Leicester City have put themselves in a great position this season. They occupy third in the Premier League and have reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
With nine games remaining in the Premier League season, Brendan Rodgers will be determined to hold on for third place, or even challenge Manchester City for second place.
However, the Foxes face one of the toughest run-ins in the Premier League. A number of Premier League big-hitters will be breathing down their neck, wanting to claim their Champions League place for themselves.
Why Leicester City Face the Toughest Run-In
Plenty for Leicester to Lose
Leicester started the season in emphatic form, losing only two of their first 17 Premier League games.
However, their form dipped since consecutive losses to Manchester City and Liverpool. Following these results in mid-December, Rodger’s side won just four of their last ten matches, including only one victory in their last five Premier League matches.
Although Leicester’s early-season form still props them up in third place, the suspension of the Premier League gave them a chance to re-focus.
Speaking to Sky Sports this week, midfielder Marc Albrighton explained how Rodgers reminded the squad what is at stake for the remainder of the season. He said: “The gaffer told us that we have a great opportunity; that we could win the FA Cup and be looking forward to the Champions League next season. When he says that it is exciting.
“Obviously, we are in a great position. We won our last game and all the lads have come back fit. We are ready to go and we are even more determined now than ever before.”
The Race for Champions League
Leicester’s excellent start to the season gave them the advantage over a number of Premier League giants. The likes of Chelsea and Manchester United will be keen to chase Leicester and finish as high as possible.
Chelsea are just five points behind the Foxes in fourth, while Manchester United sit in fifth position, eight points adrift of third place.
The Blues’ patchy form this season hindered their progress. Frank Lampard‘s side only won two of their last seven before the season suspended.
United’s form improved hugely in 2020. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer led his side to a five-match unbeaten streak throughout February and March. With a fully fit squad to return with, United will be raring to go as the Premier League returns.
Behind them, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sheffield United both sit ten points behind Leicester in sixth and seventh respectively. However, both sides have proven their ability to put together impressive runs of form earlier in the season so they could be a genuine threat for the Champions League places.
But Leicester remain in the strongest position. They still face Chelsea, Sheffield United and Manchester United (who they will play on the final day of the season) in their final nine matches.
These may prove decisive, but the Foxes could secure third place if they put together a good run of form in the coming weeks. Rodgers will certainly be keen to avoid a final day play-off for the Champions League with United on July 26.
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