Last season’s Championship promotion playoff beaten finalists, Coventry City, will kick off the new season on Sunday with a trip to Leicester City’s King Power Stadium.
The Sky Blues were close to promotion but ended up losing out to Luton Town on penalties. Now, manager Mark Robins must pick the team up and push for a top-six finish once more.
Leicester City were relegated from the Premier League last season, finishing 18th in the standings.
The club has seen plenty of turnover this offseason, with several key players including James Maddison, Youri Tielemans, and Jonny Evans leaving.
Enzo Maresca was appointed manager of Leicester City in July. The Italian was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City last season.
Burnley won the Championship in 2022-23 under form Man City player Vincent Kompany.
Leicester are hoping to replicate Burnley’s feat under another former Man City employee.
Leicester City and Coventry City have not met since 2012. There are no recent trends between the two clubs.
Coventry sold star striker Viktor Gyokeres in the offseason for €20 million.
The funds have been reinvested in new players, including striker Ellis Simms from Everton, right-back Milan van Ewijk from Heerenveen, and defender Bobby Thomas from Burnley.
The club could lose talisman, Gustavo Hamer. The combative midfielder has been linked to Leeds United and could leave the club before the end of August.
Robins used a flat 3-5-2 formation last season, with two strikers. The club could be very defensive last season, playing long-ball football. Robins will likely stick with what works.
The Sky Blues posted a record of 18W-16D-12L last season, with 58 goals for and 46 against. The team had a 7W-9D-7L away record.
Leicester City sold Maddison and Harvey Barnes for more than €80m combined.
They signed Conor Coady, Harry Winks, Stephy Mavididi, and Mads Hermansen, with the money.
Maresca will likely use a 4-3-3 formation, with striker Patson Daka playing as a centre-forward.
Marc Albrighton and Mavidid could play on either side. Kelechi Iheanacho could also start the game. Winks should provide the anchor to the midfield three.
Despite Leicester City’s departures in the offseason, there are still plenty of experienced players available from last term.
Maresca may be forced to sell more players to balance the books, however.
Leicester City and Coventry City are expected to fight for a top-six place in the Championship. The Foxes are the bookmakers’ favourite to win the Championship and return to the Premier League. But Leicester City should have a rough start to the campaign, as they draw 1-1 with Coventry City.