Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca urged to field £25m hidden gem against Preston North End.

On Monday, Leicester City heads to Lancashire for a clash against Preston North End at Deepdale.

The atmosphere at Seagrave has been filled with joy following Leeds United’s loss to Queens Park Rangers, officially securing City’s return to the Premier League. Images captured the players celebrating at Enzo Maresca’s residence, marking this significant accomplishment.

However, they must maintain composure as they approach Monday’s match, where a victory could clinch the title for them. Despite already achieving their primary goal, The Foxes understand the importance of staying focused and are determined to secure the trophy with a win.

Leicester City hopes to avoid a recurrence of the Brighton match.

Take yourselves back to April 2014. Leicester had just secured promotion to the Premier League under Nigel Pearson’s management, and their upcoming match was against Brighton and Hove Albion at home.

In the lead-up to the game, Leicester seemed to be in celebratory spirits, evident in their performance on the field. Brighton arrived at the King Power Stadium and scored four goals against Leicester, with Leonardo Ulloa scoring twice, foreshadowing his move to Leicester that summer.

Given this history, Leicester should heed the lessons from that match and not underestimate North End, especially with the title still within their reach.

Enzo Maresca ought to include Kelechi Iheanacho in the starting lineup against Preston North End.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 11: Kelechi Iheanacho of Leicester City during the Leicester City training session and press conference at Leicester City Training Ground, Seagrave on April 11, 2024 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)

Ever since Leicester acquired Kelechi Iheanacho from Manchester City in a £25m transfer deal in 2017, his performances have been inconsistent, yet he has garnered considerable affection from City fans.

Although Iheanacho began the season in impressive form, he has gradually faded from the spotlight since December, reflecting the ups and downs of his tenure in the East Midlands.

Despite not starting a game since early December, the Nigerian international should be given an opportunity in this match, especially since Jamie Vardy is in need of a rest after featuring in the last three games.

Moreover, this could potentially be one of Iheanacho’s final matches in a Leicester jersey, given that his contract is set to expire at the end of June.

Given his promising displays in limited appearances this season, Iheanacho deserves a chance to feature in the starting lineup alongside other fringe players like Conor Coady and Dennis Praet.