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What a difference four months can make. This has been one of the wildest and most entertaining Premier League seasons in recent memory and with that comes Monday’s match: Leicester vs Chelsea. Here are 5 things about this match you would NEVER have imagined to be true back in August.
1. ”Leicester are leading the league and Chelsea are battling relegation.”
The Foxes have been the surprise of the season and go into this weekend with a two point advantage over Arsenal at the top of the table. Chelsea, on the other hand, have been the supreme disappointment of the season. Currently they sit in 14th place, just two points above the relegation zone. Did you hear that? It was Roman Abramovich saying goodbye to European football in 2016-17.
Could Leicester City really keep this form up? Photo: @BBCRLSport | Twitter
2. “The league’s top scorer will playing in this match and his name is Jamie Vardy!”
That’s right, Jamie Vardy. The guy who started his career with English powers Stocksbridge Park Steels and Halifax Town. All he has done so far this season is score 14 goals in 15 matches and set the new Premier League record for goals in consecutive games. Eat your heart out, Diego Costa.
3. “Mourinho needs to beat Ranieri to avoid getting sacked.”
This summer, when Leicester City hired Claudio Ranieri to replace Nigel Pearson, the football world collectively scratched its head. It was a bizarre hire to say the least, and no one seemed optimistic about it, with many predicting that “The Tinkerman” would be the first Premier League manager to get the axe this season. Instead, Ranieri has the Foxes leading the league, playing inspired, attacking football and it is Jose Mourinho who is on the hot seat. The Blues have looked disinterested at times this year and have put on some pathetic displays in their quest to retain their Premier League crown. The pressure keeps building on Mourinho, and Chelsea owner Abramovich is not the most patient of people.
Mourinho once replaced Ranieri at Chelsea, maybe now Ranieri should return the favor. Photo: @DonRanieri | Twitter
4. “Eden Hazard should watch Riyad Mahrez.”
Hazard was last year’s Premier League Player of the Season. He was absolutely sensational and dazzled the league en route to a Premier League title. However, 2015-16 has been dreadful for the young Belgian so far. He’s been benched at different times by Mourinho and his international coach, Marc Wilmots, has suggested he leave London for the siren song of Madrid. Meanwhile, Riyad Mahrez has been as exciting on the wing as anyone in the league. He’s scoring, assisting, and a key reason why Leicester are in first place.
Riyad Mahrez has been on fire for the Foxes. Photo: @ArabProFootball | Twitter
5. “Leicester City are the most exciting team in the Premier League.”
Last season the Foxes had to battle and scrap for every point to eventually avoid relegation. Many thought the hiring of Claudio Ranieri meant a similar fate in 2015-16. The Italian has always been known for his pragmatic, less than stylish approach. But no more! Leicester City have scored more goals, 32, than any other team in the league. They are constantly in attack mode and have not shied away from going at the bigger clubs.
