Tielemans to return for Leicester City finale? Predicted XI for Southampton clash

Leicester City finish their 2021/22 Premier League season on Sunday when they take on Southampton at the King Power Stadium (4pm kick-off).

Brendan Rodgers’ men go into the game knowing that a win would give them a very good chance of finishing eighth. Wolves, who currently occupy that place, take on title-chasing Liverpool at Anfield, with City two points behind Bruno Lage’s side but with a better goal difference.

City are looking to finish the season strongly after two wins and a draw in their last three games. A 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night came after comfortable wins over relegated duo Norwich City and Watford.

The game at Chelsea saw City manager Rodgers deploy a three at the back formation as City looked to hit Thomas Tuchel’s men on the break. Midfielder Youri Tielemans missed the game due to a knee injury picked up in the win over Watford, while James Justin remained at home due to illness.

Providing both have recovered in time, something which Rodgers was hopeful of, then both could come straight back into the starting XI. The game vs Saints could also see City return to a more familiar 4-1-2-1 formation.

Timothy Castagne has been one of City’s most consistent players this season but could face competition for the right-back position from the returning Ricardo Pereira. The Portuguese international was back on the bench at Stamford Bridge after recovering from injury.

One other option for Rodgers could be to play Castagne at left-back in place of Justin with Ricardo coming in at right-back.

Sunday’s game could be Tielemans’ final one in a City shirt, given the speculation over his future ahead of the summer. Therefore, if he is fit, the FA Cup hero should come straight back into the starting XI