After Monday night's draw against Tottenham, Leicester manager Steve Cooper will be looking to build on a very positive second-half display; which saw his side come from a goal down to earn a very respectable point against a Spurs side with hopes of a top-four finish.
Unlike Leicester, Fulham were on the wrong end of the result against Man United in their season opener, despite performing well and creating multiple chances throughout the game.
Even though they did lose their opening fixture, the Cottagers have many things to look forward to in the season ahead, after having a very successful transfer window bringing in many useful players and will be eagerly looking to get off the mark this weekend.
The two sides have had many interesting encounters in the past, the most recent being when they faced each other at Craven Cottage in May 2023. Leicester came out on the wrong side of a 5-3 thumping, which deflated their confidence towards the end of the season and was part of the downfall which eventually ended with Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League.
Although the Foxes have a completely different squad now than they did when the sides last met, they will still be seeking revenge for the embarrassment that Fulham caused on that day and will hope for a positive result for Steve Cooper to build on.
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Team News
Considering Leicester’s poor run of form towards the latter stages of pre-season and clear lack of attacking threat, the Foxes faithful would have been delighted to see Jamie Vardy back in the starting eleven linking up exquisitely with winger Abdul Fatawu.
Steve Cooper will be desperately hoping Vardy can maintain his fitness as other options up front are scarce with Patson Daka recently obtaining a serious ankle injury.
Fulham Manager Marco Silva has been working hard to fill the big hole in his squad after midfield powerhouse Joao Palhinha departed for Bayern Munich in July. In the past few days, it has been announced that Fulham have been able to complete the signing of defensive midfielder Sander Berge from Burnley, who will try and fill the void left by Palhinha.
Fulham have also signed Ryan Sessegnon on a free transfer, Joachim Andersen from Crystal Palace, and tricky attacking midfielder Emile Smith-Rowe from Arsenal.
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Likely Lineups
Fulham
Leno; Tete, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Pereira, Berge; Traore, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Muniz
Leicester
Hermansen, Justin, Faes, Vestergaard, Kristiansen; Winks, Skipp; Fatawu, Buonanotte, Mavididi; Vardy
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Key players
Fulham - Emile Smith Rowe
After recently joining Fulham for a club-record fee of £34 million from Arsenal, Smith Rowe will be desperate to get off to a positive start playing for the Cottagers.
When he made his Premier League debut in 2019 at the age of 19, he was destined to become the next big thing at Arsenal. Despite making an immense start to his career, scoring 10 goals in the 2021/22 campaign, since then he has struggled with injuries and breaking back into the starting eleven.
So, he will be hoping that he can maintain his role in the Fulham starting eleven to be able to showcase his talent and prove he can be one of the best players in the league.
Leicester City - Facundo Buonanotte
Despite only playing his first game for the club this week, Facundo Buonanotte is well on his way to becoming a fan favourite at the King Power Stadium.
His trickery, decision-making, technical ability and hard work off the ball, were just a few of the reasons why the Argentine stood out in Leicester’s match against Tottenham on Monday night.
Unfortunately for the Foxes, the 19-year-old is only on a one-year loan deal with Leicester from Brighton; however, if he can continue his good form throughout the season, he could have a big say in Leicester’s survival hopes.
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Match details
Where is the game being played?
The match is being played at Craven Cottage - home of Fulham since 1896.
What time is kick-off?
The match kicks off at 15:00 BST on Saturday 24th August 2024.
How can I watch?
The match is not on live TV within the UK, however, Match of the Day will show highlights at 22:20 BST, on the BBC.
