news-engine

Some would argue that Leicester City's squad is stronger now in League One than it was when it suffered relegation from the Championship in April. City have been busy in the transfer market to mould Russell Martin's squad ahead of the new season. Nine players have arrived so far, the latest being Harry Howell from Brighton, while a significant number have left the club. The aim of Leicester's recruitment throughout the summer, led by new technical director James McCarron, has been to build a squad good enough not only to get the club out of League One, but to compete in the Championship next season. A blend of exciting youngsters and experience has been the theme for City. "We're going to need some balance because on the whole, the squad is really young and really exciting," Martin said last week. "But with that, you have to have some people that have been there and done it, [who] they [young players] can turn to in the tough moments on the pitch." There are still three weeks remaining of the transfer window and the squad is almost guaranteed to look different by September 1. But for now, Martin has a squad of players that he is "delighted" with and must now make some crucial decisions over his starting XI for the opening day of the season. Bristric has trained with his new teammates after completing his move from NK Olimpija Ljubljana on Tuesday and offers a different outlet at centre-forward for City. But the striker isn't expected to start immediately. If last weekend's win over Northampton is anything to go by, City's XI at Meadow Lane should see two changes, possibly three. You can also join our WhatsApp Community by clicking HERE Jakub Stolarczyk started the Carabao Cup win over Northampton last week, withThe left-back missed last week due to a bruised foot Jayden Joseph has been Martin's preferred option at right-back so far, with Caleb Okoli, Harry Souttar and Luke Thomas expected to make up the back four. Now, one of the first selection dilemmas for Martin is whether to risk Christian McFarlane. Louis Page , but Thomas' average display against Northampton frustrated Martin, particularly in the first half, when his lack of aggression on the ball was noticeable. Midfield is City's strongest area on the pitch and they have a few bodies to choose from. Oliver Skipp has been the go-to option in the No.6 throughout pre-season and was once again impressive last week. The two attacking midfield roles are where Martin's biggest decision comes, with the biggest question being who joins Sammy Braybrooke. Liam Cullen started on the left of the two against Northampton with Conor Chaplin currently a doubt for this weekend. Louis Page came off the bench and looked good when carrying the ball, while also putting a decent shift in defensively to make sure of the win. The 18-year-old has interest from Manchester United and Arsenal, but Cullen., and Page can do that this weekend. In the three-man forward line, Leicester have to do better this week. Stephy Mavididi, who was linked with a move to high-spenders Middlesbrough on Thursday, was underwhelming in the cup last week and was replaced by the energetic Tommy Watson. However, before his 30-minute cameo off the bench, Watson had only played 45 minutes of pre-season for Brighton and is likely to lack the match fitness to start. So Mavididi has another opportunity to stand out, but his lives are running out. Will Alves is expected to take up his spot as the inverted winger on the right after looking dangerous last time out. Wes Burns' arrival does provide quality competition out there, but Alves has impressed Martin throughout his seven weeks in charge and Leicester would miss his creativity if was left out. Centre-forward is an interesting one, with Bristric unlikely to start straight away. If Martin does throw him straight in, it could be the perfect environment for him to make his debut. But should Martin decide to use him off the bench, the role goes to Cullen. The former Swansea City man arrived as a versatile forward and has played as the second striker in his first two appearances. Bobby De Cordova-Reid started at centre-forward last game, but really struggled with the physicality and movement required - though, in his defence, he's not a striker. He would be better suited to one of the spots behind the No.9. Predicted City XI vs Notts County: Stolarczyk; Joseph, Okoli, Souttar, Thomas; Skipp, Braybrooke, Page; Alves, Mavididi; Cullen How do you think the Foxes will line up against Notts County? Tell us HERE... FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK! All the latest Leicester City news on LeicestershireLive’s Leicester City Facebook page!