Leicester City vs Norwich City: Match Preview
The Premier League is poised for an exciting clash as Leicester City takes on Norwich City at the King Power Stadium in the 27th week of the season. The Foxes, currently leading the league, will be looking to bounce back from their recent loss to Arsenal. Meanwhile, Norwich City will be eager to cause an upset and climb up the table.
Leicester City’s Form: Leicester City has been in stellar form this season, losing only once in their last nine outings. Their recent slip against Arsenal was a rare misstep, and they will be determined to secure all three points against Norwich. Key players like Jamie Vardy and James Maddison have been instrumental in their success.
Norwich City’s Chances: Norwich City, on the other hand, has struggled to find consistency. However, football is unpredictable, and they will be hoping to capitalize on any mistakes made by Leicester. A win or even a draw could significantly boost their morale and standings. Undoubtedly, Leicester is a team to beat this year. Even the top-notch sides like Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Tottenham have had vicious brawls against the Foxes on every front. So, to say, that the Canaries will topple Leicester City in any way would be too harsh on them.
A switch in places on the league table is very much on!
Claudio Ranieri’s side has slipped only once in the last nine outings in the Premier League. It hasn’t been just the bottom-half teams on the losing side – the big guns of the EPL have had no answers to Leicester’s top-notch performances either.
On the contrary, a loss to Arsenal has indeed cost Leicester a safer position on the points table. As of now, Leicester stands atop the Premier League with 53 points. Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are picking up the game and extending their winning runs, with the latter in 2nd place and the former in 3rd, amassing 51 points each. Only a goal difference of nine separates the two sides who look in lethal form.
Relinquishing points against Norwich is certainly not on the cards for the Foxes, but football is unpredictable. Suppose Leicester suffers a shock defeat to Norwich while Arsenal and Tottenham win their respective games. In that case, Leicester will go down to the third spot, allowing Tottenham to top the group with Arsenal trailing.
From first to third by losing one match and that too in the 27th week? Well, that is how the English Premier League rolls. Even a draw can cost Leicester their top place if Spurs manage to win. In that case, Spurs’ superior goal difference will take them to the top spot. However, three points will ensure that Ranieri maintains the first place.
So, what of Arsenal?
Arsenal plays Manchester United, who is set up nicely after a brilliant 5-1 thrashing of Midtjylland in the Europa League. It is going to be a test for the Gunners who have to make sure they do not stumble against United.
Although Arsenal’s attack is struggling to create the number of goals to their liking, they have indeed proven their mettle against the Red Devils in the first half of the Premier League this season with a 3-0 triumph. Arsene Wenger would give anything to see yet another scoresheet of that sort.
By any chance, if Arsenal is to lose or draw this game, Hotspur, who play 16th place Swansea City, will make sure to pounce on this opportunity and leave a three-point distance on the table between the two clubs.
Verdict
With the way things are going for the top three clubs regarding form and quality, the wind may not change its course, and the fans would have to wait until the end of March to see a drastic shift in this cracker of a Premier League season.
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