Four Leicester City things to watch vs Stevenage as Conor Chaplin return nears

City beat Fulham Under-21s with ease at the end of last month with Admir Bristric scoring a hat-trick in the 6-1 victory. Stevenage beat Walsall by the same scoreline, with former Leicester attacker Wanya Marcal scoring his first goal for the club.

Russell Martin's men have enjoyed a full week of training and preparation at Seagrave over the international break, with several players still away with their respective national teams.

The trip to Stevenage is another chance for City's players to show what they can do and give Martin something to think about for the return of league football. Here, we take a look at four things to look out for when Leicester line up at Broadhall Way.

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The international break probably came at the perfect time for Conor Chaplin. The forward has managed only two appearances for City since arriving from Ipswich and was forced off after 36 minutes of the 0-0 draw at MK Dons on August 29.

Martin hinted that he might be back for the trip to Barnsley, but he wasn't included. "[He's] good," the Leicester boss said after the trip to Oakwell. "He'll be in a good place after the international break. We'll utilise this time."

It's not yet known how far along Chaplin is in his recovery as Martin won't speak to the media until post-Stevenage, but if he is passed fit, valuable minutes could be gained in time for the Peterborough game.

Will Smallbone's arrival last week has created huge debate over what City's strongest midfield three looks like when everyone is fit. John Lundstram and Louis Page appear to be the two nailed-on, leaving one empty spot. Despite starting the season well, Sammy Braybrooke's place has come under scrutiny.

The midfielder started the campaign in good form and helped City progress through the thirds efficiently. However, his performances in the games against Stockport and Barnsley were his two worst of the season.

He was superb against Fulham Under-21s last time out, and another improved individual display at Stevenage will bolster his chances of being on the teamsheet on Saturday.

Both players scored their first goals for the club in the 6-1 win over Fulham Under-21s, with Bristric netting a first-half hat-trick and Tommy Watson responding to his difficult display at Barnsley with two well-taken strikes.

At Stevenage, Martin is expected to start them again, and they have to take the opportunity. Emil Riis is City's first-choice striker but Bristric will be desperate to challenge for a spot up front in the league.

Watson is behind Will Alves as Leicester's left winger, but, with Wes Burns, Harry Howell and Liam Cullen away on international duty (although Burns and Cullen could be back after Wales' final game on Sunday), is expected to start on the left, with Alves being used on the right.

If the Foxes are going to compete in League One, they need players pushing each other to be the best version of themselves, and confidence will help do that.

Last time, Lorenz Hutchinson, Will Lawrence and Tommy Neale made their senior debuts off the bench, in another milestone for Leicester's academy. On Tuesday, there should be another opportunity for the next generation to appear for the first time.

Riley Carr was an unused substitute in the EFL Cup defeat to Ipswich Town and, after having an impressive pre-season, will be desperate to be given a chance. With Leicester's main options on the right limited, Carr has every chance of making his first-team debut.

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