After a hard fought 1-1 draw at table toppers Liverpool, the Foxes once again demonstrated their ability to prize points off the top sides. With Anfield expectant, Leicester stood firm amidst the intense atmosphere. Taking seven points out of a possible nine against top six sides recently, Claude Puel’s men will be hoping to take another surprise scalp against Manchester United.
Over the Christmas period, Leicester faced daunting matches against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and Manchester City at home. Yet, within the space of four days, they amassed back to back wins. There is an argument that playing against the big six sides in England plays to their strengths. The top clubs are usually on the front foot, making them more susceptible in defence when losing the ball on turnovers. Replicating certain traits that led to their title winning campaign, Leicester soaked up pressure but exploded on the counter attack, utilising the pace of Jamie Vardy and vision of James Maddison.
However, against a host of other sides, many supporters have labelled the football as “slow and tedious” with manager Claude Puel, coming under increased pressure at various points of the season. Sitting 11th currently with reports of player unrest, finishing in the top eight is not out of the realms of possibility, on the assumption they have a strong end to the campaign and can improve on their form against teams around them.
For Manchester United, despite a 2-2 draw at home to Burnley on Tuesday night, putting an end to interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s winning streak, the comeback embodied the old United fighting spirit that has returned to the “Theatre of Dreams.” With Chelsea gsufferings a 4-0 hammering at Bournemouth during the week and rivals dropping points around them, the top four is still on, providing they can get the three points at the King Power Stadium.