Leicester City travel to Walsall in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night with both teams eyeing a spot in the round of 16.
Steve Cooper‘s only competitive win since taking over as Leicester City manager has come in the competition, with the Foxes beating Tranmere Rovers 4-0 in the second round last month.
Premier League survival is the obvious priority this season but Cooper will see this game against League Two Walsall as an opportunity to hand some game time to those that need it as well as a potential confidence booster.
This is needed following a disappointing 1-1 draw at home against Everton on Saturday in which Leicester were arguably lucky to come away with a point when pre-match they knew getting all three was crucial.
Jamie Vardy is likely to be wrapped in cotton wool for the trip to Walsall, but Cooper has now hinted at his team selection.
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Steve Cooper will play ‘experienced’ Leicester City side against Walsall
As well as Vardy, key players such as Harry Winks, James Justin and Wout Faes could come out of the side.
However, Cooper knows how damaging a defeat to fourth tier opposition could be for both confidence and his job, so he cannot afford a slip-up against Walsall.
Speaking to the official Leicester City website, Cooper gave fans some insight into what sort of side he will put out on Tuesday night, as he said: “With regards to Tuesday, we’ll see the effects of Saturday physically and then we’ll decide what the right plan is.
“It’s a game we want to win. It’s a game where the team we put out will be an experienced and strong one.
“Whether we decide to make changes, or go with players who have been playing in the league, it’ll be an experienced team for a game we want to win.”
Number of Leicester City players need to take Walsall chance
Cooper has a large enough squad that he can put out an experienced side whilst not risking key players if he decides that is the best approach.
Ricardo Pereira is one player who has surprisingly been snubbed under Cooper but could play, whilst the likes of Conor Coady, Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Odsonne Edouard are all experienced pros with a point to prove.
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After disappointing on his full debut against Everton, Bilal El Khannouss could get another opportunity to acclimatise to English football, whilst Kasey McAteer will be will be hoping for a chance to impress too.
Any player who performs could earn themselves a place in a massive game away at Arsenal at the weekend so there is plenty to play for.