Keep the faith, it is not over yet...
FIVE REASONS WHY THE FOXES CAN ESCAPE DROP
THEY say it’s the hope that kills you. Well then, Leicester City supporters will be right as rain as the fan consensus is that their team are goners.
People are already checking just how long a drive it is to Plymouth ahead of next season in the Championship.
That pessimism is in spite of how close safety is.
City are just two points – one result – from 17th spot. The maths of the situation suggests there should still be a speck of hope.
Although they are struggling to keep the faith, we pushed supporters to find some straws to clutch at.
Here’s a rundown of the five factors to build belief ahead of the final two games of the season.
Newcastle could be paralysed by fear
Next Monday’s opponents are chasing Champions League football.
While that was the ultimate aim for their wealthy new owners, it has perhaps come about more quickly than many could have imagined.
A top four finish is within touching distance, but as City found out two years running, that does not mean the job is complete.
While they have shown few signs of stumbling, there is a possibility that the Magpies’ inexperience at the top end of the Premier League compared to that of Manchester United and Liverpool could see them freeze as nerves get the better of them, giving City a chance to strike.
Following that game is a home match against West Ham, a side with nothing to play for in the Premier League.
As City found out at Fulham, that doesn’t mean they will phone it in, but at the King Power Stadium, Dean Smith’s side should fancy their chances.
Iheanacho could be the returning saviour
Kelechi Iheanacho produced one of the moments of the season when, pain written all over his face, he helped set up Jamie Vardy’s equaliser at Leeds just as his groin muscle was tearing. It was a show of commitment and bravery that many have felt has been lacking in the squad this season.
It felt like a heroic last act for the striker, who seemed destined to be ruled out for the season.
But he will be back in full training come tomorrow and, all being well, in the squad at St James’ Park.
So often in recent seasons, when City have needed a goal from somewhere, anywhere, they have turned to Iheanacho and he has produced.
In 2021, when City’s attackers were dropping like flies, Iheanacho was drafted in and scored 14 goals in the final 15 games. He was very good in all three of the games he played under Smith before his injury, and if he is able to pick up that form immediately, he will have an impact on the final two matches.
Everton, Leeds, and/or Forest could mess up
Yes, City have been poor this term, but that means Leeds, Everton, and Nottingham Forest have too.
They have also failed to average even a point per game this season, and have had nearly as many calamities as City have.
So they could yet falter again. Forest, in the best position of the teams currently, have a difficult pair of games at home to Arsenal and away at a rejuvenated Crystal Palace.
Leeds haven’t won any of their past seven games.
Everton have only won one of their last nine.
These are teams who have, up to this point, been nearly as bad as City have.
They are not world-beaters and there is still a fair chance that they slip up.
Plus, City have the best goal difference of the four in the battle, so only need to match them for points to finish above them.
City are due a clean sheet
It’s now 21 Premier League games and more than six months since City kept a clean sheet. As the old adage goes, they’re due one.
Maybe over the next two games, those marginal offside calls will go City’s way. Maybe Daniel Iversen makes a whole host of saves. Maybe the bounces fall kindly.
It’s not that City have been unlucky to be in this position, but they haven’t had any good fortune either. It’s about time they got their fair share.
This is Leicester City
What must always be remembered is that this is the team of the impossible.
City are the club that proved the unfathomable can happen, on more than one occasion. They won seven of their last nine in 2015 to stay up.
They won the Premier League title as relegation favourites a year later.
This is not 5,000/1, it’s 5/1. It’s two wins. Survival is achievable. Keep the faith. Foxes Never Quit.