Leicester City's strongest XI as it stands and what's needed for Notts County | OneFootball

Leicester City’s likely strongest XI is taking shape under Russell Martin with two weeks until the League One opener at Notts County. Genoa visit this weekend, then Northampton Town in the Carabao Cup. According to LeicesterMercury.co.uk, five friendlies have clarified things.

In goal, summer signing Alex McCarthy is in line to start after the Spain trip. The 36-year-old started against Cadiz and Malaga, making four fine saves in the first game. Jakub Stolarczyk has been steady, though doubts remain over distribution and shot-stopping.

Bade Aluko leads at right-back, with Jayden Joseph impressing after Tranmere. Ben Nelson and Harry Souttar look the pick at centre-back. If they stay they should start, but Nelson’s contract is unresolved and Souttar is strongly tipped to return to Sheffield United.

Luke Thomas has been first choice at left-back, but Christian McFarlane’s loan from Manchester City brings competition. How he defends and contributes on the ball is still unclear, and Genoa might reveal more.

Oliver Skipp has made the holding role his own. Ahead of him, Conor Chaplin and Sammy Braybrooke are the standout pairing, Chaplin, 29, having won the League One Golden Boot the last time he played at this level.

With Abdul Fatawu gone, Will Alves is the obvious right winger after a standout summer. Stephy Mavididi should relish League One, though end product is still questioned. Up front, Kirsten Otchere starts for now, and there will almost certainly be at least one striker added before Meadow Lane. Strongest XI right now: McCarthy, Aluko, Souttar, Nelson, Thomas, Skipp, Chaplin, Braybrooke, Alves, Mavididi, Otchere.

Source: LeicesterMercury.co.uk