The match will be held at Walsall’s Bescot Stadium, an arena that has seen success lately. The Saddlers sit third in the league standings as they chase promotion to League One. Steve Cooper will take this game as an opportunity to rotate the squad and give fringe players some much-needed game time to shake off any rustiness. Leicester will be the overwhelming favourites but should guard against complacency.
Walsall vs Leicester City – Match Details
Date: September 24, 2024
Time: 19:45 BST
Venue: Bescot Stadium, Walsall
Walsall vs Leicester City – Team News
There are no new injuries for Cooper to worry about. Patson Daka and Jakub Stolarcyzk remain on the sidelines as they recover from their ankle surgeries.
For the hosts, Priestley Farquharson, Oisin McEntee, and Josh Gordon are confirmed absentees for the match. Additionally, Brandon Comley, George Hall, and Donervon Daniels are recovering from injuries and may not be fit enough to appear today.
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Walsall vs Leicester City – Match Preview
Mat Sadler sets up his Walsall side in a 3-5-2 formation. The team sits back and defends in a low block, opting for quick counterattacks when they win the ball back. Despite an average possession of just 44.2%, the fifth lowest in the league, Walsall have scored 11 goals this season.
Despite their good goal-scoring record last season, Walsall struggled defensively. They conceded 73 goals (15th best in the league) and finished this season with a negative goal difference. Walsall have solidified their backline this campaign, with only four goals conceded in the league (fourth best).
Taylor Allen, Nathan Lowe, and Connor Barrett have been Walsall’s standout players. The Foxes should keep a close eye on them.
Cooper will field a rotated lineup for Leicester and expects his side to be professional and win without too much hassle. He is likely to continue with the usual 4-2-3-1 formation but may experiment with the roles of his fullbacks and wingers.
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The Foxes beat Walsall in the FA Cup last season and will aim for a similar result this year.
Walsall vs Leicester City – Predicted Starting Lineup
Fans are likely to see a heavily rotated lineup, with players like Ricardo Pereira, Bobby Decordova-Reid, and Jannik Vestergaard getting an opportunity in the first eleven.
Leicester City Predicted Lineup vs Walsall: Danny Ward; Ricardo Pereira, Conor Coady, Jannik Vestergaard, Luke Thomas; Boubakary Soumare, Hamza Choudhury; Bilal El Khannouss; Kasey McAteer, Odsonne Edouard, Bobby Decordova-Reid.
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