Cooper’s remarks hint that Justin will be back in the starting lineup for Leicester’s match against Manchester United this weekend.
However, reintroducing the Englishman could prove costly for the Foxes. Justin had a poor showing against United in the Carabao Cup last week, where he was involved in conceding four of the Red Devils’ five goals.
This wasn’t the first time the right-back struggled defensively this season; his mistakes have led to numerous goals against Leicester in the league as well. Given how he was outmatched by Alejandro Garnacho just days ago, it wouldn’t be a wise decision for Cooper to bring Justin back into the squad this weekend.
After 10 games of the Premier League season, Leicester City are 15th in the table. Something everyone would bite your hand off for come the end of it.
Steve Cooper’s team has had a mixed start to the season, with two wins, four draws, and four losses, but they currently hold a bit of a cushion above the relegation zone.
Last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town has left the Foxes five points ahead of Ipswich, who sit in 18th place. However, with much of the season still to go, there’s plenty of room for unexpected changes in the Premier League standings.
As we approach the final stretch of the first third of the 2024/25 season, Tony Cascarino has weighed in on each team’s survival prospects, including Leicester.
Cascarino has identified seven clubs he sees as at risk of relegation. While he acknowledged that Leicester is among those in danger, he feels confident that they have what it takes to remain in the Premier League for another season.
In his column for *The Times*, he wrote, “Losing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was always going to be a setback, but the addition of former Spurs midfielders Harry Winks and Oliver Skipp has added some stability in midfield.
“I’m also impressed by Facundo Buonanotte—he brings a touch of magic, and that’s crucial in a relegation battle, having someone who can create something from nothing.”
“Saturday highlighted their team spirit under Steve Cooper. I believe they’ll have what it takes to pull clear when it matters,” Cascarino noted.
The former Republic of Ireland international went on to suggest that Southampton, Wolves, and Crystal Palace are the three teams most likely to face relegation, with Leicester staying up at their expense.
Latest Opta Premier League table prediction is good news for Leicester
Leicester’s survival prospects aren’t just looking up according to Cascarino—Opta’s latest predictions are also encouraging.
In September, after failing to secure a win in their first four games, Leicester were predicted to end the season in 19th place. However, in Opta’s latest forecast, the Foxes are now expected to finish 17th, narrowly staying up by outperforming Wolves, Ipswich, and Southampton.
Opta projects Leicester to end the season with 34 points, two points clear of Wolves, who are predicted to land in 18th.
