Whilst there is no truth to the rumor that Tom Cruise was recruited to Leicester City for the last 10 games of last season, it truly was a Hollywood outcome for Leicester to not only survive, but to do so with room to spare. Vindication for manager Nigel Pearson, who of course in typical EPL style was rewarded recently with dismissal. This is a decision we believe the club will come to regret. Pearson was able to get the players to perform for him, their commitment to the cause was never in doubt.
Now they contemplate a completely different character in Claudio Ranieri, the former Chelsea manager who was affectionately known as the Tinkerman, such was his propensity for changing his lineup. Clearly he was a few years ahead of his colleagues in the introduction of rotation, but we suspect he is now a few years behind in what is needed to keep a team in the EPL.
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There has been no transfer business of note, and whilst Ranieri is trying to get Esteban Cambiasso to return we take the view that this is unlikely to happen. Kasper Schmeichel is a talented goalkeeper and he will get plenty of opportunities to enhance his reputation. Robert Huth is a quality Centre Half who will take no nonsense and can be very dangerous at set pieces.
Mark Albrighton emerged from obscurity to give attacking impetus to the midfield and in attack Jamie Vardy is one of the fastest players in the league but still has to score consistently to justify the international call up he received at the end of last season.
Unless Leicester makes some serious purchases in the next four weeks, look for them to be in danger of returning to the Championship.
Prediction: Leicester pay the ultimate price for sacking Pearson- relegation.
Players to watch: Kasper Schmeichel (Gaolkeeper), Robert Huth (Defence), Jamie Vardy (Attack)
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