The start of the 2022-23 Premier League season is upon us, as the English top-flight gets underway at the beginning of August. One of the most compelling races throughout the season will be the sides looking to finish in a European position. The race for the top four looks like an open battle between the biggest sides in England, while the race to finish in a Europa League spot also looks to be a thrilling tussle.
There is always one side that overachieves in the Premier League and enters the battle for European positions. One of the best online casino sites is predicting that Leicester City could be that team in 2022-23. But could the Foxes be a dark horse for a European finish this coming season?
Leicester Looking For Better
There are likely to be mixed feelings from Leicester fans looking back on their 2021-22 campaign. Leicester had been expected to kick on after a strong campaign in 2020-21, as they finished just a point outside the Champions League places and above the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.
However, despite a strong summer of business, which included the signing of Zambian star Patson Daka, it was ultimately a disappointing campaign in 2021-22.
The Foxes ended the campaign in eighth place and missed out on qualification to any major European competitions. Leicester finished four points behind West Ham United and only finished in the top eight after finishing a point clear of Brighton, Wolves, and Newcastle.
But, that finish looked extremely unlikely with four games of the season remaining, as the Foxes were languishing in 14th place. However, three wins and a draw from their last four games of the season ensured yet another top-half finish under Brendan Rodgers.
Injury Issues Plague Progression
Leicester needed to overcome extremely poor luck throughout the season, which means that a renewed bid is extremely likely for the European battle in 2022-23. Injuries were their biggest Achilles heel throughout the season, with both James Justin and Wesley Fofana getting injured before a ball was kicked.
The absence of Jamie Vardy was also felt at the top end of the pitch, as their talismanic striker played just 33 games in all competitions, with the forward only starting 20 games.
The form of some of their important players also dropped, with Kelechi Iheanacho only scoring eight goals in all competitions. At the same time, further defensive injuries to Jonny Evans and Ricardo Pereira also stifled their progression.
But, the Foxes will be back up their full complement for the start of the 2022-23 season, and that will mean that a return to European action will be the minimum target for Rodgers and his team this coming campaign.
Keeping Stars Could Be Crucial
Leicester’s hopes of finishing in a European place will likely hinge on keeping their star players this summer. It could be easier said than done, given that they can’t offer their existing players game time in either the Champions League or Europa League in 2022-23.
Their biggest issue could be keeping hold of influential midfielder Youri Tielemans. The central midfielder has been one of the star performers in the Premier League since moving to the King Power in 2019. He’s been rumored to be interested in a move to Arsenal this summer.
However, despite the Gunners interest in the Belgium midfielder since the season ended, no offers have been made. It has also been teased that James Maddison could attract interest from Newcastle United, but once again, no move has yet materialized.
Along with keeping their star players, Leicester will likely need to improve areas of their squad that looked weak last season. That could mean that Rodgers may be in the market for a new central defender and winger, but Leicester will be under no pressure to make moves as the window remains open for another couple of months.
