Leicester’s final pre-season checklist as Genoa visit, left-back call and loans to watch | OneFootball

Leicester City end pre-season on Friday against Serie A side Genoa at the King Power Stadium, with capacity capped at 10,000. According to LeicesterMercury.co.uk, four issues stand out before kick-off.

Russell Martin’s side have four wins and one draw from six weeks, including 3-3 with Malaga. Genoa, led by Daniele De Rossi, finished 16th and should test Leicester physically.

Left-back tops the list, with Luke Thomas challenged by Manchester City loanee Christian McFarlane and Woyo Coulibaly used there at times. McFarlane, 19, looks the more attacking profile and must show 1v1 defending and awareness. A strong night could push his Meadow Lane case.

In Martin’s 4-3-3, Oliver Skipp has mainly sat as No.6, with Hamza Choudhury also in contention. Conor Chaplin is favoured as the pressing, box-arriving right No.8. The other berth is between standout Sammy Braybrooke and more direct Louis Page, with Will Alves certain on the right.

With minutes concentrated on the strongest XI, the bench should shrink. Only Victor Kristiansen has left on loan so far, and tonight could signal moves for youngsters including Kevon Gray, Misrad Ali, Tommy Neale, Lorenz Hutchinson or Jake Evans. Nathan Opoku’s involvement is uncertain after a minor back issue.

On the right wing, Riley Carr has impressed since arriving from Hertford Town, creating for Opoku at Burton. Liam Cullen’s imminent signing adds width, though likely not on the right. Carr may serve as an impact option, otherwise it could be Under-21s or a loan.

Source: LeicesterMercury.co.uk