Leicester City supporters can perhaps be forgiven for finally starting to believe that their side can pull off one of the biggest shocks in English football history, after their latest victory over Newcastle United left them five points clear at the top of the table, with just eight games remaining.
Claudio Ranieri’s men have taken the division by storm this campaign, and despite writing off their chances for much of the season, will be looking at their run in with a sense of optimism.
Having been embroiled in a relegation battle for much of last season, their performances this time around have been nothing short of astonishing. Their advantage at the top of the table means they are guaranteed to go into the final month of the season in first position, and with the quality they have shown all year long, are certainly now favourites for such an unprecedented achievement.
With tough trips to Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge still to come, as well as home ties against Europe chasing Everton and West Ham, it is anything but a forgone conclusion for the rank outsiders at the start of the season. However, as seen from recent form, in which they have won three of their last four fixtures, this Leicester side are more than a match for the Premier League big boys. Betway currently offer Ranieri’s men as 1.72/1 odds on favourites to claim glory, as they head into what could well be the most historic period in the clubs history.
The likes of Jamie Vardy and Rihad Mahrez, both of whom were playing lower league football until recently, are just two of the many success stories at Leicester this season. Vardy who is currently joint top goal scorer in the league alongside England team mate Harry Kane, epitomises the culture at the Midlands club, having gone from the non league Northern Premier League to the highest level of the game in just over five years.
The striker also looks a guarantee for a place in Roy Hodgson’s England squad for the upcoming European Championships in France, which will cap off a remarkable season for the player who was released by Sheffield Wednesday as a youngster for being too small. As a result of his progress, Vardy is now given odds of 51/1 with Betway to claim the top goal scorer award this summer, in what would be an unbelievable turn of events.