This is a great time to take a look at one potential angle ahead of the Stoke City game. The East Midlands outfit will welcome the Staffordshire side to King Power Stadium this coming weekend. There could be new, or kind of new, faces amongst the matchday squad versus the Potters. That's because City have suffered a few injuries and have allowed some personnel to travel with various levels of international teams.

On Saturday, Leicester's Blue Army fan base should look out for youth stars such as Kevon Gray and Bade Aluko on the bench. The youthful pair of Foxes might perhaps be included with first team substitutes as the duo look to impress head coach Marti Cifuentes. They were recently cited for possible, respective promotions from the development squads.

Meanwhile a famous LCFC title-winner has been appointed as an English Football League manager. This player was another favourite of the faithful due to his personality, performances and general bright spark around the training ground and club years ago in general. But who is the retired pro in question? And which outfit has he taken over?

Kevon Gray and Bade Aluko eye roles

According to Leicester Mercury reporter Jordan Blackwell, a couple of Foxes could be promoted for the Stoke Clash. I'll let the journalist expand on his theory:

"Bade Aluko could be included in a Championship squad for the first time this season as defensive cover across the back-line.The City development squad captain has been away with England Under-20s during the international break, playing the final 12 minutes as they drew 1-1 with Japan... Other contenders to be included would be highly-rated centre-back Kevon Gray, who has been a regular for City Under-21s this season."

Ex-Leicester City left back Christian Fuchs installed as manager of Newport County

Everyone at Foxes of Leicester fondly remembers Fuchs. He was, of course, one of two main full backs in the 'Incredibles' team from 2015/16; Danny Simpson was his opposing team-mate.

Fuchs has joined Newport in South Wales on a 'long-term contract'. He previously worked in Major League Soccer as Charlotte FC's assistant coach. We wish him well - yet the Exiles are only two leagies below LCFC at the moment!

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations

Following several years of issues with Profit and Sustainability rules, Leicester City’s next charges are to be heard next week. Of course, just over a year ago, the Foxes won an appeal over an alleged breach of Premier League rules, but the issues persist. With point deductions, fines and transfer bans all possible punishments, City’s already disappointing start to the season could face yet another blow. Therefore, here is the most recent update in the Leicester-PSR saga.

Leicester PSR Saga Continues With Date Set for Hearing

As reported by John Percy, Leicester’s Premier League battles continue in a hearing with “charges to be heard next week”, as they contest three new cases. The charges were a part of reports back in May, just a few weeks after confirming relegation back to the Championship with a loss against Liverpool. City’s allegations include breaching PSR rules during the 2023/24 season, whilst also failing to provide accounts before the deadline. The additional charge is a result of failing to ‘provide full, complete and prompt assistance’ to the Premier League.

Read More: Leicester Legend Provides Damming Response on Forward Options Amid Goal Drought

Percy also adds that the East Midlands outfit faced huge losses in the past few years, which led to this pressure from the top division overheads. The club made an extraordinary combined loss of over £200 million across the three-year rolling period ending June 30, 2024, which isn’t in accordance with the PSR regulations that permit a maximum of £81 mmillion over the three years.

One reason why this report holds great importance is due to the further information on the club’s financial problems. It’s been well documented that the 2022/23 relegation season had incredibly negative implications both on and off the pitch. The season before Leicester’s capitulation, major investment came as shown through the signings of Patson Daka, Boubakary Soumaré and Jannik Vestergaard in a bid to compete with the so-called top six. This failed as Leicester didn’t qualify for Europe that year, and didn’t sell a major player, so they couldn’t strengthen the following summer.

Read More: Leicester Owner Khun Top Eyes ‘Major Reshuffle’ Following Years of Decline

The numbers for losses don’t make for good reading, and it seems like this all stems from poor decisions. Leicester were right to challenge the top six when they did, but the January signings in 2023 didn’t help the already dire situation. Furthermore, the buying and selling of players has come under even more scrutiny this past two seasons as the likes of Oliver Skipp, Jordan Ayew and Bobby Decordova Reid all arrived.

Read More: How Jakub Stolarczyk Differs From Leicester Predecessors Under Marti Cifuentes

In terms of how this report can have ramifications on this current season depends on the punishments. Marti Cifuentes’ side currently sits in 12th place in the Championship, and any potential points deduction could seriously hinder their already dwindling chances of promotion. Furthermore, a transfer ban would also not be ideal, as additions to the squad are vital in January. For instance, a striker is necessary with the current trio netting just two goals so far this campaign. Furthermore, a new number 10 could also be important in the long term as Reid continues to age and Aaron Ramsey is only on loan.

Featured Image Credits

have announced that they have appointed legend Christian Fuchs as their new manager.

Fuchs is best known for his stint as a player at the King Power Stadium, helping the Foxes win the Premier League title in the 2015-16 campaign and making a total of 152 appearances in all competitions.

However, since 2021, the former 78-cap Austria international has been based in the United States with , first as a player before becoming assistant coach.

The 39-year-old now returns to the United Kingdom for his first senior role in the dugout having been chosen as the replacement for David Hughes, who was sacked over the weekend after winning just four of his 22 matches in charge.

? Newport County is delighted to announce the appointment of Christian Fuchs as the club’s new manager.

— Newport County (@NewportCounty) November 20, 2025

Newport announce Fuchs appointment

Speaking to the club's official website, Newport chairman Huw Jenkins said: "We see Christian as the sort of man to lead our club forward. I believe he matches our ambition and goals for Newport County FC.

“I do feel we can now look forward with a great deal of optimism. We’ll look to improve our current situation in League Two and take things from there.

“Christian is ambitious and wants, one day, to manage in the Premier League, we believe he shares our strong belief in what Newport County can eventually become.”

Fuchs links up with Newport at a time when they sit at the bottom of the League Two table having accumulated just 11 points from their 16 matches.

Nevertheless, two wins have been posted in their most recent five league encounters with victories coming at Accrington Stanley and Harrogate Town.

Newport are next in action when they make the trip to the North-West of England to face Oldham Athletic on Saturday afternoon.

Racing Post Sport experts Warren Ashurst, Jamie Griffith and Aidan Perkins are joined by Ladbrokes's Chris Pender to discuss this week's big football talking points

What’s your best football bet for this weekend?

Warren Ashurst, Racing Post Sport: Stevenage are available at odds-against for their League One clash at home to Doncaster. The hosts have slipped to sixth in the table after collecting one point from their last three games but they have gone up against a much-improved Reading team, as well as top-three sides Bradford and Lincoln. They now face a Donny side who haven’t won a league game since September 6 and have lost four of their last five.

Jamie Griffith, Racing Post Sport: Manchester City to beat Newcastle. Everyone is saying that the Magpies are much worse away than at home but only six teams have picked up fewer home points in the Premier League. Home or away, they are a much worse team than City, who were exceptional when routing Liverpool 3-0.

Aidan Perkins, Racing Post Sport: Aston Villa look decent value to triumph at Leeds. Villa were impressive 4-0 winners over a dangerous Bournemouth side before the international break, whereas Leeds come into this Elland Road showdown having lost their last two. Admittedly, they were both away - and the Whites are a much tougher nut to crack at home - but Villa under Unai Emery remain top-six contenders and they should be too good on Sunday.

Chris Pender, Ladbrokes: Pre-season fancies Derby have found some form turning Pride Park in to a fortress and, with Carlton Morris among the goals, they should continue to climb the the table against a Watford side who are yet to win on the road.

Who are the most vulnerable favourites?

WA: Despite a recent upturn in results, I have concerns about Ipswich. The Tractor Boys have won three out of their last four league games, but they were against out-of-form teams in Swansea, QPR and West Brom. Kieran McKenna has chopped and changed his starting line-up a lot this season and Wrexham, unbeaten in their last five, could take advantage.

JG: Leicester are proving to be consistent coupon-busters and they do not warrant an even-money price against Stoke. The Foxes have lost three of their last five and Marti Cifuentes’ side lack the firepower to keep pace with the free-scoring Potters, who have won four of their last six.

AP: Judging by the odds, Leicester are expected to see off third-placed Stoke at the King Power but I can't see it. The Foxes have failed to win any of their last five at home, while Stoke, in stark contrast, approach this game on the back of two straight away victories at Portsmouth and Oxford and are threatening a promotion bid.

CP: Leicester. The Foxes haven't won at the King Power since the end of August and they host a Stoke side with the second best away record in the Championship. With pressure continuing to mount on Marti Cifuentes, the Potters should have enough and can head home with the bragging rights.

Where is the value in the north London derby?

WA: I like the look of Arsenal to win and both teams to score, especially with Gabriel now missing due to injury. Both teams have scored in all of the last seven league meetings at the Emirates and it’s clear to see Spurs play better on the road than on home soil.

JG: Arsenal to win and under 3.5 goals. Thomas Frank will have a plan to stifle the Gunners but it is hard to have faith in Spurs standing firm for 90 minutes. Arsenal’s firepower should eventually shine through - probably from a set-piece - but they are unlikely to fully blow away their rivals.

AP: Both teams to score. Arsenal's defensive prowess has been rightly heralded this season but they looked shaky at the back before the break in the 2-2 draw at Sunderland. With Gabriel out injured, I fancy Spurs to cause them some problems at the Emirates. There have been goals at both ends in three of the last four north London derbies, and both teams have scored in the last seven league meetings at the Emirates.

CP: We are likely to see goals in this one. Arsenal continue to be a threat from set-pieces and, with either Cristhian Mosquera or Piero Hincapie likely to start, they could benefit from Gabriel's absence by getting on the end of a Declan Rice corner to grab the first goal for the Gunners.

Give us a winner on the midweek coupon

WA: Atletico Madrid to beat Inter on Wednesday. Diego Simone’s men have lost just one of their last ten games and that was a defeat at Arsenal last month. They have also won eight and drawn one of their nine home matches this season. Inter are four from four in Europe but they are involved in the Milan derby on Sunday before flying off to Madrid.

JG: Barcelona to overcome Chelsea. Both sides struggled in the last round of fixtures, when Barca drew 3-3 at Club Brugge and the Blues were held 2-2 by Qarabag, but I reckon Hansi Flick’s side will show their superior strength at the Bridge. None of Chelsea’s centre-backs are any good and Barca’s star-studded front line may run riot.

AP: Arsenal's home game against Bayern Munich should be a cracker. Harry Kane will be keen to get one over his old rivals and Bayern won't lie down at the Emirates. Mikel Arteta's men, like the German giants, have won their first four games in the league phase so a defeat for either side would not be too much of a setback. An open, entertaining game looks likely and over 3.5 goals appeals.

CP: Marseille. Newcastle have been fairly poor away from home this season and the Magpies won't relish a trip to a passionate Velodrome against a Marseille side looking to get their Champions League campaign up and running.

Which four nations will qualify from the European World Cup playoffs?

WA: Wales, Sweden, Turkey and Ireland are my picks to make it to the finals following Thursday’s draw. I know Wales face the prospect of taking on Italy, but that game would be at home and they can take advantage of the massive pressure the Azzurri would be under. Ireland will be happy with their draw, especially being at home should they make the final playoff, and will surely be buoyed by their last two qualifying results.

JG: Wales will give their all but it is hard to look past Italy in Path A. Path B looks more open but I give the edge to Poland, who have more experience than Ukraine and Sweden. Turkey should prevail in Path C while I think Ireland’s success in recent matches can carry them past the Czechs and Danes, neither of whom are as good as they were a few years ago.

AP: Unfortunately, I think Italy will prove too strong for Northern Ireland and then Wales. I reckon Sweden can join them in making it through the playoffs if they get their act together after being drawn against Ukraine in their semi-final. I fancy Denmark and Slovakia to progress from the other two paths.

CP: A lot can happen between now and March but providing injuries don't play a part in team selection I'll go for Denmark, Turkey and Albania, and then Wales to edge past Northern Ireland in a cagey affair in Cardiff.

Read more:

Frank assessment: Spurs boss must unlock his side's creative potential after flattering start to the season

Scotland book World Cup ticket and Wales, Ireland and Northern Ireland find out their playoff opponents

Commercial notice: This article contains affiliate links. Offers are handpicked and come from operators our experts have first-hand experience of. Opening an account via one of these links will earn revenue for the Racing Post, which will be used to continue producing our award-winning coverage of horseracing and sports betting.

We have two Leicester-related stories to bring to Foxes fans' attention this afternoon. Although, we are currently still suffering through the domestic game's hiatus as the latest international fixtures are completed. But we are now nearly out of our misery at this stage, thankfully. The weekend is on the horizon! At least, on this occasion, National Team matches actually matter and are not just some unpopular and unnecessarily devised competition such as the UEFA Nations League!

Anyway, please excuse my rant and let's get down to business. We aren't looking ahead to the Stoke City match today. But you can access plenty of content like that by clicking here. First of all, a star ex-Fox is seemingly and subtly eyeing a spot in Scotland's World Cup squad. The only snag is that he's previously represented England at senior level. But who is this mystery man? In the meantime, a Leicester City loanee has been praised for his performances with his adopted club. Who is this individual, and is he really a promising Foxes asset?

Leicester City loanee making his name

As you will probably know, for all the unsatisfactory and annoying contemporary elements at LCFC, we actually have a great youth set-up. There are viable prospects emerging every year; even every month now!

Maybe this is due to City's excellent and world-class facilities at the Seagrave training centre. Regardless, players like Sammy Braybrooke are catching the eye all over the place!

The midfielder has been on our radar as someone to watch for many campaigns now:

"A central midfielder on loan from Leicester City, Sammy Braybrooke, won possession back 14 times for Newport; 14 times he won possession back and the next closest Newport team-mate won it three times"

Former Foxes star Harvey Barnes could make Scotland World Cup squad

In spite of Barnes's single appearance for the Three Lions, he is eligible to switch allegiance to Scotland. This is because fixture Barnes featured in was a friendly.

The way the winger responded to enquiries on the matter leads me to think he considers becoming an honorary Scot an option. At present, England is not:

"There’s always been talk about it and a while ago there was bits and bobs about it. But recently it’s not cropped up... Is it closed off? No, of course it’s not."I’ve obviously played for England and I know the eligibility side of it is still there so it’s hard to say either way but there’s been no real chats or progression in that sense."

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations