Leicester announce another preseason fixture as club nears return to pitch

The club today announced their 6th preseason fixture of the summer, against Chesterfield at the Proact Stadium on 2nd August. The fixture is an odd, with the team already scheduled to play the next day in another country.

In all likelihood, this one will be a run out for a number of youth team players, possibly mixed in with some fringe squad players. They’ll all be looking to impress, but appearing in this game is probably bad news for a player’s chances for regular football this season.

Instead, we’ll focus on the other games coming up, who we’ll play and what the games will be used for.

The Warm Up

Fixture: Oxford United vs Leicester City

When and where: Kassam Stadium, Oxford, 19th July

Game summary: There’s not much to this one. A nice friendly game to ease back into the action. They’re a low ranking side and no one will be really paying attention to performance or result, just get some match fitness back and don’t get hurt.

The Step Up

Fixture: Celtic vs Leicester City

When and where: Celtic Park, Glasgow, 23rd July

Game summary: Last year the pre season build up was steady and gentle. Starting with National League side Lincoln, then building up through League Two, League One and the Championship. This year, unless more fixtures are announced, we’re starting with League One, then jumping straight into the International Champions Cup, against Scottish Champions Celtic. The aren’t the best side in Europe, but traveling to Glasgow is always a stern test and should be a good preview European away games.

The Showpiece

Fixture: Paris Saint-Germain vs Leicester City

When and where: StubHub Centre, Carson CA, 30th July

Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images

Game summary: Wherever Leicester play in Europe this year, they won’t be travelling anywhere near as far as the 5000 miles to this one. The International Champions Cup is all about bringing teams into new markets to put on a show and win new fans. This huge spending PSG should be good opposition, as they definitely have the star power to draw in the viewers and to give our players a good test.

The Challenge

Fixture: Barcelona vs Leicester City

When and where: Friends Arena, Stockholm, 3rd August

Game summary: 5 years ago Real Madrid came to the King Power Stadium for a preseason friendly. To Madrid, Leicester were taking on the role of Oxford, above. The game sold out. It was a huge event in the city for these two teams to be on the same field. This summer they’ll get a chance to play Real’s fiercest rivals as...well not equals. But as close as we’re likely to get. Should be a fantastic event.

The FA Community Shield

Fixture: Leicester City vs Manchester United

When and where: Wembley Stadium, London, 7th August

Game summary: The last game of the preseason, one week before kick off, this could be a very useful tune up for getting off to a fast start. The issue with all friendlies is replicating the intensity and pressure of a competitive match. The Community Shield may not be a big event, but if playing for silverware in front of 70,000 at Wembley can’t prepare you for League games then nothing can. Jose Mourinho, who managed Madrid five years ago, will be the man in charge for the opposition. His last game in management was a 2-1 defeat by Leicester, ending his time at Chelsea prematurely. Leicester will want to prove (again) that they belong on this stage, so both sides will have something to play for. Rare at this time of the year.

So there you have it. If you’re reading previews of preseason games, you’re probably very keen already. As far as friendlies go, this is actually an exciting bunch. From the team’s perspective, they should have a great opportunity to prepare for the coming season. For the fans, these games should be fun to watch. As long as Riyad Mahrez isn’t in stripes in Sweden.