Sport
Leicester’s Next 11 Games Will Define Their Title Challenge
Each week the same question surrounds Leicester City: are they genuine title contenders? Sitting two points clear atop the Premier League table and flaunting the division’s two most in-form players, many onlookers are wondering when we can take Claudio Ranieri’s side seriously.
The next 11 games will provide the answer. Leicester face Chelsea (h), Everton (a), Liverpool (x2), Manchester City (x2), Tottenham (a) and Arsenal (a) before the end of February. This schedule would vigorously test any side in the division and could well put a strain on Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez, the club’s continued match winners.
Leicester are more than capable of battling with the big boys. Home draws with Manchester United and Spurs underline how the team loses no confidence when pitted against the elite. September’s 5-2 loss to Arsenal at the King Power Stadium can be used as fuel for skeptics, but the Foxes will still take heart from breaching Arsene Wenger’s defence twice.
One-off performances against the Champions League contenders are commonplace in the Premier League. Leicester’s real challenge stems from the consistent difficulty of their games across the next two months. A home match with Bournemouth, away trip to Aston Villa and hosting of Stoke provide the only reprieves. If confidence falters, there’s no place for Leicester to hide (particularly with expectation growing).
Ranieri will be pleased that, when Vardy failed to score for the first time in 12 matches during the 3-0 win over Swansea, Mahrez was able to step up. His hat-trick highlighted Leicester’s cut-and-thrust style of play. Vardy still contributed with an assist, and a week after breaking Ruud van Nistelrooy’s consecutive goals record, managed to slightly ease himself away from the headlines. One has to question how the team will succeed if either of these stars faces time out.
This season is proving to be unpredictable, and it must be said, the middle-tier clubs are improving. The Premier League’s £5 billion television deal will only force this to continue in the coming years. Leicester haven’t spent too extravagantly, but their current rise to the top will put them on the radar for players licking their lips at the prospect of earning a payday in England.
We’re yet to see an elite side truly underline their title credentials. City, United and Arsenal remain inconsistent, but it’s to be expected that the Citizens will make the greatest push for silverware when all players are fit. Liverpool, who were counted back in the title-race by many, reminded everyone how much work Jurgen Klopp has to do with the 2-0 loss to Newcastle. Chelsea aren’t worth taking into the equation and have entered a spell of desperation, summed up by Jose Mourinho benching his best striker and employing his most talented winger as a false 9.
So, what of Leicester? Once their nasty run of fixtures is complete, they have a favourable stint until the end of April. Their final three matches come against Man United (a), Everton (h) and Chelsea (a). If they remain in the top six after the end of February, Ranieri and his men can genuinely be considered for a European place. They will need to blitz the upcoming run to be considered genuine title contenders, a feat that may prove too difficult.
One thing’s for certain, whether Leicester stay in contention or not, they are currently this season’s most impressive side. A team who aren’t crippled by expectation or the need to keep things tight at the back.
Even if they fall well short, the world has taken notice. That could make the strains of a title challenge far more realistic when the Premier League riches increase next season.
