Since Fatawu was among the latest internationals to return to Leicester City training, Maresca might decide to field a different lineup against the Saints.
Enzo Maresca has acknowledged that Leicester City’s team selection vs Southampton may be impacted by the short turnaround following the international break.
11 City players were overseas competing for their nations, and several of them had only one practice with the team before the trip to the south coast on Friday night.
Abdul Fatawu, a Ghanaian winger who impressed as a substitute against Hull two weeks ago, was one among those who returned to Seagrave on Thursday. Supporters hoping to see him make his first start for the club may have to wait a bit longer.
Abdul Fatawu, a Ghanaian winger who impressed as a substitute against Hull two weeks ago, was one among those who returned to Seagrave on Thursday. Supporters hoping to see him make his first start for the club may have to wait a bit longer.
Maresca said of the young man, “We got him here because he gives us everything we are seeking for in terms of wingers, one v one and creating opportunities. He excelled in the most recent game. Making your debut is never simple. He was attempting to provide us opportunities.
“He departed for the foreign team. He is one of the people who just had his first session today (Thursday), so we’ll see. After observing their behavior during the session, we will make a decision.
Stephy Mavididi might be reinserted into the lineup with Kasey McAteer moving back to the right flank as Yunus Akgun struggled to make an impression against Hull.
St. Mary’s left back The Saints’ Ryan Manning is a crucial player, but McAteer’s off-the-ball work-rate, which Maresca commended, would be needed on the right side.
Otherwise, City is unlikely to experience much changes. The fact that Conor Coady is back in shape is encouraging, but it is not anticipated that he will start just yet. Jannik Vestergaard is expected to continue playing at the center of the defense.
In the middle, Wilfred Ndidi would be preferred to Cesare Casadei due to his defensive skills because the opposition likes to control the ball as well and is likely to limit City’s dominance.
Predicted City line-up (4-3-3): Hermansen; Ricardo, Faes, Vestergaard, Doyle; Winks, Ndidi, Dewsbury-Hall; McAteer, Iheanacho, Mavididi.
