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      OPPOSITION VIEW - LEICESTER CITY Q&A


Ahead of Saturday's game against Leicester at the King Power Stadium, we caught up with City fan Colin. He gives us his views on his club's season so far, Nigel Pearson, the Baggies, and more. You can follow Colin on Twitter @Ultra_Fox.

After a fairly decent start, including of course that remarkable 5-3 win over Manchester United, the Foxes have suffered something of a slump in the last few games with three defeats out of four. Is the downturn in results a major worry or are you confident results will improve?

The performances during recent weeks have been very disappointing, especially as (with all due respect) none of the opposition were exactly Champions League contenders.  But another series of mostly very winnable games loom in November and there is sufficient quality in the squad to turn things around.

How have performances been so far, is the club’s league position a fair reflection of them?

Few who saw our home performances - especially against Arsenal and Manchester United - would have imagined we would start November just one point and one place above the drop zone.  But our form away from home has been a real disappointment, and a record of just one goal in five games on our travels speaks for itself.

The aforementioned win over Manchester United was some game for any neutrals watching, it’ll surely live long in the memory of City fans?

The game showed the Foxes at their best, showing great fighting spirit to recover from 3-1 down to demolish a star-studded visiting line-up.  The city was buzzing for days afterwards and Gary Lineker even queried whether it was the best City performance ever.  But a nagging doubt troubled some of us afterwards: were we really that good, or was United’s dismal defence more of a factor?  Our results since that day would tend to suggest the latter was more of a factor.

Fans expectations for the season, simply survival or should the club aim higher?

After the dross we’ve been forced to endure during the past decade, many of the younger generation who have no memory of the O’Neill years would gladly take 17th place now if it was on offer.  But we have reached the Premier League top 10 before and have the resources and fanbase to do so again.  Our Thai owners are on record as saying we should be challenging for the top six within three years.  That’s a tall order but it’s a clear sign of their ambition. 

Given the number of weak sides in this league, I would be very perturbed if we remained in our current position in May.

Happy with Foxes’ boss Nigel Pearson? Anything he needs to do better?

He’s just signed a long-term deal and is immensely popular with most fans, especially given the way he led us to the Championship crown last season.  But he’s still a rookie at top-flight level and his inexperience has been an issue in recent weeks.  His dealings during the summer transfer window were mixed to say the least, and he has still to work out his best team and formation.  

How’s former Albion striker Chris Wood doing for you?

He had an impressive start with a goal against Everton in the opening game, but he’s fallen down the pecking order since then, in part due to the dire League Cup defeat by Shrewsbury when he was far from his best.  He may make the bench on Saturday, but I’d be surprised if he featured.

Player of the season so far?

Leonardo Ulloa’s scoring record (five goals in nine games so far) speaks for itself, although he’s gone off the boil somewhat in recent weeks.  Riyad Mahrez has also caught the eye when his African Cup of Nations duties have not intervened, while Wes Morgan has produced some impressive performances in defence.

Anyone been particularly disappointing?

The form of the full-backs has been a concern, while David Nugent has had particular problems in adjusting to the top flight.

Prediction for Leicester’s season, confident of survival?

Despite recent games, I still think we’ll stay up with something to spare - between 10th and 15th is my prediction.

Prediction for Albion’s season?

A dogfight with Villa, Palace and Sunderland to avoid taking the drop with QPR and Burnley.

Any particular memories stand out from previous Albion v Leicester games?

Too many to mention - high point was the 4-1 win at the Hawthorns in 2008 and a Iwan Roberts Hat-trick in 1993.  Low point was in probably 1980-81 when you beat us four times.  Cyrille Regis used to give our defenders nightmares!

Premier League Champions?

Chelsea - they’ve pretty much wrapped it up already..

Relegated?               

See above.

Prediction and thoughts on Saturday’s game?

Tense, scrappy game with plenty of errors, particularly in defence.  Berahino will clearly be your biggest threat. But home advantage should prove decisive and I’m going for a 2-1 win to Leicester.


 

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