FM19 - The Foxes, an LCFC tale

2019-06-24 16:15#257925 ScottT : You continue to go from strength-to-strength! Some noticeable sales, but a decent sum of cash brought in from trimming the squad down. If they aren't featuring then it is always best to cash in.

The big sides (bar Liverpool and City) are not performing so we have a chance of sneaking top 4. I like a much smaller squad and if I'm honest, they weren't good enough

February and March - Post #7

February – We are still in the mix, unbelievably. We sit 3rd in the league, still behind Liverpool and Man City who look like making it a straight fight. Champions League football is well in our sites now and we’ll do everything we can do get it. A couple of very difficult games in Spurs and Chelsea but we got positive results in the reverse fixtures so nothing to fear. Brentford in the FA Cup 5th round so we “should” be into the 6th round.



Spurs made up for the home loss slightly holding Leicester to a 0-0 home draw. Dele Alli was sent off late on for a reckless lunge on Pereira. Nothing much of note happened otherwise. We’ll take it and move on. A clean sheet is always a bonus.



SAINTS PUT TO THE SWORD



We certainly got our revenge on Southampton.

A fine attacking display and our front 3 all hit the target. Maddison has been playing as an inside forward more due to the emergence of Choudhury. He got the 1st with Vardy and Pepe completing the scoring.

STILL UP FOR THE CUP



And still no goals conceded this month. We travelled to Championship side Brentford in the 5th round of the FA Cup. The game was certainly not as one sided as the scorline suggests and but for some inspired goalkeeping by Ward, Brentford might have been in front at half time. Second half goals killed the tie as a contest. Young Marin started up front as I’ve retrained him. He scored 2 either side of a Konsa OG. Can we win the cup?

KANTE BACK TO HAUNT US



There goes the clean sheet month then. N’Golo Kante absolutely ran the show today. Scored 1 and assisted 2. In spite of our goals, we didn’t ever look like we could win. A free hit of sorts and we failed. I kept Marin in from the start and it looked like being inspired, unfortunately after the goal he was well marshalled. Vardy came on early in the 2nd half and scored a consolation. Chelsea a level above us if they play to their potential.

Brighton won the Carabao Cup against Bournemouth…A missed opportunity for us.

BLOODY BURNLEY



Vardy back in the starting line-up and back with a brace after Long stabbed in from a corner to put Burnley ahead. Demarai Gray back on the scoresheet after a few games out. A pleasing end to the month at a difficult stadium.

February Review – A mixed bag of results. Still in the cup and fighting tooth and nail for Champions League football. Player of the month is a draw between 2 players at the opposite ends of their careers, Antonio Marin and veteran striker Jamie Vardy.

March – City have fallen away after a terrible month while Liverpool go from strength to strength. Pep gets sacked after failing to win a game in March, resulting in City being knocked out the Champions League, FA Cup and falling behind Liverpool in the league. Might cheekily apply for the job.



On paper an easier month bar that trip to St. James’ Park. We drew Stoke in the 6th round of the FA Cup and we’re confident of getting through.



Wolves are certainly not the force I expected. We comfortably won with a rotated side and the scoreline did not reflect the domination. Our wing wizards got the goals. This wasn’t to be Grays only goal in March.

CRACKER ON THE TYNE



Some appalling defending by both sides, and some unbelievable finishing also. Kenedy’s 2 strikes were both goal of the month contenders but it was Demarai Gray that stole the show. We led 3-1 before finding ourselves 4-3 down at half time after a mad 7 minutes. A change of style allowed us to dominate the 2nd period and Marin and Gray turned it around. Gray’s goal a lovely header with a minute left and much jumping around from yours truly. Game of the season so far.

HAMMERS UNFORTUNATE



For the 2nd time this season, West Ham will feel hard done by against Leicester. They deserved at least a point but James Maddison had other ideas. Dispatching a perfect free kick deep into injury time. I think we were flat after such a high of the previous game. Still scoring late goals is a good knack to get into.

DREAM STILL ALIVE



Back to our usual levels here with a fantastic 2-0 win away thanks largely to a slice of luck and an own goal from Berahino. Pepe added a 2nd on half time which killed Stoke’s momentum and it allowed us to cruise through the 2nd half.

HUDDERSFIELD ALL BUT DOWN



If I felt Wolves were a surprise for the wrong reasons, Huddersfield definitely aren’t. A poor side and we were far too good for them on the day. 2 more for Maddison. A 1st goal for the club for Callum Wright, a young CM that might make the step up next season.

March Review – 5 wins out of 5, couple that with a drop in form for City and we have got a stranglehold on the top 4. Liverpool look set to win it, but we may sneak into 2nd. Player of the month, Demarai Gray pretty much for his performance against Newcastle.

Some absolutely cracking results there and a lot of drama. James Maddison's late goal against West Ham could prove to be vital. One issue, the Brentford result has been posted twice rather than the expected Chelsea one. The FA Cup run continues too and it would mark a fantastic season if you were able to secure a top four place AND an FA Cup success.

That 5-4 vs Newcastle must have had you ripping your hair out, what a game!

Games like the one against the Hammers are why I love and hate football!

2019-06-27 12:12#258042 ScottT : Some absolutely cracking results there and a lot of drama. James Maddison's late goal against West Ham could prove to be vital. One issue, the Brentford result has been posted twice rather than the expected Chelsea one. The FA Cup run continues too and it would mark a fantastic season if you were able to secure a top four place AND an FA Cup success.

Thanks ScottT, have updated that picture and should read correct. We love a goal in Fergie time.

2019-06-28 16:07#258101 Justice : That 5-4 vs Newcastle must have had you ripping your hair out, what a game!

"I wasn't too impressed with our defending"

April – Top of the form guide. With only 6 league games to go, including 3 of the top 4, it was imperative we kept our good form up.



Bournemouth at home first up. We drew 0-0 away in the reverse fixture so a good chance to take 4 points off them.



We did and how. A thoroughly great performance. Gray and Vardy are quite the pair. Next up is the FA Cup semi against Man Utd.

NEMANJA FUCKING MATIC



You don’t mind losing, but to a Nemanja Metic brace. We froze essentially. Maddisons goal was a fine free kick but we created little from open play. Congratulations to United who will play Liverpool in the final.

WEMBLEY HANGOVER



Thats the only way I can describe this is, we weren’t at the races and it took a late goal in each half to rescue us. Palace might still go down at this point.



Watford were on their holidays. They are mid table with nothing to play for and it showed. Maddison again and that man Gray with a brace.

LEICESTER SECURE 3RD



A measure of revenge for the cup semi loss, or so I thought. We led 3-0 inside 10 minutes at Old Trafford. Then they battered us. Maddison is in great form and scored against Utd again. Vardy with a couple of goals again. As they didn’t beat us we managed to secure 3rd. City keep on dropping points. We might sneak 2nd. Liverpool and City to go.

April Review – We are doing enough to keep us up there. Really annoyed to miss out on a cup final. Maddison is player of the month.

May – Liverpool and City to play. Liverpool are Champions before we play them. We draw 0-0, then we batter City off their own patch 3-0. Leicester City finish 2nd!!! A magnificent effort by the lads.



In other news Liverpool complete a treble winning the FA Cup and the Champions League. We have the proud record of not losing to the eventual champions. Palace, Huddersfield and Cardiff go down, with Blackburn, Villa and Stoke promoted.

Goalscorer’s at the end of the season.

Vardy – 23

Maddison – 15

Gray – 14

Pepe – 9

Tielemans – 9

End of season 1. Time for a break for the players. I won manager of the year by the way!

A great end to a magnificent season. Looking forward to seeing how you fair next season with the added pressure of the Champions League.

Season 2 Pre Season - Post #9

Well, how to improve on that...


For new readers, we finished 2nd in our 1st season behind runaway leaders Liverpool who incidentally completed a treble. The only way we could really top that season is by winning a trophy.


We do have a small issue that most of our squad is wanted. Bids come in for Chilwell, Maguire, Gray and others but they fortunately aren’t interested as most are from Arsenal who finished way down in 8th. However, PSG and Spurs are after a right back. Pereira and Mbabu at the top of the list for each so they could prove more difficult to fend off.


With the loans players returning to the club, this is the squad list we were left with. We brought 3 up from the younger sides, Peter Fitton, Callum Wright and Darnell Johnson. These guys will feature in the cups or likely go out on loan.


GK Schmeichel, Ward
RB Pereira, Mbabu, Johnson
LB Chilwell
CB Maguire, Benkovic
CB Evans, Soyuncu
DM Ndidi
CM Choudhury, Wright
CM Maddison, Silva, Fitton
RW Pepe, Barnes, Diabate
LW Gray, Marin
CF Vardy, Slimani, Semenyo, Iheanacho


So a bit of work to do on the squad. Tielemans going back to Monaco leaves a big hole in our midfield and we could do with a new left back and competition for Ndidi. Also we looked to move on several fringe players. The only player I am prepared to give a chance to upon returning from loan is Benkovic, everyone else is up for sale.


Outgoing Players


Islam Slimani - £5.5m to Fiorentina
Adrien Silva - £16m to Shakhtar
Fousseni Diabate - £0.9m to Rennes
Kevin Mbabu - £20.5m to PSG
Caglar Soyuncu - Loan to Porto
Wes Morgan - Free
Christian Fuchs - Free


Mostly good business from our point of view with the fringe players being moved on. Kevin Mbabu got very upset when I rejected an offer from Spurs. They wouldn't then meet the agreed asking price, but PSG did. Off you go. We have young Darnell Johnson as a back up RB so he will get more chances this way unless we bring in a new full back.


Incoming Players


We had a good transfer kitty, added to by the sale of players and we splashed the cash. Getting into the Champions League does no harm when it comes to signing players.


Donny van de Beek - £20m from Ajax. I'm thinking of trying Maddison as the DLP with DVDB as the attacking CM
Kieran Tierney - £22m from Celtic. Fearful of losing Chilwell so I got the next best thing. We will see if he can oust him as our main LB.
Sandro Tonali - £13.25m from Brescia. Because he's amazing. Will rotate in the DLP position.
Declan Rice - £15.5m (rising to £25.5m) for West Ham. Handed in a transfer request which was fortunate as at one point it was over £60m. Can also play CB which will be handy.
Gustav Isaksen - £0m from FC Midtjylland. A 5* winger from Denmark for free .
Morgan Rogers - £0.5m for West Brom. Signed by our DoF and will play in our u18 side.
Anthony Hartigan - £2m from Wimbledon. Another signed by the DoF, will be loaned back to Wimbledon for the season.

So, we ended up with this as the squad


GK Schmeichel, Ward
RB Pereira, Johnson
LB Chilwell, Tierney
CB Maguire, Benkovic
CB Evans
DM Ndidi, Rice
CM Tonali, Choudhury
CM Maddison, van de Beek
RW Pepe, Barnes
LW Gray, Marin, Isaksen
CF Vardy, Semenyo, Iheanacho


July/August Friendlies


Some excellent results on our pre season tour of USA. The new players (especially the younger ones) are settling in well and performing.
A weird game against Chelsea for Andy King’s testimonial. He is out on loan and wasn’t part of the squad to play…



A thumping win to finish off pre season away at Udinese. Isaksen looks a find already highlighted by a 4 goal performance against Orlando.


Onto the serious stuff now, with the Community Shield final against Liverpool.

See you next time.

Some tidy business made. It's always best to let unhappy players leave, as I'm a firm believer that nobody is bigger than the club and everyone has a price. There has been a real emphasis on signing young talent - with the likes of VDB, Tierney and Rice being more than suitable to slot straight into the side. Even Sandro Tonali, to an extent. I think you'll be up there again this season. Those pre-season results are a good morale booster, too.

August and September Season 2 - Post #10

RELENTLESS LIVERPOOL



Our 1st loss against Liverpool in my time as manager. For 50 minutes we were atrocious, but we managed to draw level at 2-2. Debutante Justin Kluivert added his 2nd of the game in injury time to win the tie. It is technically a friendly but it would've been nice to win a trophy. Anyway, here we go with my new and improved side.

Start of the Premier League

Whatever happened to 3pm Saturday Kick offs.



2 tough home games in our 1st 4, and some tricky away games too.

Not quite as good of a start as last season but unbeaten after 3.



Against United, it was a game really without incident and it seemed both sides settles after about 70 mins.

Fulham were excellent compared to last season and deserved the win. Kelechi Iheanacho managed to drag us back into it late on. The new players are not yet settled and we are really missing Tielemans influence in the midfield.

We led against Spurs for a long time. Kane equalised with 5 minutes left and I’d already gone defensive with my subs. Fortunately, Spurs didn’t score a 2nd.

So, after 3 games, 3 draws and I was getting restless. To make things worse, Juventus come in with a low bid for Ricardo Pereira.
With the transfer window closed I’m forced to decline and Pereira is not happy. I expect this to rear its head again in January where I may need to make a signing.

ANOTHER CLASSIC AT ST. JAMES’ PARK



What is it about this place? Newcastle were well worth a point but fortunately Maddison added the 3rd goal quickly after the 2nd. Pepe with his 2nd of the season, hopefully he can go onto 20 goals this season. Benkovic gets his 1st goal for the club in his 1st start. Kasper Dolberg is certainly one we'll keep our eye on to see if he can cut it in the Premier League. Vardy isn't getting any younger and will need replacing soon.

August Review - Unbeaten but off the pace we sit in 9th place on 6 points. Liverpool are top and look to be the team to beat again. We have drawn Juventus, Lyon and Porto in the Champions League. Tough.

In terms of transfers, City took their 3rd place hard and spent big. Skriniar £107m, Dybala £96m and Iwobi for Ninety. Four. Million. Pounds.
Man Utd also went big, Chiesa £73m, De Ligt for £48.5m and Joao Felix £41.5m. Liverpool signed a couple of wingers in Kluivert and Zaha as Palace were relegated. Leicesters Player of the Month is James Maddison.

September - Can we get back on track?



3 Premier League games against Watford, Southampton and new boys Aston Villa We have a League Cup game against Brentford which should provide a good opportunity for players that haven’t played as much yet. Then the big one against Lyon, Leicester back in the Champions League. Leicester got to the 1/4 finals last time they were in it so can we emulate that achievement this time?



A superb performance to follow the win against Newcastle and maybe our team is starting to settle. Antonio Marin, starting on the left wing opens the scoring from a Ricardo cross. A Vardy pen and Maddison free kick kill the game by half time. Very pleasing and allowed us to chill in the 2nd half before Lyon away. Onto the Champions League.

Towards the end of last season I was wondering if the Champions League place had come a little early in this project. Away to Lyon is our 1st game. They seem to have kept most of their big players with Fekir particularly worrying me.

We started relatively defensively, taking my cue from Sir Alex in Europe. By half time we were doing well without really threatening. Certainly, what happened in the 2nd half was not expected.



We conceded from a set piece that bounced in off Pepe. Lyon then took control and put us to the sword. We have an issue now as I was hoping for points from the Lyon and Porto games as Juve are unlikely to offer us much.



We bounce back impressively. Goals from our now England international James Maddison and Jamie Vardy seal an excellent win away at Southampton.

I give Antoine Semenyo his 1st start for the club in the league cup and what a response from him. A hat trick. We led 3-0 and Brentford scored 2 late goals to make it interesting. We draw Liverpool at home in the 4th round so that may end our aspirations for another year.

Villa were swatted away and they sit bottom after 7 match days. Donny van de Beek got 2 goals after replacing Maddison in the side. I’m keen to find a way for them to both play in the same side. Semenyo got another goal from the bench, a real prospect on our hands.

September Review - An excellent month for us domestically winning all of our games pretty convincingly. A horror 2nd half against Lyon but we will look to bounce back. Just the small matter of Cristiano and Juve at home next. We’ve clawed our way back to 3rd place in the league. Player of the month is Antoine Semenyo for his 4 goals in 2 appearances.

After an initially slow start to the season, you have kicked on and improved. The UCL result is a set-back, indeed, but hopefully you'll pull up some trees against Juventus and cause a stir. I can't believe City forked out so much on Iwobi, either!

2019-07-08 16:35#258581 ScottT : After an initially slow start to the season, you have kicked on and improved. The UCL result is a set-back, indeed, but hopefully you'll pull up some trees against Juventus and cause a stir. I can't believe City forked out so much on Iwobi, either!

That Iwobi transfer disgusted me.

October, November and December - Season 2 - Post #11

October - 2 Champions League games at Home to Juve and Porto . League games in Lancashire against newcomers Blackburn and old rivals Burnley in between. We end the month with a double header against Liverpool at home. First in the league, then the league cup. On paper a very tough month.



I’m contemplating a change of format and will be adding more squad detail to the posts.


THE CHAMPIONSSSSSSSS, DU DU DU DU DU.


Juventus come to the King Power Stadium. They’ve picked a strong side in a 523 formation. Cristiano on the left wing with Barella and Pjanic as the midfield 2.


We line up in a 433: Schmeichel; Pereira, Benkovic, Maguire, Chilwell; Ndidi, Maddison, van de Beek; Pepe, Gray, Vardy
Substitutes: Evans, Tierney, Choudhury, Rice, Tonali, Marin, Sememyo


We start the game on fire, Juventus rather surprisingly start quite defensively and we pressure deep in their half. A ball wide from Maddison finds Chilwell on the byline. He cuts back for Vardy to strike which is saved well. The ball rebounds to Pepe who taps in. 1-0, 3’ on the clock. He would go off injured after 30 mins however.


By half time, Juventus have had one shot on goal to our 11. Cristiano is playing a 6.2.


More of the same in the 2nd half but Ronaldo has gone up top now. Maguire and Benkovic marshal him well. We get a corner on the hour, Maddison swings in from the left, Benkovic header which bounced off the bar onto Pjanic and in. 2-0 Leicester. We make changes with Rice and Choudhury on for van de Beek and Maddison to solidify us. It works and we win 2-0. A magnificent result and we are right back in the group.



MOM is Filip Benkovic


A few changes made for the visit to Blackburn, notably Jamie Vardy left on the bench for Antoine Semenyo. Blackburn are sat in 18th position but will provide a test for Leicester.


433 as usual: Schmeichel; Pereira, Evans, Benkovic, Tierney; Rice, Tonali, Maddison; Marin, Gray, Semenyo
Substitutes: Maguire, Chilwell, Choudhury, Ndidi, van de Beek, Pepe, Vardy


A solid/unsolid win. Semenyo got us off to a flyer but we didn’t press home our advantage. 1-0 seems precarious but Blackburn failed to register a shot. A great performance from our young side.



Antoine Semenyo MOM


An international break followed the game so we have a couple of weeks to recuperate before we head back north for the Burnley game.

Another changed side for this one as I wanted a few more seasoned pros in the squad.


433: Schmeichel; Pereira, Benkovic, Maguire, Chilwell; Ndidi, Choudhury, Maddison, Iheanacho, Gray, Varde
Subs: Evans, Tierney, Tonali, Rice, van de Beek, Pepe, Semenyo



Burnley, Burnley, Burnley, when will you learn. They sat back, we go 2-0 up, they attack. If they came at me in a game I’ve no doubt they would win. 2-0 after half an hour through the recalled Iheanacho and the main man Maddison. Burnley scored on half time but we were always seemingly in control. No goals in the 2nd half. I’ve included an example of our average positions compared to Burnley.



MOM James Maddison


Porto at home next in the Champions League. A win would really set us up to qualify for at least the Europa League which I feel is more our level at this point.


We were the dominant side but Porto were very good defensively. I probably made an error in selection with a young front line. Vardy and Gray were not able to open the Portuguese up. Worryingly, Gray is yet to score this season after getting 14 last. So 4 points after 3 match days. We have 2 away games left which puts us in a precarious position.



MOM Filip Benkovic


Match day 10 in the Premier League and we welcome champions Liverpool. They are also top of the league at this time and have yet to lose like us. Someones 0, has to go, unless it's a draw. Which I think we would have taken before a ball was kicked.


We go into the game full strength after resting 1 or 2 for the Porto game. Would the decision be a good one?


433: Schmeichel; Pereira, Benkovic, Maguire, Chilwell; Rice, Tonale, van de Beek: Pepe, Gray, Vardy
Subs: Evans, Tierney, Ndidi, Iheanacho, Semenyo, Maddison, Barnes


A fantastic performance against Liverpool to keep our unbeaten run going and end theirs. Vardy scored early from a cross from Pereira. Liverpool upped the anti and Salah equalised after 16 minutes. Both sides were going at each other and it showed in possession and shots stats being even. We made changes during the 2nd half as did Liverpool to try and find the 2nd goal. That 2nd goal did come for us, Vardy pushed in the box and after a check with VAR, penalty given. Vardy stepped up and smashed it, 2-1 Leicester.


Liverpool pushed to the end of the game but couldn’t find the goal. Magnificent boys!



Vardy MOM


Liverpool again, same result. To be fair they sent a reserve side for the League Cup game although Wilf Zaha was part of the starting XI. We included youngsters Isaksen, Rogers and Fitton on the bench.


Antoine Semenyo got the only goal of the game and we were comfortable winners in the end. We draw Chelsea in the 1/4's, the game is in December.


433: Schmiechal; Johnson, Evans, Maguire, Tierney; Ndidi, Tonali, Maddison; Iheanacho, Marin, Semenyo
Subs: Benkovic, Chilwell, Rice, Isaksen, Rogers, Barnes, Fitton




October Review - Unbeaten in the league and through in the cup. Beating Liverpool twice is great for our confidence. The Champions League is still in the balance but we must win at least 1 of our final 3 games to stand a chance in a tough group. Pereira probably deserves player of the month, he has been consistent and seems to have put the disappointment of a failed transfer behind him. I won manager of the month for October.


November - We sit 3rd in the league behind Liverpool and Man Utd so still above expectations. The fixtures for the month however are tough. Lots of TV coverage though…




4 games in the league and 2 in the Champions League. No games to rest anyone in the 1st 5 here so could be some tired legs by the time we play Stoke at the end of the month. Realistically we are hoping for 6 points in the league and maybe 4 in the Champions League. In spite of what we did last year I’m not expecting to smash City again.


My fears were right, although it wasn’t all one way traffic. We had more possession and shots at goal. Aguero is a maestro though and put City ahead. Silva killed the game late on as we pushed for an equaliser. Our 1st loss of the season.


451: Schmeichel; Pereira, Benkovic, Maguire, Chilwell; Ndidi, Pepe, Tonali, van de Beek, Marin; Vardy.
Subs: Evans, Rice, Tierney, Iheanacho, Maddison, Gray, Semenyo



Match day 4 of the Champions League and Porto away. Having drawn 0-0 with them at home it was imperative that we got a result.

We had a mad 10 minutes which cost us. Once again we were a match but gave away a soft goal. Then a Vardy sending off, then a 2nd goal on half time.

A 3rd Porto goal followed before they took their foot off the gas. We scored a couple of late goals and might have equalised but it wasn’t to be. We now had 4 points from 4 games. Lyon and Juve left.



Time to get back on track, oh wait, it’s Chelsea and Eden Hazard.

We went back to our 433 formation moving the wingers higher up the pitch.

Schmeichel; Pereira, Benkovic, Maguire, Chilwell: Ndidi, Tonali, Maddison; Pepe, Gray, Vardy
Subs: Evans, Rice, Tierney, Iheanacho, van de Beek, Marin, Semenyo

A very close game but we nudge in front thanks to Vardy. A shot from Pepe is spilt and Vardy pounces to tap in. Chelsea ramp up the pressure after half time and finally equalise through Jorginho. We’ve changed some of the attacking positions and van de Peek steals in deep into injury time to win it.



MOM Jamie Vardy for a tireless display.

Arsenal next up away. We reverted back to the 451 to solidify us. We haven’t been scoring as many this year so clean sheets are doubly important.

We got our wish and frustrated Arsenal from 1-90.

Nothing to choose between the 3 but joint MOM Pereira, Benkovic and Maguire.

451: Schmeichel; Pereira, Benkovic, Maguire, Tierney; Rice, Pepe, Maddison, van de Beek, Gray; Vardy
Subs: Evans, Ndidi, Chilwell, Iheanacho, Tonali, Barnes, Semenyo



After 13 match days were are in 4th place on 28 points. Another Champions League game next, Lyon at home.

We conceded the 1st goal here and really struggled to get back into the game. Lyon didn’t offer much after going 1-0 up and we laboured for much of the game. The penalty was a stupid push and Maddison converted from the spot.

We really missed Vardy who was suspended from the Porto game.



Without the win, we can no longer win the group. We go into the final round of fixtures bottom but still with a chance.
Lyon 8pts, Juve 7pts, Porto 7pts, Leicester 5pts

We need a Lyon win and to beat Juve to go through. We need a win regardless to stay in Europe.

MOM James Maddison but we were poor overall.

Stoke at home to finish off the month. Schmeichel has picked up an injury and will be out for 3-4 weeks. Danny Ward will step in to replace him.

433: Ward; Johnson, Evans, Maguire, Tierney, Ndidi, Choudhury, Maddison, Pepe, Marin, Vardy
Subs: Benkovic, Rice, Gray, Chilwell, Tonali, Barnes, Semenyo

Badou Ndiaye scores a 25 yarder to put our boys on the back foot. We do nothing until half time and I actually have to dish out a bollocking.
It does the trick and we come out flying in the 2nd period. A pen from Vardy and a Pepe goal get us in front. A Tonali edge of the boxer gives us breathing space. He could be the man to replace Tielemans if he keeps doing that.

Stoke get a consolation through Clark but the game is done.

Goal and assist, Nicolas Pepe MOM.




November Review - A real mixed bag but there were some tough games in there. We are virtually out of Europe unless we can perform a miracle in Turin on match day 6. We are up to 3rd (31pts) after 14 match days. Liverpool and Man Utd still slug it out at the top. Player of the month, James Maddison.

December - A busy month which includes no less than 6 Premier League games, my final Champions League group game and a League Cup 1/4 final away at Chelsea. I’m also set to go to Old Trafford and Goodison Park over Christmas.



In an ideal world, we will take 12 points from our 6 Premier League games, Everton and United away are tough and Bournemouth and West Ham are too. Wolves and Brighton should mean home wins.

Perfect start to December for the Foxes. Goals late in each half of a keenly contested game. Our defenders came out on top.

451: Ward; Pereira, Benkovic, Maguire, Chilwell; Rice, Pepe, Maddison, van de Beek, Gray; Vardy
Subs: Evans, Tierney, Ndidi, Marin, Tonali, Barnes, Semenyo

Tough call between our defenders and van de Beek, but Maguire gets it for a goal and a shut out. MOM.



Business as usual against Wolves. Not sure why we are so comfortable against them but we dominated form minute 1. Vardy with goals either side of half time gave us an easy win.

433: Ward; Pereira, Benkovic, Evans, Tierney, Ndidi, Tonali, Maddison, Pepe, Barnes, Vardy
Subs: Choudhury, Chilwell, Rice, Marin, van de Beek, Gray, Semenyo

MOM - Vardy again with special mention to out boys at the back with back to back cleano’s.



The Champions……..

We are welcomed to Turin knowing a win is a must. I rested a few in anticipation of this game. We started with a slightly more defensive outlook. A 1-0 would be good enough to get at least 3rd.

451: Ward; Pereira, Benkovic, Maguire, Chilwell; Rice, Pepe, Maddison, van de Beek, Barnes; Vardy
Subs: Evans, Tierney, Ndidi, Marin, Tonali, Gray, Semenyo

Well, it backfired massively going defensive as we were peppered. Barella scored after 6 minutes with Ronaldo adding a 2nd just after the half hour. I felt like Burnley but had to gamble as my plan had gone. I brought off Pereira for Gray with Barnes going to RB. Soon after half time Tonali came on for Maddison and Semenyo on for Vardy. It seemed to do the trick, Juve were content with 2-0 and hitting on the break. Donny van de Beek got one back after 57 mins, and we were flying. Pepe was making recoveries and driving runs seemingly every highlight.
Then we won a penalty. No Vardy, no Maddison on the pitch to take the responsibility fell to Pepe in the 74th minute.
Poor guy missed, devastated.

Tonali rifled a 20 yarder after a corner had been cleared in the 84th minute. They held on, we finish 4th and are out of Europe at the 1st hurdle. Gutted.



Lyon - 9
Juventus - 8
Porto - 8
Leicester - 6

Only 6 goals scored in our campaign which was our real downfall. We aren’t scoring as many this season full stop.
That sparked a run of form which I hadn’t seen before in this group.

5 games, 5 losses and 2 goals in that time. Before the Bournemouth game I didn’t think we’d need different players but that has changed my mind. We were actually unlucky at B’mouth and Chelsea, but atrocious at Utd and Everton. As for Brighton, I made changes and it seemed to work. We had 26 shots to Brighton's 1. Sorry Leicester fans, I know what its like to be shit over Christmas.



December review. Out of 2 competitions and fell away in the league. Here is the league at the half way point which was just after the Everton game. Man Utd still unbeaten but only 2 points clear of Liverpool. We are sat just behind the next 2 sides, Chelsea and Man City being managed by Sarri and Allegri respectively.