After a successful finish in fifth place last season, narrowly missing out in the top four, Leicester City are back in Europe for the second consecutive season, with the Foxes kick-starting their campaign on Thursday evening.

Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester will face third-placed in the Serie A, Napoli, with Luciano Spall​​etti’s side making the trip midweek for the first encounter of the UEFA Europa League

With the return of fans for European games, it’s expected to be an exciting watch at the King Power Stadium, with both sides favourites to go into the deep stages of the competition.

Team News 

Leicester will remain without James Justin (ACL) and Wesley Fofana (leg) who both have long-term injuries. With the Foxes playing in the league on Sunday, you can expect some changes from the side that narrowly lost to Manchester City

Ricardo Pereira could only find a way on the bench in the Foxes’ last game after he came off in Leicester’s victory over Norwich City, but the Portuguese looks to be available. Jonny Evans and Jannick Vestergaard are also working their way back to full fitness. 

Napoli goalkeeper, Alex Meret, is unavailable for the game due to a back injury, meaning that former Arsenal keeper, David Ospina is likely to start. The Italian side will also be without Antonio Cioffi (COVID-19), Diego Demme (muscle) and Stanislav Lobotka (hamstring). Napoli’s main concern however is Lorenzo Insigne, who limped off in their win against Juventus, the 30-year-old is a doubt for the game. 

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Predicted lineups 

Leicester City XI: Schmeichel; Castagne, Evans, Soyuncu, Thomas; Soumare, Tielemans, Dewsbury-Hall; Albrighton, Daka, Lookman. 

Napoli XI: Ospina; Di Lorenzo, Manolas, Koulibaly, Rui; Anguissa, Elmas, Ruiz; Politano, Osimhen, Lozano.

Ones to Watch

Leicester City- Patson Daka

Patson Daka could make his first competitive start on Thursday evening, as he looks to come in to the side for Leicester veteran, Jamie Vardy. The Zambian is awaiting his chance to come into the side, to show the Leicester fans why the Foxes paid £22 million for him.

Daka hasn’t started a game yet so far for the Foxes this season, apart from cameo appearances against West Ham United and Manchester CityDaka will be hoping he will get his chance in midweek. The former RB Salzburg striker has shown glimpses in pre-season and now looks to do it on the European stage. 

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Napoli- Matteo Politano

Right-winger, Matteo Politano, will be looking to cause the Leicester defence problems on Thursday, with the tricky winger expected to start. The Italian has played all three games this season, scoring and assisting one. 

His goal led his side to a huge victory over Juventus last time out for Napoli in Serie A, and the 28-year-old is looking to continue his good form in Europe. Politano has been a threat this season, three games in for Napoli, and the winger will fancy his chances on Thursday to cause issues. 

How to Watch

The Leicester vs Napoli game is available to watch on BT Sport 2, with coverage starting at 7:45 pm and kick-off at 8:00 pm. 

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