A year ago, they were left for dead. Leicester City was bound to be relegated after spending much of the season in the Premier League basement. Since then, they have been better than anybody. They have torn the league apart with win after win.
Last week was no different. A difficult away trip to Manchester City. Another test for all their critics and non-believers, myself included. Once again, the Foxes passed the test.
It’s not just that they have found diamonds in the rough in Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez—they are tactically more sound than other teams. They rarely have breakdowns defensively, and their blinding pace going forward is tough for the stingiest of defences to handle. This isn’t a scrappy side defending their way to a title; they are joint leaders with Manchester City atop the goal-scoring charts, which is only part of the reason why they have been, and will continue to be a huge part of your fantasy Premier League success.
After this weekend’s difficult away day at Arsenal, Leicester is free and clear. Only four matches remain with current top-10 sides and only two games with top-four clubs from last season. The other advantage Leicester has over the other Premier League contenders? They have one competition to worry about. They’ll only play Premier League matches the rest of the way. The focus can and will remain on Claudio Ranieri’s first choice XI. The same XI that has kept them at, or near the top of the table all season long. The dream is real.
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Here’s what I’m looking for on Matchday 26…
GOALKEEPERS
Fraser Forster (4.9M) – Southampton: He’s played five matches since returning from injury, and he’s collected five clean sheets.
DEFENDERS
Angelo Ogbonna (4.9M) – West Ham United: Due to a rash of injuries at the back for the Hammers, the Italian is re-gaining a spot in the first team. It’s worth the chance with Norwich and Sunderland coming up on the schedule.
Charlie Daniels (4.6M) – Bournemouth: He has picked up a goal and two assists in the last four game-weeks. The Cherries have also collected two clean sheets in their last four home games.
Branislav Ivanovic (6.6M) – Chelsea: It’s difficult to fit him in at that price, but under Guus Hiddink, Ivanovic has been rejuvenated. The attacking mindset has returned for the Serbian, and he’s provided his team with a goal and three assists since the managerial change.
MIDFIELDERS
Roberto Firmino (8.2M) – Liverpool: He’s listed as a midfielder, but playing as a striker. He’s piling up the stats, and Liverpool get a favourable date with Aston Villa this weekend.
Ross Barkley (7.4M) – Everton: The Toffees are third in the scoring charts. Barkley has been a big part of that. Matches with West Brom and Aston Villa are upcoming.
Michail Antonio (5.3M) – West Ham United: Antonio has scored three goals in just seven starts. A fantastic cheap option to fit in your midfield.
Cesc Fabregas (8.4M) – Chelsea: Like Ivanovic, Fabregas has become more influential under Hiddink. He’s playing further up the pitch and linking up well with Diego Costa.
FORWARDS
Graziano Pelle (7.8M) – Southampton: Pelle has been a ghost since a hot start to the season. However, the Italian is getting back into the first team, and will be motivated by a chance at making the Italian team for Euro 2016.
Anthony Martial (7.5M) – Manchester United: The Red Devils are showing more signs of life in attack, and that only spells good things ahead for Martial.
My starting XI: Butland; Moreno, Baines, Cresswell; Antonio, Payet, Sanchez, Firmino; Ighalo, Lukaku, Kane.