King Power Stadium sits beneath a pall of profound uncertainty as Leicester City enter their final five-act tragedy. The schedule is a relentless gauntlet: the looming visitation of Swansea City followed by concerning encounters with Portsmouth, Hull City, Millwall, and a season-concluding trip to Ewood Park to face Blackburn Rovers.
At stake is nothing less than the LE2 club's institutional soul. Consecutive relegations, exacerbated by the lingering spectre of financial breaches, threatens to consign this former Premier League champion to the relative obscurity of the third tier.
Amidst this existential dread, Foxes of Leicester writer Elliot Mackness offers a perspective steeped in grim realism. He posits that the Foxes, currently mired in 22nd EFL Championship place, will struggle to spontaneously manifest a winning mentality.
Mackness soberly predicts a mere haul of five-to-six points from the remaining fifteen available. In his estimation, the Foxes' fate rests less in their own stuttering hands and more in the potential collapse of fellow relegation-threatened rivals.
It is a precarious reliance on the failures of others. Yet, as the shadows lengthen over Filbert Way, yours truly finds even that eloquent outlook potentially charitable. To observe this squad is to see a spirit extinguished: hope is a luxury this journalist can no longer muster.
Leicester City vs Swansea City
The latest trial commences this Saturday, April 11 with a 3pm kick-off. Due to the archaic broadcasting blackout in the United Kingdom, domestic supporters must rely on the radio. While international audiences may find coverage via lcfc.com's digital streaming services.
Manager Gary Rowett grapples with a squad frayed at the edges. The fitness of Jordan James remains the pivot upon which survival turns; the talismanic midfielder is 'touch and go' following an international hiatus. While Aaron Ramsey and Harry Souttar reportedly remain unavailable.
"We’re hopeful he might be available for the game. I’m pretty sure if he’s not, he’ll 100 per cent be available for the next game."lcfc.com
In this desperate hour, the XI is expected (or should) feature Asmir Begovic in the net, shielded by a defensive quartet of Luke Thomas, Caleb Okoli, Jamaal Lascelles and Ricardo Pereira.
The middle could see Harry Winks partnered by James. Abdul Fatawu, Divine Mukasa, and Stephy Mavididi will likely be the attacking line.
With the burden to score falling, once again, upon Patson Daka. If Rowett doesn't trust the Zambia international to find the net after a poor Sheffield Wednesday showing, Jordan Ayew might perhaps play.
Despite the gravity of the occasion, a combative 1-1 draw seems the most plausible, and tragic, conclusion. Of course, only a win will do.