While many backedLeicesterto impress this season, few could have foreseen them building up this kind of momentum.
The Foxes have won their last seven games in a row in thePremier Leagueby an aggregate scoreline of – 2. Their last defeat came to league-leaders Liverpool in early October, with a late penalty from James Milner the only difference between the two sides.
He may still have a Marmite personality, but Brendan Rodgers has done an excellent job since taking over from Claude Puel in February. Leicester play a far sharper, snappier brand of football than they did under Puel, though they also have the best defensive record in the division having conceded just nine goals in 15 games thus far.
Jamie Vardy has been one of the main beneficiaries of Leicester’s attacking renaissance and is currently the Premier League’s top scorer with goals. At the back, Jonny Evans and Caglar Soyuncu have formed a formidable central partnership while Ricardo Pereira and Ben Chilwell (who faces a late fitness test) have also been hugely impressive.
If Leicester beat Aston Villa this afternoon, they will end the day six points ahead of Manchester City in third and eight points behind Liverpool at the top of the table. Liverpool may feel they have a date with destiny this season, but Leicester have worked miracles before and it would take a brave man to totally dismiss them from the title race.
Even if overturning Liverpool’s lead is too big an ask for the Foxes – and it would require something spectacular – another win today would put them in a very strong position for Champions League qualification.
Villa, meanwhile, are only outside of the drop zone on goal difference. With relegation rivals Norwich and Southampton also in action this afternoon, Dean Smith will be desperate not to slide into the bottom three.
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