Leicester City have got off to a good start in the 2019-20 Premier League season, fourth in the table after eight matchweeks and two points behind second-placed Manchester City.
The Foxes, along with the likes of Wolves and Everton, were tipped to compete for a top 6 position ahead of the season.
But, Brendan Rodgers’ side are the only ones who seem to now be one of the “outsiders” to breach the top 6 after Everton’s disastrous start and Wolves showing weaknesses.
Many neutral fans are predicting that the 2015–16 Premier League champions could pose a serious threat to Arsenal and Manchester United’s top 6 position.
Let’s take a look at 3 reasons why Leicester City might finish above Manchester United and Arsenal:
Leicester have a proven manager
Leicester City have a top-quality manager — perhaps one of the best British managers in world football currently — in Brendan Rodgers.
Rodgers came close to winning the Premier League title with Liverpool in the 2013–14 Premier League season, where they lost the title by just three points. He was then hired by Scottish giants Celtic, where he won two back-to-back league titles, before replacing Claude Puel at Leicester City earlier this year.
In the last 10 games of last season, Rodgers guided Leicester to five wins and two draws, with wins coming against Arsenal and a draw against Chelsea.
Rodgers’ tactical acumen and managerial pedigree has shown this season as he has built a young squad that plays on the front foot. He has the experience of working in the Premier League, while the absence of European football will give him more time with his players to help them improve on the pitch.
Squad quality and depth
Leicester have invested in young talents with a lot of potential over the last few seasons to add to their experienced players – those that were a part of the Premier League-winning team.
The blend of young players, as well as senior pros, gives this Leicester squad a lot of depth and quality all over the park.
At the back, Caglar Söyüncü has replaced Harry Maguire very well, while right-back Ricardo Pereira has built on last year’s good form. The strongest area of the Leicester side is in midfield with the likes of Wilfred Ndidi, James Maddison, and Youri Tielemans showing very good form.
All three are just 22 years of age and have become important figures in the Leicester team, while the likes of Dennis Praet and Hamza Choudhury add depth to the midfield.
The team have more exciting players further up front with Harvey Barnes, Demarai Gray, Ayoze Pérez, and the wily veteran Jamie Vardy. This squad is perhaps stronger than Manchester United and Arsenal as it has good depth and a variety of options for Rodgers to choose from.
Rivals have noticeable chinks in their armour
Leicester City have so far not shown holes in their system or personnel while their direct rivals – Manchester United and Arsenal, have had all sorts of issues on the pitch.
There seems to be togetherness and understanding in the Leicester team, as well as a set style of play that has troubled opponents.
Manchester United have been woeful this season, struggling in front of goal, while Arsenal have issues at the back. We will learn more about the issues that plague Leicester’s team as we go further into the season, but so far, it seems that Rodgers has a very good group of players who work well together.