Can Leicester City still become the ‘best of the rest’ in the Premier League?

There’s an upcoming run or favourable fixtures for Leicester City, who recently impressed versus tough opposition. Although a lack of ruthlessness may be decisive in their quest for 7th.

Looking back at Leicester City results of late, you ask yourself the question: what is the Foxes’ identity?! Well, it’s being forged and built as we speak, in effect. Let’s be honest, if the team were more clinical at Wembley versus Tottenham Hotspur, they’d have gotten at least a point.

Theories of a missing defining style have been discussed by pundits, journalists and supporters alike – with nobody fully sure of what the answer is. We see radical team selections on a weekly basis, making it impossible to predict lineups; along with wildly fluctuating results. Consistent, in varying from the very impressive to wholly underwhelming overall performances, if nothing else.

An admirable work in progress

This writer believes that this transitioning, under construction outfit can eventually consolidate to attain 7th in the Premier League, the verdict on whether Claude Puel is the man to lead the East Midlands club there, this season or the next, is indisputably forthcoming.

The side could achieve ‘best of the rest’ status this campaign – it’s difficult, not impossible – but it is unlikely due to the form and quality of Wolverhampton Wanderers, along with Watford even. Seven points separate Wolves in 7th place and the Foxes in 12th position respectively.

However, two correctly chosen elements the Frenchman has made standout: trusting young squad members and favouring form over name. Leicester City’s youthful attacking trio of Harvey Barnes, Demarai Gray and James Maddison may one day be an exemplary and dangerous force – if continuity remains with them.

In addition, Puel dropped club captain Wes Morgan in an example of his occasional justifiable ruthlessness which benefits the team. Though the manoeuvre was rather slow in materialising; whilst the former AS Monaco man maintained compunction throughout any tough decisions and testing times.

Most noteworthy is the fact that what Puel wants is what the Blue Army want, in general: a blend of youth and experience, entertainment, stability, not to mention a mix of possession play that frustrates the other team – combined with a stinging counter attack. It’s just that as of yet it hasn’t become a constant reality.

Though we see glimpses of tremendously encouraging play, as well as unity through triumph at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge, or beating Manchester City at the King Power Stadium.

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• Predicted Leicester City starting XI vs Southampton

Games of two halves – excuse the cliché

In far too many matches Leicester City concede early, in fact it’s a severe issue with the side topping the wrong statistical table in that case.

Leicester Mercury commented on another negative situation in an article not long ago – the struggle to break down lesser clubs’ defences:

"“Leicester City must improve their record against sides around them if they are to achieve their seventh-place aspirations.”"

Creating opportunities against top-six sides hasn’t been a problem at all, with the elite team’s irrepressible forward movement; the Foxes utilise the breakaway well. Alas, clinical finishing evades still.

Again, the same publication tells of additional positive aspects of the Foxes’ campaign and style under the 57-year-old manager:

"“In fact, rank all the sides by how well they perform after the break [during the second half] on their travels [away from home] and City come out top.”Via: Leicester Mercury"

Some may consider only playing adeptly in the second half to be losing scope to inflict damage in the first. Yet it is obvious that the most telling half, the latter, is the one Leicester City thrive in, thankfully.

Favourable upcoming fixtures for Leicester City

Can the upcoming schedule lead Puel to be recognised as the correct leader? Possibly – the run of games with Crystal Palace, Brighton & Hove Albion, Watford, Fulham, Burnley, Bournemouth, Huddersfield Town and Newcastle United are as promising as could be hoped for. Especially in a division with no easy games. European ambition remains alive, but conflicts with those wanting to avoid relegation remain too.

Gaining 20 points is naturally a stunning prospective haul from a possible 24, despite favourable clashes. Realistically, 15 would be decent and could ensure the gaffer’s breathing space for his plan’s fruition. Surely that tally would see Leicester up to 7th in a tight top-flight as the end of the term approaches, regardless of similar sides’ results.

Leicester meet the Eagles on Filbert Way on February 23 at 17:30 GMT. Following mounting brave challenges of Liverpool, Manchester United and Spurs’ superiority, with little reward.