Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson said competition was hotting up for starting places in his side to face Everton on the opening day.
Pearson split his squad into two for last night's win at MK Dons and tonight's trip to Rotherham United, and he said his players were now playing for their places as the season draws close.
Pearson was pleased with the performance as City won 2-0 at Stadium:MK with goals from David Nugent and his son, James, with a stunning strike.
"We saw a lot more intensity, especially from the midfield and I thought we were very good," he said.
"It was good for us to get 90 minutes for the vast majority of players and it was a good exercise. That is what this point of pre-season is all about, getting match time into the players.
"The players have to recognise themselves that they are now playing for their places.
"There were some strong performances and we certainly have plenty of competition in the squad, which is pleasing."
Pearson rubbished reports in Portugal that City had made a bid for Benfica striker Islam Slimani.
"If there has been a bid gone in I know nothing about it," he said.
"It is pretty cold, that one. In terms of hot or cold that one is freezing."
