How Leicester City might line up against Brentford on Saturday afternoon, with Brendan Rodgers’ side looking to snap a five-match losing streak in all competitions.
Tete’s form may persuade Brendan Rodgers to stick with a three-man defense when Leicester City travel to Brentford this weekend.
The Brazilian winger, who was signed in January, has struggled since his explosive debut and has been unable to contribute at the top of the pitch. With Tete out of form, Rodgers may believe that a formation with wingers is not the best option.
Rodgers started City with a back three against Chelsea because Harvey Barnes was only fit to play as a substitute, but while City reverted to their usual 4-3-3 when Barnes and Tete came on, they performed better in their previous formation. If they stuck with it, they would have to make at least one change.
Wout Faes has been suspended, but with Jonny Evans back in action, he is likely to start. He could play on the left of the three, but he could also play in the center, with Harry Souttar moving into a wider role. Daniel Amartey would be the third defender.
The rest of the lineup would most likely remain the same, with Papy Mendy and Kieran Dewsbury-Hall playing deeper than the other two midfielders, Ricardo Pereira and Timothy Castagne providing width, and James Maddison playing number 10 but with the freedom to drift. Patson Daka would almost certainly retain his starting spot up front alongside Kelechi Iheanacho following his goal against Chelsea.
If Rodgers decides to go back to a 4-3-3 formation, Daka will be replaced, with Amartey withdrawn. Barnes and Tete would then attack in front of Iheanacho.
The areas for potential changes in both systems are in the midfield. If Rodgers wants more physicality or more positive ball-playing, Wilfred Ndidi and Boubakary Soumare are both viable options for Mendy. Similarly, if the manager believes Dewsbury-Hall requires a rest, Dennis Praet could fill in.
Possible City line-up (3-4-1-2): Ward; Amartey, Souttar, Evans; Ricardo, Dewsbury-Hall, Mendy, Castagne; Maddison; Iheanacho, Daka.
Alternative City line-up (4-3-3): Ward; Ricardo, Souttar, Evans, Castagne; Mendy, Dewsbury-Hall, Maddison; Tete, Iheanacho, Barnes.
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