Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points in Matchweek 37.
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If Leicester City can cling on for a top-four finish it will be a triumph for their squad depth.
Injuries and suspensions have hit the Foxes hard since the season resumed, with Brendan Rodgers forced to introduce fringe players who had barely featured for the bulk of the campaign.
Pleasingly for the Foxes manager, Wes Morgan, Ryan Bennett, Luke Thomas, James Justin and Demarai Gray all played a significant part in Thursday’s crucial 2-0 win at home to Sheffield United.
Rodgers needs two more big performances from them, starting at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Fringe players to the fore
| 2019/20 | Starts | Mins since restart | Total mins |
|---|---|---|---|
| James Justin | 9 | 630 | 830 |
| Demarai Gray | 3 | 135 | 547 |
| Ryan Bennett | 3 | 285 | 285 |
| Wes Morgan | 2 | 91 | 250 |
| Luke Thomas | 1 | 90 | 90 |
Making just three league starts it has been a frustrating season for Gray, but across the last two matches he has delivered big moments.
Shortly after coming on as a substitute at Arsenal, the winger curled a teasing low ball into the box for Jamie Vardy to convert in a vital 1-1 draw.
And he secured three points at home to Sheff Utd with a calm and precise right-footed finish after coming off the bench.
Introducing Gray’s brightness and energy for another late cameo is sure to be part of Rodgers’ thinking this weekend.
Gray's goal v Sheff Utd
In the absence of the suspended Caglar Soyuncu, club captain Morgan was called up for only his second Premier League start of 2019/20 against the Blades.
Displaying strong leadership, resilience and good organisational skills the 36-year-old was highly influential.
Morgan is well suited to operating in the middle of a back-three unit and when balls came into the box he was a firm presence.
If he can dominate the penalty area when defending set-pieces against Spurs and track Harry Kane’s movement closely, Morgan will be a key man again.
Morgan stats v Sheff Utd
| Total | |
|---|---|
| Clearances | 6 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
| Possession won | 9 |
| Duels won | 69.2% |
| Aerial duels won | 66.7% |
Justin had to show patience to get a run in the starting XI but since the season resumed the player signed from Luton Town has grown in confidence and authority.
Used as a left-back, a right-sided central defender and at wing-back, the 22-year-old offers Rodgers versatility.
He is likely to be used as a right wing-back against Spurs in the continued absence of the injured Ricardo Pereira.
Jose Mourinho targeted that side of Arsenal’s defence in their last home fixture, with Son Heung-min and Lucas Moura raiding down that flank regularly.
The Spurs head coach may look at Justin and central defender Bennett inside him and try to repeat that tactic.
It will be a challenge for them, but both arrive on the back of excellent displays.
Fresh face
Thomas filled in for the injured Ben Chilwell and Christian Fuchs last time out and the 19-year-old enjoyed a stellar debut.
Delivering several crosses and a beautiful disguised pass to assist Ayoze Perez, the Academy product would be unlucky to lose his place at Spurs.
Leicester had one of the most settled starting XIs in a 4-1-4-1 for the bulk of this campaign, so the past few weeks have been a major challenge for their adaptability.
If they get over the line in a new 3-4-2-1 shape with so many second-choice players, they will have earned their UEFA Champions League spot the hard way.