True test of top
TITLE HOPEFULS AND CUP TIE IN MONTH AHEAD
LEICESTER City have enjoyed a fine start to the new season, but the real test will come in their next run of fixtures.
City are third in the Premier League, with eight points to their name, but the next four league games should offer something of a litmus test, with games against three of last season’s top six.
Brendan Rodgers’ men are eyeing a top-six challenge themselves this season and it may just be their ability to take points against the “big boys” of the league that defines how successful they are in meeting that lofty aim.
Barring a draw at Chelsea, that’s yet to be put to the test this season, but City are braced for a series of tough challenges in the coming weeks.
Here’s a look at City’s next five games in league and cup:
Manchester United (A) September 14
First up is a trip to Manchester United and what could be a key game in the race for Europe.
The Red Devils have got off to a bumpy start this season and they already sit three points behind Leicester after four games.
Rodgers’ men will already have identified United as one of the teams they could oust to realise their dream of breaking back into the top six this season.
This game, particularly being at Old Trafford, could go a long way to telling us just how capable City are of mounting that top-six challenge.
Tottenham Hotspur (H) September 21
After returning from Old Trafford, City face Tottenham in the first of consecutive games at home in the league.
This will prove another stern test for City against a Spurs side likely to compete for a top-four finish.
City will feel they can get a result against anyone on their day, and particularly at home.
Even so, they would likely take a point here, which would represent a fine result to continue a bright start to the season.
Luton Town (A), Carabao Cup September 24
City make the trip to Kenilworth Road to take on Championship outfit Luton in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
The Hatters beat Cardiff in the second round and they’ll be dreaming of a cup run having made a decent start to life back in the Championship.
City must put an end to those dreams.
Rodgers is taking this competition seriously, putting out a strong side against Newcastle in the last round. Having already done that, he is also likely to put a strong side out for this one as City target a spot in the fourth round.
Newcastle United (H) September 29
City have already played and beaten New