The question on everybody’s lips is this: Can Leicester City win the league?
As bizarre as that would have sounded in August, when the survival-hunters sought Claudio Ranieri as their new boss, it is now a genuine question.
Discarding the tempestuous Nigel Pearson appeared a stupid decision by the ever-erratic owners at the King Power Stadium, but even they could not have imagined they would top the Barclays Premier League in December.
But as survival is secured, targets are adjusted. No long will Foxes fans have to worry about relegation six-pointers, but how far can they really go? Top four? Our could they go all the way?
Central to the answer is the form of Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez. The deadly duo tore Chelsea’s experienced back line to shreds in their recent Monday night clash, but logic says their form surely cannot last. The goals will have to dry up at some point.
Vardy may be a flash in the pan, but his pace is frightening defenders and last season’s ‘Harry Kane effect’ is repeating itself. Defenders are becoming scared of the very idea of facing up to Vardy.
The former non-league man has notched 15 goals so far, including a run of 11 consecutive goals. And with the craft of Mahrez and Marc Albrighton on the flanks, the England striker has support. If he stays fit, there is no reason why he cannot propel Leicester to a top four finish.
One aspect of Ranieri’s team that is not so hot is the defence. For this reason Leicester still look like underdogs for Champions League qualification. They have neither the strength in depth nor the necessary experience, Robert Huth aside. Wes Morgan, Richie De Laet and Danny Simpson lack the class of John Terry, Rio Ferdinand and Vincent Kompany – the bracket of title-winning no-nonsense defenders that is required.
The Foxes’ form over the Christmas period will determine whether they could linger around long enough to cement a top four spot. They face crucial clashes with Liverpool and Manchester City on Boxing Day and December 29 respectively.
Ultimately, the intensity of the latter season will put pay to Leicester’s hopes of breaking English football’s elite. Games comes thick and fast and Ranieri’s troops are unready for such a title tussle with heavyweights like Arsenal and City. Not even the heroics of Mahrez and Vardy can keep them there. But a top six finish looks extremely likely, simply because of their early season form. That would still be an incredible achievement in anybody’s books.
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Click to ClaimFrancois is one of Howtobet4free’s co-founders and has written many of Howtobet4free’s popular Betting Guides. Francois also helps run the @howtobet4free_ Twitter account
