Martin Keown
Arsenal legend Martin Keown has told Brendan Rodgers what team selection decision he should make for Leicester City’s crucial clash with Manchester United on Sunday. The Foxes host United in a top-four showdown which they likely have to win, a draw only being enough to secure them a Champions League spot if Chelsea loses on the final day. And as Rodgers ponders his team selection, former Arsenal defender turned Match of Day pundit Keown has given his thoughts.
Martin Keown said “There is no James Maddison, who has created the fifth-most chances in the Premier League this season despite missing the last six matches, (There is) No Ricardo Pereira or Ben Chilwell, the full backs who are close to Trent Alexander-Arnold or Andrew Robertson in terms of creativity. No Caglar Soyuncu, the central defender who filled the boots of Harry Maguire and has enjoyed a solid partnership with Jonny Evans. When those four were available, Rodgers had a set 4-1-4-1 system, deploying Wilfred Ndidi in front of the defence. Ndidi acts as a shield and has made more tackles and interceptions than any other Premier League player this season. There was a balance to the team and at their peak they crushed Southampton 9-0 in October. But because of injuries and Soyuncu’s suspension, Rodgers has started using 3-4-3 and 3-4-1-2 and they don’t look entirely comfortable with three at the back. They don’t have a presence on the wings from their full backs. They’ve lost that creative spark in Maddison and Ndidi is now being used alongside Youri Tielemans in midfield. Perhaps Rodgers felt he did not have the personnel to continue using the 4-1-4-1 system. But this has played a huge part in their demise and you could argue that the season’s suspension due to coronavirus hurt Leicester more than anyone else.”
