Swansea City travel to Leicester City in an attempt to avenge their losses against the league champions last season.
Record signing Borja Baston has been ruled out of the game, as he is still recovering from a thigh injury and manager Francesco Guidolin doesn’t want to risk him.
Winger Jefferson Montero appears to be struggling for fitness, as Guidolin also revealed that he doesn’t know whether the Ecuadorian will feature.
Neil Taylor will miss the game, as he asked to play for the U23s tonight in an attempt to rebuild his fitness as he was given a longer rest due to his efforts for Wales at UEFA Euro 2016.
Claudio Ranieri revealed that both Papi Mendy and Jeff Schlupp will miss the fixture, with ankle and muscle injuries respectively.
A defence that needs help
Lukasz Fabianski
A beacon of light shining in the vast darkness that is Swansea’s defence. Lukasz Fabianski has looked as good as ever in these opening two games, even though he did concede twice against Hull City. He will play barring a late injury and will have to be on top form to keep the likes of Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez at bay.
Kyle Naughton
The right-back does seem to have improved in possession over the summer, and looks ideal when Swansea have the ball. The defensive side to the game lets him down though, illustrated by Hull’s second goal last weekend. He should start over Angel Rangel though.
Federico Fernandez
After the sale of Ashley Williams, Federico Fernandez is now the first defender on the team sheet. He formed a good partnership with the departed skipper, but hasn’t quite found the same stability with Jordi Amat.
Jordi Amat
Swansea have openly stated they are trying to sign a centre-back, so until then, Amat should continue starting. He is the club’s makeshift replacement for Williams but things haven’t panned out as hoped thus far. He struggled to deal with Andre Gray and Abel Hernandez’ pace in the opening two game, so battling with Vardy should be an uphill battle.
Stephen Kingsley
The young Scot seems to have really improved defensively over the summer, which is why it was a shame that he let Shaun Maloney free to score the opening goal last weekend. He’ll start again because Taylor is still regaining fitness but don’t be surprised if he retains his place beyond this game. Going up against Mahrez could be a defining moment in Stephen Kingsley’s season.
Stagnant midfield?
Jack Cork
Swansea’s new Mr. Reliable hasn’t quite been himself over the first two games. He’s not performed badly, and certainly not enough to be dropped, but fans will be hoping his performance improves against Leicester.
Leroy Fer
Any of Leroy Fer, Ki Sung-Yeung or Leon Britton could start this game, but seeing as Guidolin has opted to start the Dutchman in both league games so far, it’s smart to assume he will do so against Leicester. Fer played very well in the win against Burnley, and even scored the winner, but couldn’t continue that performance over to the next game. It’s been said several times before but he needs to improve his consistency to stay a regular in this Swansea team.
The most attacking player in Swansea’s midfield trio. He didn’t look particularly fit in the opening two games, and it’s no surprise that he didn’t play as well as last season’s performances have led us to believe he can play. He signed a new contract this summer, rejecting interest from – incidentally – Leicester, and will be keen to show the Foxes what they missed out on.
An attack that needs to buck up its ideas
Modou Barrow
Swansea’s best player through the opening two games. He’s caused headaches for every fullback that has tried to stop him, and his final ball is slowly but surely improving too. The Gambian is surely one of the first names on the team sheet these days.
Fernando Llorente
Baston isn’t quite fit enough to play, and Oliver McBurnie will be pushing for a start too following his brace midweek against Peterborough. Fernando Llorente is a good option in this Swansea squad, with his 6’5” frame and his experience, but whether he can start long-term for the side is questionable. He doesn’t create his own shot, and his finishing has been lacking thus far. He’s an ideal matchup for Wes Morgan and Robert Huth in the Leicester defence too.
Wayne Routledge
Despite creating more chances than anyone else in the Premier League through the opening two games, Wayne Routledge has been very poor. He should start once again this weekend as Guidolin doesn’t seem to like playing both Barrow and Montero at the same time though.