Premier League 15/16 Season Preview: Leicester City

Formed: 1884 Manager: Claudio Ranieri Stadium: King Power Stadium Capacity: 32,262 Years in Premier League: 9 Last 3 seasons: 2014-15: 14th 2013-14: 1st (Championship) 2012-13: 6th (Championship) Best finish: 8th (1999-2000) Opening day fixture: Sunderland (H), Aug 8 Last day fixture: Chelsea (A), May 15

This season’s aim:

After a remarkable run of seven wins in their last nine games last term, Nigel Pearson’s survival heroics counted for nothing as the 51-year-old was surprisingly sacked at the end of the season, giving former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri a run at the King Power Stadium this campaign. The Italian manager faces a tough task in replacing veteran midfielder Esteban Cambiasso after the Argentine international turned down a new deal at the club, despite the Foxes maintaining their Premier League status. Summer signings Christian Fuchs and Robert Huth have added some much needed steel and experience to Leicester’s defence, so Ranieri will be hoping his side can hit the ground running come August and sustain their top-flight status for a second successive season.

Transfers in:

Christian Fuchs (Schalke), Robert Huth (Stoke City), Shinji Okazaki (Mainz), N’Golo Kante (Caen), Yohan Benalouane (Atalanta)

Transfers out:

Chris Wood (Leeds United), Esteban Cambiasso (Free)

Star Player: Riyad Mahrez

The Algerian international was one of the stars of Leicester City’s late, late show last season as the Foxes salvaged their place in the Premier League by going on a terrific run of form at the perfect time. The 24-year-old, who only arrived at the King Power Stadium from Le Havre last January, first helped the club lift the Championship title to seal their place in the English top-flight before scoring four and assisting three goals in 30 Premier League appearances for Nigel Pearson’s side last term. Despite the managerial change at Leicester, Mahrez unquestionably remains one of the club’s prized assets as Claudio Ranieri seeks to improve upon last campaign’s 14th place finish.

Shoot’s Leicester blogger: Chris Forryan

Blogger’s view: “After last seasons ‘Great Escape’ most Leicester City fans are hoping for a less stressful season. Claudio Ranieri has replaced Nigel Pearson, someone more different as a manager it would be hard to find. But comparing like for like the start to the new season looks, on paper, to be kinder than last year’s. That said, the start Leicester made on their return to the Premier League was better than most would have hoped for and with our storming finish to the season fans will be looking for us to continue that form. The Foxes need to avoid second season syndrome and a full season sat mid table would be seen as a satisfying progression by most fans. With our new additions to the squad, and Ranieri’s tactics I would be looking at finishing 10th-13th.”

Blogger’s key man: Kasper Schmeichel

Shoot Says: Bottom half