Leicester City face Polish champions Legia Warsaw in the UEFA Europa League this Thursday evening as the Foxes aim to pick up their first win in the competition's group stages.

Brendan Rodgers' side will be looking to secure a convincing win in Poland, having previously blown their two-goal lead against Napoli in their first Europa League fixture and drawing 2-2.

Despite having a small group of players unavailable, the Scotsman still has a wealth of options to choose from for the clash and will likely field a strong side to push for European success.

Leicester City

As the Foxes aim to improve on their defensive frailties following a 2-2 draw with Burnley at the weekend, Rodgers will likely start with the experienced Jannik Vestergaard and Caglar Soyuncu at the heart of his expected back-four.

With experienced defender Jonny Evans absent due to an ongoing foot issue and both Wesley Fofana and James Justin out with long-term injuries, Leicester will likely start as a back-four with full-backs Timothy Castagne and Ryan Bertrand operating down the visitor's flanks.

Leicester supporters will be worried to see the absence of midfield star Wilfred Ndidi, the Nigerian will be unavailable due to suspension after receiving a red card in their previous meeting with Napoli. 

Wilfred Ndidi will be suspended for the Europa League fixture after receiving a red card against Napoli | Mike Egerton - PA Images | Getty Images
Wilfred Ndidi will be suspended for the Europa League fixture after receiving a red card against Napoli | Mike Egerton - PA Images | Getty Images

Ndidi's role as a vital protector of the Leicester defence may be filled by summer signing Boubakary Soumaré, who has impressed supporters with his physical strength and sharp passing skills in previous fixtures.

Soumaré will likely partner midfield maestro James Maddison and Belgium star Youri Tielemans in the middle of the pitch, with Rodgers expected to continue using a midfield trio for the clash with Warsaw.

After both scoring in the draw with Napoli, wingers Ayoze Perez and Harvey Barnes would be smart choices for Rodgers to start as they will likely have more freedom down the flanks to attack the home team's defence.

With Kelechi Iheanacho unavailable due to a paperwork issue, there could be a start for striker Patson Daka as Rodgers aims to rotate his squad.

Jamie Vardy was involved in all the action against Burnley, scoring both goals in an impressive display. Rodgers may choose to rest the English forward and play Daka, who has also produced some solid performances from the bench this season.

Legia Warsaw

Having started their Europa League campaign off in a strong fashion with a 1-0 win over Spartak Moscow, Legia Warsaw will certainly be aiming to progress to the next stage of the competition.

The Legionisci have won three of their last four games in all competitions, with Azerbaijan international Mahir Emreli scoring nine goals already this season.

Despite the strong start, Warsaw will be without ex-Leicester winger Bartosz Kaputska due to a knee injury picked up in the win against Spartak Moscow.

Bartosz Kaputska wil be unavailable to face his former side Leicester due to injury | Credit: Getty Images | Plumb Images
Bartosz Kaputska wil be unavailable to face his former side Leicester due to injury | Credit: Getty Images | Plumb Images

Former Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc and winger Mattias Johansson are also doubts for the home side as they were both absent for the club's weekend fixture against Rakow.

19-year-old goalkeeper Cezary Miszta will likely start in goal for Warsaw whilst veteran defender Artur Jędrzejczyk is expected to start to tighten up the club's young defence.

Alongside top scorer Emreli, Warsaw will be hoping that Portuguese star Josué can provide the needed attacking threat against the Leicester defence. The midfielder returned to the starting line-up in their last fixture and will likely start in a Czeslaw Michniewicz' often used midfield trio to combat the star-studded midfield of the visitors.

Predicted Line-ups

Legia Warsaw: Miszta, Jedrzejczyk, Wieteska, Nawrocki, Mlandenovic, Josue, Slisz, Martins, Lopes, Muci, Emreli.

Leicester City: Schmeichel, Castagne, Soyuncu, Vestergaard, Bertrand, Soumare, Tielemans, Perez, Maddison, Barnes, Daka.