Leicester City team news v Aston Villa as Ruud van Nistelrooy makes two changes
Luke Thomas makes his first Leicester City appearance under Ruud van Nistelrooy with Victor Kristiansen missing from the squad at Aston Villa.
Thomas, who last played in the 4-1 loss at Brentford under caretaker Ben Dawson, has been an unused substitute for all six of van Nistelrooy matches so far. But he comes in at left-back at Villa Park with Kristiansen not included in the squad.
In the second change, Jordan Ayew comes in for Facundo Buonanotte on the right wing. Ayew had been suspended for the clash with Manchester City, but started the previous two games against Wolves and Liverpool and is selected to return to the line-up.
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It’s unlikely to be a popular decision among City supporters, especially after Buonanotte helped City produce their best performance of the season against Man City. The Argentinian is on the bench, alongside Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Will Alves.
There are no further changes, meaning Jakub Stolarczyk again starts in goal, while James Justin, Conor Coady and Jannik Vestergaard form the rest of the defence. Harry Winks and Boubakary Soumare sit just in front.
In attack, Bilal El Khannouss will look to continue his fine form in attacking midfield, while Stephy Mavididi starts on the left. Jamie Vardy leads the line.
Caleb Okoli, who has been linked with an exit this month, is on the bench. As is Wout Faes, who returns from injury after two matches out.
City (4-2-3-1): Stolarczyk; Justin, Coady, Vestergaard, Thomas; Winks, Soumare; Ayew, El Khannouss, Mavididi; Vardy. Subs: Iversen, Okoli, Faes, Skipp, Choudhury, Buonanotte, Alves, De Cordova-Reid, Daka.
