David Nugent should be back in time for this game with Andy King the only doubt. So here is what I would go with Schmeichel Morgan Huth Wasilewski Albrighton Cambiasso James Drinkwater Schlupp Vardy Ulloa Subs- Schwarzer, De Laet, Hammond, Mahrez, Wood, Nugent, Kramaric
If Nugent is fit - he will play. Change in form for him and Vardy have been instrumental in our transition.
Any other position and he wouldnt but the position hasnt been taken by mahrez or drinkwater so i think he stands a chance of coming back in. For me: Schmeichel Was Huth Morgan Albrighton Cambiasso James Schlupp Nugent Vardy Ulloa.
I thought Drinkwater was extremely unlucky to be dropped after Chelsea and Mahrez didn't exactly make the place his own at the weekend. Bringing in Drinkwater will allow Cambiasso to have more control and leave James sitting allowing Albrighton and Schlupp more of a license to get forward Southampton are struggling for players in midfield at the minute with Ward Prowse suspended and Schneiderlin injured
Mahrez looked good in the second half when the game was won, but I do worry he doesn't quite have the attitude and physicality for a proper scrap- he's not really had to do it since joining us! I don't think Nugent should come straight back in, personally I'm hoping that King will be fit so we can use his physicality in the midfield. No more injuries, please, it cost us against Chelsea! Pleased to see Schlupp come straight back in, I thought he had a great game on Saturday and can't believe he hasn't been praised more.
Nigel Pearson on Marc Albrighton "I am delighted for him. He has performed very well for the team, and on an individual level he is now showing in training and in matches the sort of form he is capable of. And that quote there is clear why Albrighton hasnt been involved much, his training performances just wasn't to the required standard. Maybe he just struggled to fit in and now his match performances are up he probably feels part of the team now
I wouldn't change anything (barring injuries) ... that was our most 'complete' performance of the season ... not always the best football but the best team performance - players know their positions and responsibilities and that showed for the full 90 (including the subs) ... Drinky is more defensive than Mahrez and we are at home needing to keep winning ... with a solid base like we now have (just have to love Huth) we should be looking to field our best attack formation ... hence Mahrez ahead of Drinky for me ....
I think Drinky looks slow and poor (though others rate him and stats are favourable so ill accept that im wrong maybe) but i wouldnt even consider bringing him back in - mahrez or nugent for me.
Yep, I'd go for this team, and agree that neither Mahrez or Drinky have made a strong enough claim on Nugent's role.
Apart from being wasteful in front of goal which we all knew would be the case Nugent has done pretty well this season. He he proved his worth to the team this season and one thing you can never acuse Nugent of since Knockaert missed that peno is shirking responsibility and shying away
Yep he always puts in a good shift and is actually a pretty good footballer. Wouldn't mind him coming in at the expense of Mahrez
