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid, a versatile attacker, could also be an option to lead the line, leaving Cooper with a big decision to make.

Who Will Partner Wout Faes in Central Defense?

At the other end of the pitch, Cooper needs to decide on Wout Faes’ central defensive partner.

The Leicester boss confirmed Conor Coady is set to be out for a month after limping out of training last week, with the experienced defender expected to be backed by Cooper after being out of favour last season.

This leaves Cooper with a choice between Jannik Vestergaard and new £12 million arrival Caleb Okoli.

Both have their flaws, but Okoli may have played himself out of the side with a dismal performance in the last friendly of the summer against Lens.

Vestergaard played alongside Faes for most of last season, and Cooper may decide to allow the pair to reprise their partnership against Spurs.

How Should Leicester Approach Tottenham?

Tottenham are known for playing very good football under Postecoglou. On their day, they can carve through opponents at will, so Cooper needs to be careful about how he decides to approach the game.

The Leicester fans will be in full voice, and Cooper could be tempted to instruct his side to use the energy of the crowd to get at Spurs early on and attack with numbers. Given Tottenham’s defensive flaws, this tactic could work.

However, he may be better served allowing his Foxes players to grow into their first game back in the Premier League by setting up to be hard to beat to avoid being torn apart early on.

It may be difficult for Leicester fans to watch, but it would be worth it if Cooper masterminds a result.