After a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford, Steve Cooper will utilise the international break to prepare the team for a tough clash against Chelsea in two weeks.
The manager made three changes to the team that drew with Ipswich Town earlier this month. James Justin came in for Ricardo Pereira, Boubakary Soumare made his first start of the season ahead of Stephy Mavididi, and Jordan Ayew led the line with Jamie Vardy injured.
Two of the three changes were forced. Vardy is injured and is a doubt for the game against Chelsea on November 23. Pereira is out for four months after picking up a serious hamstring injury last week. The full-back has struggled with injury problems during the previous five years, and his absence leaves Cooper’s options limited to just Luke Thomas, Victor Kristiansen and Justin.
Steve Cooper had to revert tactics due to Ricardo Pereira’s absence
The tactical changes Cooper implemented against Nottingham Forest and Ipswich were reverted due to Pereira’s absence. However, while the movements of Kristiansen-Justin against United were similar to what we witnessed earlier in the season, Cooper made a bold decision to drop Stephy Mavididi. Abdul Fatawu was deployed on the left wing, and although the youngster looked uncomfortable playing in a new position at times, he had a good game.
The 20-year-old completed an astounding 12 dribbles (out of 15 attempted). Man United’s right-back Diogo Dalot was taken off before the hour mark as he struggled against Fatawu. Additionally, the Ghana international’s defensive contribution was excellent, winning 20 of his 28 contested duels. Fatawu has the potential to be a star, and Cooper must ensure that his development is prioritised.
However, with Vardy injured and Mavididi dropped, the new look Leicester attack looked less threatening. Although there were some nice plays around the United box, the Foxes crafted only a few chances. Vardy is a major attacking threat in the box, and his importance to the team was evident as Leicester failed to score in a league game for the first time this season.
Cooper has roughly two weeks to prepare for a challenging game against Chelsea in London, and a defeat may see Leicester drop down to the relegation zone.
