Leicester City host Wolves at the King Power Stadium this weekend as the 2021-22 Premier League season begins.

Brendan Rodgers' side will be aiming to continue their winning ways as they head into the Midlands clash straight off a history-making win at Wembley Stadium.

The Foxes defeated Manchester City in the capital last Saturday, winning the FA Community Shield, their second piece of silverware in four months.

Bruno Lage's team have experienced a mixture of results during pre-season, picking up two wins and drawing once in six fixtures.

This will be the former Benfica manager's first Premier League game in charge, having joined Wolves in June following the surprise departure of manager Nuno Espirito Santo to Tottenham Hotspurs.

<strong><a  data-cke-saved-href='https://vavel.com/en/football/2021/08/07/leicester-city/1081284-manchester-city-vs-leicester-city-2021-facommunity-shield-preview.html' href='https://vavel.com/en/football/2021/08/07/leicester-city/1081284-manchester-city-vs-leicester-city-2021-facommunity-shield-preview.html'>Leicester City</a></strong> celebrate after Kelechi Iheanacho scores the winner at Wembley | Credit: Alex Pantling | Getty Images
Leicester City celebrate after Kelechi Iheanacho scores the winner at Wembley | Credit: Alex Pantling | Getty Images

Injury Woes

Rodgers is likely to field the starting eleven that saw his side win at Wembley. With Wesley Fofana out injured for the foreseeable future, Daniel Amartey could once again start alongside Caglar Soyuncu in defence.

Despite returning to training from injuries, full-backs James Justin and Timothy Castagne may be kept out of the starting line-up as Ricardo Pereira and new signing Ryan Bertrand have impressed throughout pre-season.

There is a high chance that Rodgers will play a midfield three of James Maddison, Wilfred Ndidi and Youri Tielemans, with £17 million signing Boubakary Soumare potentially replacing one of them during the fixture.

Portuguese wingers Daniel Podence and Pedro Neto are rumoured to be absent for Wolves with both expected to be returning in late August.

Experienced defender Willy Boly also remains sidelined due to a hamstring injury picked up in July, the 30-year-old's absence will be a devastating blow for the side.

Key Battles

With Podence and Neto both absent for the clash, Adama Traore will likely start down Wolves' right flank.

The Spanish speedster will face a tough challenge in full-back Bertrand, who has been in spectacular form since joining the Foxes from Southampton Football Club on a free transfer.

As Traore and Bertrand both have the skill and speed to get up and down the wing, this will likely be an important battle to decide the outcome in the upcoming fixture.

Adama Traore will be one of the main threats against the Leicester defence | Credit: Pool | Getty Images
Adama Traore will be one of the main threats against the Leicester defence | Credit: Pool | Getty Images

In the centre of the pitch, Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho will face a difficult afternoon attempting to contain the attacking movements of Tielemans and Maddison.

Leicester's midfield maestros have been in great form recently, with their inch-perfect passing and attacking runs cementing them as some of the FA Cup winners' most dangerous players.

In the Foxes' defence, Soyuncu will have a tough time containing Raul Jimenez, who remains Wolves' first-choice striker.

The two will likely be submerged into a physical battle from kick-off as the Turkish defender is given the difficult task of keeping the forward quiet.

Players to watch

After recently returning from a long-term injury suffered in April, young winger Harvey Barnes has been one of the most exciting players to watch in Leicester's pre-season.

The 23-year-old Englishman produced an outstanding display against defending Premier League champions Man City on Saturday, his quick feet and bursts of pace being a constant threat for the Citizens' defence.

Foxes fans will be hoping that the Leicester academy graduate can continue his fine form going into the clash with Wolves.

Harvey Barnes could be Leicester's main threat against Wolves this weekend | Credit: Jordan Mansfield | Getty Images
Harvey Barnes could be Leicester's main threat against Wolves this weekend | Credit: Jordan Mansfield | Getty Images

Wolves will begin the 2021-22 campaign with their lead striker Jimenez, who will play his first Premier League game since fracturing his skull in November.

The Mexican forward was deeply missed by his club as they struggled to replace the 30-year-old striker, who netted 17 goals in 38 games the previous season.

At 6ft 3inch in height, the forward's ability in the air and lethal eye for goal will be a constant danger for the Leicester defence.

Verdict

This has all the potential of a tough opening day battle, with both sides aiming to start their Premier League campaign off with a win over their Midlands rival.

With the quality of players that the two sides possess in midfield, the opportunities for Leicester could be mostly obtained down the wings through the attacking runs of Barnes and Bertrand.

Soyuncu and Amartey will have a tough task on their hands with the Wolves front-three, possibly giving Schmeichel a busy afternoon at the King Power.

However, the Foxes head into this game full of momentum and with a quality side that Rodgers has developed. They will certainly be the favourites as they aim to continue their winning form.

 

Score Prediction - Leicester City 2-0 Wolves

 

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