Premier League fixtures: Can Claude Puel make it to his first anniversary?
By Andy Bisnos
The 2018/19 fixtures were released this week. It has been claimed that Leicester City manager Claude Puel has ten games to save his job – so what does the Frenchman need in return from these opening games?
Manchester United (A) and Arsenal (A)
The expected return here is not a lot, but these fixtures are key for Puel in the manner in which they are approached and competed in. Two narrow defeats will not raise any eyebrows, particularly if Leicester City are competitive and ‘in the game’ from start to finish. Craig Shakespeare recorded a 0-2 and a 3-4 in these respective fixtures last season, but these were not part of the reason for his sacking. Defeats by four or five goals would be of great concern to the club’s owners.
Expected points: 0
Liverpool (H)
On September 1, the Foxes welcome UEFA Champions League runners-up Liverpool to the King Power Stadium. Last season, Claude Puel picked up seven points at home in four matches against the ‘Big Six’, so the expectations will be high. Leicester City supporters are realistic, though, and even a competitive draw would be a good result.
Expected points: 1
SOouthampton (A), AFC Bournemouth (A) and Newcastle United (A)
Three long trips here, with three points expected as a minimum. Away trips to teams outside of the big six were positive for Claude Puel last year, and he will be hoping for more of the same. With the counter-attacking style still built into the squad’s mentality, there should be many opportunities to exploit the opposition. Under-estimating the Foxes could be the home sides’ downfall.
Expected points: 3
Wolverhampton Wanderers (H), Huddersfield (H) Everton (H) and West Ham United (H)
The key games. Claude Puel has to win over the home supporters to keep his job, and this is where he does it. These four teams will sit deep and not allow Leicester City to counter-attack. The same happened last season with Puel returning only 16 points from 11 home games versus ‘the other 13’.
By the time the club faces Wolves on August 18, the Frenchman will have had the whole summer to make personnel changes and to conclusively implement his tactical requirements. A patient, possession style is again expected to be used but with substance and goals. Four home wins are required.
Expected points: 12
Next: Reports: Leicester City make Mario Gotze enquiry
Claude Puel arrived at Leicester City late in October 2017. To make it to late October 2018, he needs at least 14 points from the first 10 matches. But 16 points will be expected by the supporters and the club’s hierarchy, particularly if two or three more additions to the squad are made.