JibrinGary Rowett’s first lineup since taking charge at Leicester City has raised eyebrows, with a popular attacking player notably absent from the starting XI against Stoke City. The new manager has made just two changes to the side, but one omission stands out above the rest.
The Foxes are desperate for a turnaround in fortunes as they languish in the relegation zone, six points from safety following their points deduction. Rowett, returning to the bet365 Stadium where he previously managed, has opted for experience in goal with Asmir Begovic preferred to Jakub Stolarczyk .
In defence, Ricardo Pereira captains the side from right-back, with Ben Nelson and Caleb Okoli partnering at centre-back due to Jamaal Lascelles’ continued absence. Victor Kristiansen comes in for Luke Thomas at left-back, one of only two changes from the last league outing .
The midfield sees Harry Winks and Oliver Skipp deployed as the deeper pairing, with Joe Aribo – eligible again after missing the Southampton clash – consigned to the bench. Divine Mukasa operates in attacking midfield, with Stephy Mavididi on the left flank .
But it’s the right-wing position that tells the most intriguing story. Sixteen-year-old Jeremy Monga gets the nod to start, a decision that will delight fans eager to see the highly-rated academy product but simultaneously raises questions about the absence of more established options .
The Ghanaian international, who has been one of Leicester’s most threatening attacking outlets this season, was left out of last weekend’s trip to Southampton amid caution over his knee. While reports suggested he trained this week and was expected to be available, Rowett has opted not to include him in the matchday squad at all .
This decision becomes even more puzzling given the club’s desperate situation. Leicester have lost four consecutive Championship games and are without a win in six, sliding into the relegation zone following their six-point deduction for PSR breaches . They start the weekend in 22nd position, two points from safety, facing the very real prospect of back-to-back relegations .
The attacking void left by the Ghanaian’s absence is compounded by Jordan Ayew also missing from the squad entirely. That leaves Patson Daka to lead the line, with Dujuan Richards or Silko Thomas the only striking options from the bench .
With Abdul Fatawu and Ayew absent, Leicester’s list of unavailable players now stretches to nine. Jamaal Lascelles, Hamza Choudhury, Jordan James, Aaron Ramsey, Harry Souttar and Jannik Vestergaard are all sidelined through various injuries, while Bobby De Cordova-Reid recently served a suspension .
The timing couldn’t be worse. Stoke, despite their own struggles with just four wins in 18 games since November, will sense vulnerability in a Leicester side that has conceded 51 goals this season – the second-worst defensive record in the division .
For Rowett, this is a baptism of fire. The 51-year-old’s managerial career has included previous spells at Stoke, making this return particularly poignant, but sentiment counts for nothing when your team is fighting for Championship survival .
Whether the decision to leave out one of his most potent attackers is tactical caution over fitness, or something more concerning, remains unclear. What is certain is that Leicester fans will be watching nervously, hoping the gamble doesn’t backfire against a Stoke side desperate to end their own six-game winless run .
City (4-2-3-1): Begovic; Ricardo, Okoli, Nelson, Kristiansen; Winks, Skipp; Monga, Mukasa, Mavididi; Daka.
Subs: Stolarczyk, Aluko, Gray, L Thomas, Aribo, Page, Marcal, Richards, S Thomas .
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