Leicester City’s pre-season winners and losers as Russell Martin’s pecking order takes shape | OneFootball

Russell Martin’s Leicester City launch the new campaign on Saturday against Northampton Town in the Carabao Cup at the King Power. Pre-season brought wins over Northampton, Bristol Rovers, Burton Albion and Cadiz, a 3-3 draw with Malaga, then 1-0 defeats to Coventry City, behind closed doors, and Genoa.

According to LeicesterMercury.co.uk, five weeks of auditions have clarified pecking orders and flagged loan candidates.

Jakub Stolarczyk stood out with a superb Malaga double save and, with Alex McCarthy carrying a knock, is expected to start. McCarthy, 36, is the slickest passer and impressed against Cadiz, while Fran Vieites appears third choice.

At right-back, Jayden Joseph’s Genoa display has nudged him ahead of gifted teen Bade Aluko. Caleb Okoli has improved and, with Harry Souttar’s future uncertain and Ben Nelson nursing a knee issue, could start. Wout Faes has been steady, and Woyo Coulibaly inconsistent.

Luke Thomas remains under scrutiny after an error for Genoa’s winner, though his distribution has improved. Manchester City loanee Christian McFarlane looks the more attacking alternative but is largely untested in public.

Oliver Skipp has been the standout number six, though stamina and transfer interest linger. Sammy Braybrooke has been pre-season’s star in an advanced role, with Hamza Choudhury energetic and Louis Page lively but slight.

Will Alves sparkled and is set to return from a knock, while Stephy Mavididi’s one-goal summer invites pressure from Tommy Watson. Kirsten Otchere led the line best with three goals before a Cheltenham loan, and Bobby De Cordova-Reid’s role remains fluid as Wes Burns’ imminent move could reshape options.

Source: LeicesterMercury.co.uk

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