Reacting to Leicester XI vs Villa: van Nistelrooy's lineup may backfire | OneFootball

We react to the latest confirmed Leicester City lineup. The Foxes travel to Aston Villa for both sides' first Premier League match of 2025. Clearly the two clubs have contrasting fortunes at the moment. Villa are doing well overall, in spite of setbacks in the division. While City are in somewhat of a downward spiral.

Consequently, the Blue Army are generally not confident ahead of this Midlands derby. But you never know with LCFC, is my view. Along with the Villans having uneven form in the top flight, as I mentioned, the visitors have a history of winning matches when dramatic underdogs. But I won't hold my breath as a City fan. At the time of writing, there is about 25 minutes until kick-off at Villa Park. Both lineups have been announced for a short time now.

Therefore this is just a brief article offering our opinions on Ruud van Nistelrooy's selection. The King Power outfit, similarly to their hosts, have been forced into choosing replacements for sidelined personnel. Will the Dutchman be rewarded after making one or two brave changes? And will the backups, as well as preferred faces, respond well? Or could van Nistelrooy's alterations backfire?

Aston Villa XI

Unai Emery has swapped a trio of players after his side drew 2-2 against Brighton & Hove Albion. Ross Barkley, Matty Cash and Tyrone Mings will feature today. Villans starting team:

Emi Martinez, Cash, Ezri Konsa, Mings, Lucas Digne, Boubacar Kamara, Barkley, Leon Bailey, Youri Tielemans, John McGinn, Ollie Watkins.

Leicester City lineup thoughts

Basically, I think Justin and Coady probably should have been dropped by now. Kristiansen is likely ill or injured, if not I believe RvN would have continued with the unfortunate four.

Jakub Stolarczyk, James Justin, Conor Coady, Jannik Vestergaard, Luke Thomas, Harry Winks, Boubakary Soumare, Bilal El Khannouss, Stephy Mavididi, Jordan Ayew, Jamie Vardy.

Surely Wout Faes should be considered with Vestergaard still included too. Dropping Buonanotte is also a counterproductive decision from the 48-year-old in my opinion. Thomas's inclusion does worry me. I envision a loss, though it pains me to say it.