If Ruud van Nistelrooy sticks to his word, it’s known how Leicester City will play against Manchester United.
Despite another defeat and failing to score again, City's back-five system deployed at Chelsea last week was a success on its first outing, the manager felt, and he’s said he will give it another go this weekend.
What is helpful is that they have a ready-made plan B to turn to should the new formation not be delivering results.
When Ricardo Pereira was introduced for his first appearance in four months on Sunday, City changed to last season’s system, developed by Enzo Maresca, with the Portuguese playing as an inverted full-back.
It made a difference, with Ricardo involved in City’s two best moments in the latter stages - a shot from the edge of the box and a cross that was just behind Facundo Buonanotte.
Not only can Ricardo be the ace up van Nistelrooy’s sleeve, his leadership qualities can help the group as they battle relegation.
The 31-year-old was vice-captain to Vardy last season and lifted the Championship trophy together with the number nine and Marc Albrighton.
“His influence in the group is big,” van Nistelrooy said after Ricardo’s comeback against Chelsea. “He’s a leader. He pushes the team forward and he’s helping always his team-mates.
“He showed his qualities as an inverted full-back, playing forward from the six position, when we had the ball, and bringing us higher up the pitch, creating some danger from there. It’s great to have him back.”
There is a possibility that Ricardo could yet start against Manchester United, but if so, it would likely be as part of the central defensive three, in place of Luke Thomas. That seems unlikely at the moment though, with van Nistelrooy praising Thomas for his display against Chelsea.
At wing-back, James Justin, Victor Kristiansen and Woyo Coulibaly are likely to be the preferred options as they have the mobility to get up and down the flanks.
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