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Continuing our theme of looking at our main rivals for the Premier League title, this take a look at surprise package and possible threat Leicester.
A few years ago, a team like Leicester being suggested as possible champions would have been laughed at or result in one being committed. But Leicester have surprised a lot of people in recent years and must be taken seriously.
The Foxes almost made it to the Champions League but were beaten to it on the final day of the season by Chelsea. Leicester will complete in the Europa League next season, which is little consolation to them considering for a while it looked like they would make the top four.
Leicester’s home form was the issue last season, winning and losing 9, but their away form of 11 wins and 3 losses was the third best in the Premier League. If Leicester had turned two of their nine home defeats into wins, they would have finished in the top 4, and that must be the goal for Brendan Rodgers.
Leicester have a terrible record against City, despite their 1-0 Wembley win and 5-2 victory in Manchester last season. They have lost 9 of the last 15 matches against City in all competitions, winning just five.
Signings
Patson Daka has signed form Salzburg for £23m to provide more fire power to the Foxes attack. They have also signed Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare for £17m and defender Ryan Bertrand from Southampton on a free transfer.
Wes Morgan retired and Christian Fuchs released but Leicester at the moment are holding on to the core of their team. James Maddison is rumoured to be still interesting Arsenal, but if Ridgers can hang onto the midfielder, they will be a force next season.
Key Men
Despite his 34 years, Jamie Vardy remains one of the biggest threats in the Premier League and if he can stay fit, he can help fire Leicester to glory. Kelechi Iheanacho is a more than capable replacement and if he continues to find the net, the former blue is an ideal replacement for when Vardy finally calls it a day.
Maddison, Marc Albrighton and Youri Tielemans will again take the midfield reigns, while Timothy Castagne proved himself least season in defence, along with Justin James and new boy Bertand.
When Do City Face Leicester?
City’s early season test will include a visit to Leicester on 11th September, with the return leg at Etihad Stadium on Boxing Day.
Prediction on Leicester
Leicester are a strong team and in Brendan Rodgers, they have a manager who has the ability to turn them into a top four team. Leicester always start strong but seem to lose it towards the end of the season, which can then cost them the chance of silverware.
If they can hold their nerve, a title challenge is not beyond them, it’s just a question of whether they can stay the course. They have strengthened well and if they hold on to their key players, top four and a title challenge is within their reach.