How far can Leicester realistically go in the Europa League?
Leicester City’s European journey begins on Thursday, October 22. How far can the Foxes go in the 2020/21 Europa League?
What a wonderful feeling to be back in Europe again, as Leicester City enter the UEFA Europa League for the initial time in their history. Of course, before the rebranding, the Foxes did appear in the UEFA Cup. It’s not that important, but feels even more exciting to be on a type of maiden voyage.
Brendan Rodgers’ men’s results and performances have dipped recently in the Premier League, following a superb start to the season. Yet this new international club tournament provides a fresh, thrilling chance to establish themselves in Europe and to turn 2020 fortunes around.
One thing that is not Rodgers’ fault that is hindering the Leicester City squad, is a number of high profile injuries to significant starting eleven players. Caglar Soyuncu is out for three months; Jamie Vardy won’t participate in the initial European fixture; Ricardo isn’t fit yet; a revitalised Daniel Amartey has another issue; and Wilfred Ndidi, the linchpin, is unavailable until December.
Where can Leicester City realistically finish in the UEL
Leicester’s Group G contains Portuguese outfit Braga, Greeks AEK Athens and Zorya Luhansk from Ukraine. This is a fairly favourable draw; although the opponents must not be underestimated.
Providing that the King Power team make the first knockout stage, Foxes of Leicester doesn’t envisage them falling at the second hurdle. However, there will be some some particularly adept opposition, even at that point: Roma, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Napoli, Feyernoord, Hoffenheim, AC Milan, PSV, Benfica, Bayer Leverkusen, Celtic.
If the remaining roster can supply the missing quality from absent stars, then with the return of said personnel by new year, Leicester could potentially make the semi-finals in FoL’s opinion. If the problems persist, expect earlier elimination.
Must Read. Brendan Rodgers backs fans' disgust at PPV. light
There are some rule changes that UEFA made prior to the competition. You may be already aware, but if not, here goes. New laws include five substitutions being permitted for each team in every match, which will supposedly help sides’ fatigue on account of the coronavirus pandemic. Another notable regulation, is that Video Assistant Referees, or VAR, will only be employed in the latter knockout rounds of the tournament.