Leicester City Predicted XI vs. Ipswich: Steve Cooper Contemplates Decisions on Full-Backs and Wingers

Abdul Fatawu’s groin injury and Victor Kristiansen’s return to training could result in changes to the Leicester City lineup for their match against Ipswich.

Fatawu has undergone a scan for his groin issue, and while manager Steve Cooper hasn’t completely ruled him out of Saturday’s squad at Portman Road, he appears doubtful.

This would necessitate at least one change from the 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest in Leicester’s last Premier League match, presenting several options for Cooper.

Among the available wide players, Cooper can choose from Jordan Ayew, Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Kasey McAteer, and Will Alves, with Ayew being the most likely to take the field.

Cooper may opt to replicate the attacking setup used against Southampton by shifting Facundo Buonanotte to the right wing and including Bilal El Khannouss as an attacking midfielder.

After scoring his first goal against Manchester United in midweek, El Khannouss is expected to bring added confidence to the squad.

There may also be a change at full-back, with Kristiansen returning to training on Thursday after missing the defeat to Forest.

If he proves fit, the Dane could replace Ricardo Pereira, allowing Leicester to revert to their usual full-back arrangement used throughout the season.

This would likely see James Justin pushing forward on the right flank when the team is in possession.

In the previous match against Forest, Cooper had adopted a system employed by Enzo Maresca last season, with Ricardo moving into midfield alongside Harry Winks.

Despite a challenging outing at Old Trafford, Caleb Okoli is expected to retain his place alongside Wout Faes in the center of defense, while Jannik Vestergaard, who has recently returned to fitness, will likely remain on the bench.

In midfield, Winks and Wilfred Ndidi are almost guaranteed to start, with Stephy Mavididi on the left wing and Jamie Vardy spearheading the attack.

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

Substitutes: Ward, Iversen, Ricardo, Thomas, Coady, Vestergaard, Skipp, Soumare, Ayew, De Cordova-Reid, McAteer, Fatawu, Alves, Edouard.