Predicting Leicester's Final Premier League Points Tally
By Robbie Walls
Although the Bundesliga has been a welcome distraction in the absence of the Premier League, we can't wait to get back into the rigours of English top-flight action.
While most clubs will be relishing the prospect of a return to 'normality', Leicester City will surely be one of the sides most excited about getting back out onto an actual football pitch.
The Foxes have enjoyed a stellar season thus far, with former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers seemingly vindicating his betrayal in Scotland by leading his new side to almost guaranteed Champions League qualification.
Yet it has not all been plain sailing for the boys in blue, as the turn of the year gave way to a slight dip in form with the club failing to register a league win in February - although the chasing pack have been equally inconsistent and erratic.
With a return to action fast approaching, it seems as a good a time as any to have a stab at Leicester's potential points tally come the end of the season.
Matchday 30 - Watford (Away)
First up for the Foxes - after their extended break from top-tier football - is a clash with the club's former manager Nigel Pearson and his relegation-threatened Watford side. The Hornets had enjoyed an initial upturn in former under Pearson, yet they are seemingly still in a fight against the drop.
However, their 3-0 thrashing of league leaders Liverpool was a real statement - ending the Reds unbeaten run this season - and illustrated the improvements that the former Leicester man has made.
As for Rodgers and his men, despite the prospect of an away fixture, they will be looking to start off with a bang and with top-scorer Jamie Vardy fit and firing, there will surely be only one winner.
Verdict: Win
Points Tally: 56
Matchday 31 - Brighton (Home)
For the first fixture back at the King Power stadium, Leicester will welcome Graham Potter's Brighton side, who will be looking to drag themselves out of a potential relegation scrap.
While Potter has tried to work his magic on the Seagulls, it doesn't seem to be working, with the club in atrocious form before the season suspension - they haven't won since 28 December.
However, the abrupt halt to the season may have been somewhat of a blessing to Potter and co, and may have allowed time to further instil his attacking intent into his players.
Without the raucous atmosphere of the home crowd it may be a tricky task for the Foxes, but one they should surely overcome.
Verdict: Win
Points Tally: 59
Matchday 32 - Everton (Away)
The club's sternest test so far will be away to Everton, with Carlo Ancelotti's men still with everything to play for as the gap between themselves and Wolverhampton Wanderers in sixth is only six points.
The absence of the Goodison faithful- which may be a blessing for some of Everton's star names - will ultimately affect the home sides performance one way or another, yet they do have the quality to trouble Leicester if they are at it.
With the legendary Ancelotti having had time to refocus his players and perhaps change tactics, this may be a difficult fixture for the Foxes to get a result in.
That being said, a draw seems a fair verdict for this clash.
Verdict: Draw
Points Tally: 60
Matchday 33 - Crystal Palace (Home)
In this fixture, Leicester will come up against arguably the league's most boring side and a team they turned over 2-0 in the reverse tie back in November.
Despite the often dour nature of their play, lowscoring Palace have exceeded expectations this season and sit comfortable in 11th place in the table.
Hodgson's men had won three on the bounce before the season was halted and - like Everton - are still in contention for European qualification.
While the Foxes are undoubtedly the superior side, they may find Palace a stubborn opposition and one which may neutralise the home side's attacking intent.
Verdict: Draw
Points Tally: 61
Matchday 34 - Arsenal (Away)
A very tasty fixture indeed, with Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side offering the greatest test thus far in these season-defining fixtures.
The Gunners may currently lie in a lowly ninth position, but Champions League qualification is not out of the realms of possibility - particularly with the qualifications spots perhaps extended to fifth as a result of Manchester City's impending ban.
With both sides loving to attack this should be a feast for the eyes, yet the home side's desperation for points, as well as defensive frailties, should allow Leicester to secure victory - especially with the uncertainty surrounding star forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Verdict: Win
Points Tally: 64
Matchday 35 - Bournemouth (Away)
The Midlands side will be taking a trip down to the Vitality Stadium on matchday 35, where they will face a Bournemouth side scrapping for their lives.
The Cherries are currently in 18th place, and will undoubtedly still be caught up in the dogfight as they prepare for the arrival of the Foxes.
Eddie Howe's men have had a poor season by their standards, yet may just have the togetherness and collective team spirit to ensure safety, while this fixture may represent a chance to gain some valuable - and surprising - points.
As for the Foxes, with Champions League qualification looking ever more likely by this stage of the season, they may begin to take their foot off the gas and slip up here.
Verdict: Loss
Points Tally: 64
Matchday 36 - Sheffield United (Home)
While Leicester's heroics have been remarkable this term, they have been somewhat overshadowed by the staggeringly impressive form of newly-promoted Sheffield United.
The Blades have taken to the top flight with certified ease, and are well worth their spot in the league table. With a game in hand over fifth placed Manchester United, Chris Wilder's men are still in the hunt for an unlikely Champions League spot.
By this stage in the season their European prospects may already be over, but let's assume their crazy ride is still in full swing come this clash.
That being said, their home form is superior to when they are on the road, and the Foxes may be able to take advantage of that.
Verdict: Win
Points Tally: 67
Matchday 37 - Tottenham Hotspur (Away)
It's been a poor season at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium for Spurs, yet with the return of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min from injury, they may be a force to be reckoned with come the end of the season.
However, the return fixture saw the Foxes take the points - albeit with Mauricio Pochettino in the Spurs dugout - and it is unclear if José Mourinho will be able to fare any better.
The sight of the returning Kane and Son may be pleasing for the former Chelsea manager, yet it will do little to ease the defensive fears which have plagued the side all season.
While it will be no easy task whatever Spurs' form, expect to see Leicester pull off a counter-attacking masterclass to secure the three points.
There will be goals, let's be clear about that.
Verdict: Win
Points Tally: 70
Matchday 38 - Manchester United (Home)
The final day of this stretched out season brings a mouth-watering clash in the form of Leicester vs Manchester United.
The Red Devils claimed victory over the Foxes back in September after a Marcus Rashford penalty secured the points, as Rodgers men put in an uncharacteristically poor performance.
That being said, United's season has certainly not been plain sailing - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side could be in the mix for Champions League qualification or completely out of it, as has been the way in their inconsistent season.
While the away side's Europa League and FA Cup commitments may be a distraction by the end of the season, they do have a knack of turning it on in the big games and may perhaps have too much for the Foxes - particularly if a Pogba- Fernandes partnership gets going.
Verdict: Loss
Points Tally: 70