Leicester City predicted line-up v Stoke and Four Decision Area’s

How Leicester City could shape up against the Potters at the Bet365 Stadium as Enzo Maresca’s side look to extend their lead at the top of the Championship table

There are decisions to be made in four areas of the pitch for Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca as he prepares a side to take on Stoke.

City head to the Bet365 Stadium looking to extend their lead at the top of the Championship table and continue their push towards promotion. But despite heading to Stoke on the back of two wins, there may yet be changes to the line-up.

Maresca has two players returning to his squad and both will be pushing for starts. James Justin was ill in midweek against Swansea, while Abdul Fatawu is now available again after serving a three-match suspension.

Of the two, Justin is more likely to start. The England full-back had established himself as a reliable member of the City back-line in Callum Doyle’s injury absence, and so he may be handed back his spot in place of the Manchester City loanee.

Whereas Fatawu may have to make do with a place on the bench. Maresca hinted that he may use the Ghanaian as a substitute at Stoke to give City a late boost, which means Kasey McAteer could remain in the side on the right wing.

A decision also needs to be made in central midfield in what is set to be a key area for City now that Stefano Sensi is out of the equation. After coming off the bench and scoring at Swansea, it may be that Yunus Akgun gets the nod over Dennis Praet this weekend.

Then, as always, there’s a choice to be made up front. Patson Daka is the favourite to keep his place in a well-contested battle at the top end, with Tom Cannon and Jamie Vardy pushing the Zambian.

Maresca is expecting Stoke to play like Plymouth did at the King Power in December, with manager Steven Schumacher swapping the Pilgrims for the Potters. That could mean they play with energy and a high press, meaning there is more space to exploit in behind for a speedster like Daka to work in.