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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