adminLIVERPOOL. — Claudio Ranieri is refusing to entertain the prospect of an English Premier League soccer title challenge from Leicester City even though his side travel to Everton today as surprise leaders. Ranieri’s side, who began the season among the favourites for relegation, have stunned the rest of the division with a superb run that has left them two points clear of second-placed Arsenal.
The Foxes claimed the scalp of Jose Mourinho this week as Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat at the King Power Stadium on Monday proved the Blues manager’s final match in charge before he was sacked on Thursday.
While many pundits doubt Leicester’s ability to last the pace in the title race, history suggests Ranieri’s team are genuine contenders. Victory at Goodison Park would guarantee top spot at Christmas and the Italian is aware that five of the last six festive table-toppers have gone on to lift the trophy.
Yet Ranieri wouldn’t discuss Leicester’s title hopes when asked if they could challenge and instead gave a typically cryptic response. “I read that whoever arrives at the top on Christmas Day, blah, blah, blah,” joked Ranieri. “But this is a strange league. Everything is strange.”
Ranieri has shaken off his old reputation as a “Tinkerman” who changed his team every week by staying loyal to a core group of players this season. He must make at least two changes today, however, with Robert Huth suspended and Danny Drinkwater out with a hamstring injury.
Crucially, he will have Algeria winger Riyad Mahrez and England striker Jamie Vardy available, with the pair having scored 26 goals between them already. — AFP.
Online Reporter