Leicester City Predicted Lineup Against Bournemouth as Steve Cooper Decides on Facundo Buonanotte’s Role
The Argentine Attacking Midfielder Could Start on the Right Wing, Behind Jamie Vardy, or Be Benched Based on Steve Cooper's Tactical Approach
Facundo Buonanotte is central to Steve Cooper’s key decision as he prepares Leicester City’s lineup to face Bournemouth.
The Argentine has several potential roles, either on the right wing, in an attacking midfield position, or starting on the bench for Saturday’s 3 p.m. kickoff at the King Power Stadium.
His involvement will hinge on Cooper’s tactical approach and how attacking he wants his side to be.
In the previous match against Arsenal, Buonanotte started on the right wing.
If Cooper places him there again, it could allow Bilal El Khannouss to feature as the attacking midfielder, making for Leicester’s most offensively-minded lineup yet.
Alternatively, Cooper could continue with Wilfred Ndidi in that role, given that the Nigerian provided his fourth assist of the season in the Emirates clash.
Should Cooper want to reintroduce Jordan Ayew into the squad, it might push Buonanotte into a central position.
Alternatively, Buonanotte could be left out if Cooper opts to keep Ndidi, Oliver Skipp, and Harry Winks together in midfield.
Ayew, who missed the Arsenal match after picking up a knock, has been a regular starter when fit.
However, Cooper mentioned that some players haven’t trained this week and are questionable for the Bournemouth fixture.
While he did not name specific players, Ayew was notably absent from the training photos and videos released from Seagrave, suggesting Buonanotte might be more likely to start.
Aside from this decision, few changes are expected elsewhere in the lineup.
Jannik Vestergaard has returned to training, but is unlikely to disrupt the established central defensive pairing of Wout Faes and Caleb Okoli.
James Justin and Victor Kristiansen are expected to remain as the full-backs.
Stephy Mavididi, who has been in good goalscoring form, will likely continue on the left wing, while Jamie Vardy is set to lead the line as captain once again.
Predicted City XI (4-2-3-1): Hermansen; Justin, Faes, Okoli, Kristiansen; Winks, Skipp; Buonanotte, Ndidi, Mavididi; Vardy.
