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Leicester City predicted XI vs Luton as double injury return poses selection dilemma

Russell Martin could name the same starting XI for Leicester City's trip to Luton Town

Leicester City predicted XI vs Luton

Russell Martin may be tempted to name the same Leicester City starting XI for a third consecutive game when the Foxes face Luton Town tomorrow afternoon.

The Foxes have beaten Doncaster Rovers and Bromley in their last two games and will be looking to make it three wins in a row in their new formation. Leicester have switched to a 3-4-2-1 since losing to Peterborough United, with the tactical change bringing an improvement in performances and results.

Martin named an unchanged starting XI at Hayes Lane on Tuesday night, before withdrawing Sammy Braybrooke, Emil Riis, Louis Page, Kamari Doyle and Will Alves after an hour. With the trip to Kenilworth Road marking Leicester's third game in a week, however, rotation remains a possibility.

Alex McCarthy looks certain to keep his place in goal, with Warren O'Hora, Harry Souttar and Caleb Okoli having all raised their levels as a defensive unit this week. Ilari Kangasniemi has been an unused substitute in each of Leicester's last three games and could be in contention for his first start. However, Tuesday's home fixture against Wigan may represent a more likely opportunity.

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Luke Thomas and Will Alves have given Leicester greater attacking threat from the wing-back positions, but Christian McFarlane's potential return could allow Thomas to enjoy a well-earned rest. "Christian took a whack, so he wasn't available, but I think he will be available on Saturday," Martin told pitchside at Bromley.

Dropping Alves would risk disrupting Leicester's attacking momentum, with the 21-year-old making the wing-back position his own over the past two games. Bade Aluko was left out of the squad altogether against Bromley, while Wes Burns was again unavailable through illness, despite his ability to operate at wing-back.

Martin is likely to stick with the same midfield four after Leicester controlled proceedings against Bromley. The Foxes enjoyed 75 per cent possession and completed more than 500 additional passes than their opponents, underlining the effectiveness of the four-man midfield. However, the demands of a third game in a week could tempt the manager to rotate.

Conor Chaplin made his second appearance in four days after returning from injury, while Will Smallbone made his Leicester debut off the bench. Chaplin offers an option in a more advanced midfield role, whereas Smallbone could partner Lundstram in a deeper position.

"They're going to have to learn on the job, Will may be a bit easier because he's played for us before," the City boss explained when asked about the pair. "Chaplin has missed a lot, so we have to get him up to speed by playing minutes in games and that will benefit him and Will immensely tonight."

Emil Riis looks certain to retain his place at centre-forward. The Dane appeared frustrated with his performance against Bromley before scoring his fifth goal for the club in the second half.

Predicted City XI vs Luton: McCarthy; O'Hora, Souttar, Okoli; Alves, Lundstram, Page, Thomas; Doyle, Braybrooke; Riis

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