2021-22 Premier League Betting Preview – Leicester City

2021-22 Fixtures: Leicester entertain Wolves on opening day

Before kicking off their Premier League campaign with a Midlands derby with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leicester take on Man City at Wembley in the 2021 FA Community Shield. Although it is effectively a friendly, Rodgers & Co. would love to start the new season with some silverware. The Foxes play Man City in the league a month later.

Leicester have one of the toughest festive periods of any club in the Premier League this season. At the end of 2021, they take on Tottenham, Everton, Man City and Liverpool in successive games. City then kick off 2022 with a home encounter against newly promoted Norwich City on New Year’s Day.

Their final away fixture of the season will see them take on Watford at Vicarage Road before ending their league campaign with a matchup with Southampton at the King Power Stadium on 22nd May.

Foxes Transfer News: Will Rodgers add more faces?

Leicester have already been busy this summer, with Ryan Bertrand aggreging to join the Foxes from Southampton. In late June, the club completed a £23m move for Patson Daka from Red Bull Salzburg. They also paid £17m to Lille for midfielder Boubakary Soumare, who helped the French side win Ligue 1 last term. Leicester have also been kinked with Daniel James, Domenico Berardi and Odsonne Edouard, among others.

In the other direction, long-serving players Wes Morgan, Christian Fuchs and Matthew James have all departed the club. After impressing last season, Youri Tielemans is a wanted man. However, Rodgers has no plans on selling the Belgium international, who scored the winning goal in last term’s FA Cup final.

Who Are Leicester’s Biggest Challengers: Another top-six finish?

After missing on the Champions League on the last day for a second season running, Leicester will be desperate to finally get over the line this season. However, with the likes of Man City, Liverpool, Man United and Chelsea set to battle it out for the title this term, breaking into the top four could be tougher than ever this season.

A top-six place seems more likely, but that will also be a difficult task, as Arsenal, Tottenham, West Ham United and Leeds United – plus others – will all have the same ambition. Who will be the Foxes’ biggest rivals this year?

Arsenal Preview: Can the Gunners get back into Europe?

Arsenal have been going backwards in recent years, but there have been signs of life under Mikel Arteta. The London club have no European football to contend with for the first time in 26 years. Nevertheless, not being in Europe could be a blessing as the Gunners look to break back into the top six.

The London outfit are likely to mix and match their squad before the window shuts, but can Arteta build a team capable of getting back into the top four? The Gunners could be a fascinating watch this season.

Tottenham Hotspur Preview: Spurs to be a force under Nuno?

With new boss Nuno Espirito Santo at the helm, Tottenham could be going places this season. Nuno did a remarkable job during his time at Molineux, guiding Wolves to the EFL Championship title and taking them into Europe. With one or two new additions, Spurs could be a force in the Premier League next term, especially if they can persuade Harry Kane to stay in north London.

Tottenham inflicted heartache on Leicester last term, winning 4-2 at the King Power on the last day to stop the Foxes’ Champions League dreams. In doing so, the Lilywhites also booked a place in the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League. Of course, the Spurs fans want Champions League football back at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the 2022-23 season.

West Ham United Preview: Hammers to build on last term?

David Moyes’ West Ham were one of the surprise packages in the Premier League last season. The Hammers flirted with the Champions League places for a large chunk of the campaign. Despite missing out on the top four in the end, West Ham finished in sixth and sealed a spot in the Europa League.

With some new signings, United are more than capable of building on last season’s success. However, keeping star man Declan Rice is a must. Rice has been sensational for the Irons since breaking on to the scene in Stratford, but the likes of Chelsea, Man United and Man City – plus a few others – are all reportedly keeping tabs on the England international.

Leeds United Preview: Can Bielsa’s boys sneak into top six?

Along with West Ham, Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds were one of the surprise packages in the Premier League last season. After winning the 2019-20 Championship title, United were back in the big time for the first time since 2004. They started well and never looked back.

Leeds finished just three points away from European football last season. They have a real togetherness in the team and no lack of talent. The Yorkshire side will no doubt be pushing for a top-six finish this year.

Leicester players to watch out for in the 2021-22 season: Maddison to kick on?

Vardy may turn 35 in January, but the former England international is showing no signs of letting up. His goals dried up at the end of last season after a stunning start, but Vardy still managed to find the net 17 times. Kelechi Iheanacho struck up an excellent partnership with Vardy, with the pair scoring a staggering 37 goals between them.

James Maddison had a topsy-turvy season last time around. Off-field issues and injuries hampered his campaign, but the youngster remains one of City’s most vital players. If he stays, Tielemans will also be a huge player for the Midlands side once again.

Our Leicester City Predictions: Another top-six finish for the Foxes

Make no mistake about it, Leicester have one of the strongest squads in the Premier League. The elite clubs may have more firepower, but the Foxes have competed with the big boys for the last few years. Just five years ago, they shocked the world by winning the Premier League as a 5000/1 shot.

Securing a fifth-place finish in the Premier League two years in a row is no mean feat, but Rodgers’ troops would love to break into the top four this term. As we touched on, that might be a step too far. Nevertheless, we believe that Leicester are a good bet to secure a Europa League spot. Paddy Power are offering the decent odds of evens for City to claim a top-six position this season.

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