Leicester City begin their pre-season this Saturday as they travel to face Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium.

The Foxes head into the meeting with an almost full-strength squad, including several recent summer signings that Leicester supporters will be eager to see.

Young full-back James Justin remains sidelined after suffering a cruciate ligament injury last February, defender Timothy Castagne is also absent following his eye socket fracture when representing Belgium in the 2020 European Championship.

Burton will also be missing key players for the meeting, as manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink confirmed that experienced defenders Michael Bostwick and Kieran Wallace are both still out from long-term injuries.

New faces for the Foxes?

Whilst the Euro's have dominated the headlines over the past few months, Leicester have quietly made an impressive start to the transfer window.

The Foxes have made three exciting signings to bolster Brendan Rodgers' squad with all three available to make their debut against Burton.

Striker Patson Daka could make his first start following his £23 million move from Red Bull Salzburg. The 22-year-old has built an impressive reputation as a natural goal scorer, netting 34 goals in 42 appearances for the Austrian champions last season.

Able to play as a solo striker or partner upfront, the Zambian forward could be handed the opportunity to join Jamie Vardy or Kelechi Iheanacho in Leicester's attack.

Patson Daka could make his first appearance for Leicester City against Burton | Credit: Andreas Schaad | Getty Images
Patson Daka could make his first appearance for Leicester City against Burton | Credit: Andreas Schaad | Getty Images

Foxes fans could also get the chance to see new midfielder Boubakary Soumaré play his first game in a Leicester shirt following his £17 million transfer from Ligue 1 champions Lille.

The French midfielder's defensive qualities could be a useful tool for the Foxes, providing players such as Youri Tielemans and James Maddison freedom to attack the Burton defence.

Former England international Ryan Bertrand may make his first appearance for Leicester since his arrival from Southampton Football Club. The full-back joined the Foxes on a free transfer after making 192 appearances for the South coast side.

With full-backs Justin and Castagne both absent due to injury, Bertrand could seize the opportunity to become a regular starter in Rodgers' side.

Rodgers' tactics

With three new additions and the majority of his squad being fit, Rodgers will have many options for the upcoming meeting with Burton.

The Foxes manager has been successful with his 3-5-2 formation, leading many supporters to believe that the Scotsman will continue this strategy for the 2021-22 season.

Five midfield options allow Rodgers to test many of his players as several are looking to break into his starting eleven for the Premier League season.

Box-to-box midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is expected to be a part of Rodgers' plans for this season after impressing during his loan spell at Luton Town. The 23-year-old could also be introduced against Burton to add more energy to the Foxes midfield.

With Leicester lacking depth in their wide areas, young winger Harvey Barnes could make his long-anticipated return to the side that faces Burton. The 23-year-old has been absent with a long-term injury and will be aiming to return to the impressive form he discovered before being sidelined last April.

Harvey Barnes could start for the first time since April | Credit: Jordan Mansfield | Getty Images
Harvey Barnes could start for the first time since April | Credit: Jordan Mansfield | Getty Images

A defensive line of Wesley Fofana, Jonny Evans, and Çağlar Söyüncü will likely start against Burton as the Foxes currently lack depth in their defensive options. There could also be a start for goalkeeper Danny Ward; the Welsh stopper had an impressive tournament in the Euros for his country and could feature more for Leicester this season.

The Opponents

After being reappointed as manager in January, Hasselbaink has seen his side produce some impressive performances towards the end of the 2020-21 season.

The Brewers have made a mixed start to their pre-season, picking up convincing wins against Nuneaton Town and Bognor Regis Town before slipping to a 2-1 loss against Scunthorpe United F.C.

Hasselbaink's side has seen seven different players find the net in their three pre-season fixtures, highlighting the danger that the team could pose to the Leicester defence.

Usually operating in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the key battles will likely take place in midfield for this game as the hosts aim to cause an upset over the Premier League Foxes.

 

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