Hi all,
Leicester fan in relative peace to provide a brief view from the opposition, for anybody who cares.
I would really struggle to make a prediction at this moment in time. So much has changed for us, and yourselves from what I gather, that I think there really are simply too many variables to make any sort of solid prediction. Our manager, style of play, and key players have all changed since we last turned out for a competitive fixture in May and it's anybody's guess as to how those brought in, both managerial and playing wise, will get on. On paper we have a fantastic squad for this level, but 'on paper' we shouldn't have finished 18th last season; so that really doesn't mean a great deal.
The only prediction I'd hasten to go for would be for us to dominate possession and MR looking to hit us on the counter. I could realistically envisage anything from a comfortable 3-0 victory where it all falls into place, or a 2-0 defeat where we really come back down to earth with a bang.
We've passed on our injury curse of the past couple of years to Coady, who seemingly is injured for the first time in his career after not playing a single competitive game for us. Winks seems like a solid signing at this level, and Mavidi will hopefully add some flair. The new goalkeeper could be an Allison/Edderson style revelation, or a Claudio Bravo nightmare - time will tell. We're certainly lacking massively in the creative department going into Sunday, having lost the majority of our assists and goals in Maddison, Tielemans, and Barnes. Though I expect that will be resolved prior to the end of the window.
It'll be really interesting to see how both teams fare across the first few months and beyond, and I would also expect at least 7/8 changes across the 22 that line up on Sunday to those that line up for the reverse fixture.
As for rivalries - I would personally have you below Forest but above Derby; I think it very much depends on what part of the county you grew up in. I didn't really know any Cov fans growing up, but now live in Warwickshire so have a few friends of the sky blue persuasion.
One thing I would note is that I do find the mud slinging about the state of both places to be particularly amusing, given the state of both cities. Both have improved over the past few years, but I think it's fair to say a better government could invest greater in both.
Anyway, I'd be more than happy to see your lot promoted, provided we finish above you and also return to the 'promised land'. The midlands has been off the football map for far to long, 2016 and FA Cup win aside (had to get that in somewhere). Though, after the past couple of years of inflated prices, dodgy dealings, super league, Saudi money and all that comes with it - I am sort of hoping that this year reminds me exactly why I fell in love with the sport.
