MY ACCOUNT
Leicester find themselves 19th in the Premier League table after picking up one point from their opening three matches.
Having made just one signing so far this summer, the 2015-16 champions could do with multiple additions to revitalise their squad.
The mood is dire among fans after a penalty shootout win over Stockport in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night following a 0-0 stalemate.
As they prepare for a tough trip to Chelsea on Saturday, we take a look at the key areas Leicester need to strengthen before the window slams shut.
Defensive reinforcements
Wesley Fofana may or may not be a Leicester player come September 1, but the Foxes must not wait to see what happens.
Brendan Rodgers’ side have conceded a league-high eight times in their three games so far — there is an obvious problem in the backline.
Even with the talented Fofana present, Leicester still shipped two unnecessary goals in the draw with Brentford two weeks ago.
The same can be said in the defeat to Southampton, but what makes it worse is that the Midlands side were ahead in both games.
Rodgers has experimented with both a back three and four in their opening games, but neither have worked, suggesting new personnel are required.
Jonny Evans is an ever-present at the King Power Stadium, but at 34, surely there are better options out there for Leicester.
Having kept just one clean sheet in their last 27 away games domestically they must find a way to stop leaking goals — and quickly.
The Fofana debacle
Chelsea’s interest in France Under-21s defender Fofana has certainly unsettled the youngster.
Contrasting reports cast doubt over whether a deal will materialise, with Leicester having already rejected two bids.
Should the 21-year-old remain at the club, he could answer Rodgers’ prayers if he can get his head back in the game.
Having been left out of the squad for the defeat to the Saints, Fofana proved a big miss for the Foxes who struggled to deal with the Saints’ pace up front.
The Frenchman averages five progressive carries per game, as well as completing four clearances. His perfect blend of no-nonsense defending and ability to play when needed makes him a star.
If he cannot re-focus at Leicester, it may be better for the club to cash in and reinvest the funds into some new talent.
Width is key
Another area of concern for the Foxes is in their wide areas.
Harvey Barnes has been suffering with minor injuries following his double knee surgery at the back end of last season.
Such is the lack of faith in both Ayoze Perez and Marc Albrighton, Rodgers has often opted for James Maddison as a wide player, which leaves a lack of pace on the wings.
Ademola Lookman was one man who could play that role well, but his return to RB Leipzig and subsequent sale to Atalanta means that Leicester must look at bringing in some quality, particularly on the right-hand side.
Having created just one big chance and boasting an 18% return on their crossing accuracy, the need for someone who can beat their man and deliver quality could solve a lot of issues.
Sofiane Diop of Monaco is one name that has been linked with a move to England, but Leicester will have to act quickly before the end of the window.
Not so safe hands
Kasper Schmeichel was a legend for the East Midlands side, but his move to Nice has left a massive gap between the sticks.
Danny Ward has started the opening three league games, Daniel Iversen played at Stockport and saved three penalties, while the club’s only signing so far was keeper Alex Smithies on a free from Cardiff to provide more cover.
Any good keeper will be responsible for picking up points for your side throughout the campaign and with only three top-flight appearances prior to this campaign, Ward looks short of the quality needed.
A lot of clubs would have waited until they had sourced a replacement before selling one of their best and most influential players, but with just one week left until the window closes, there might not be a new arrival between the sticks.
Currently conceding a goal every 34 minutes, disaster could descend into chaos for Rodgers, who is walking a tightrope just three weeks into the new season.
