January
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The first game of 2017 is a visit to Middlesborough who under Aitor Karanka have bought well this summer but are going to struggle against Leicester. Conte's Chelsea come calling next which is going to be a stern test as the Italian is going to change the blues into a strong unit in the coming season.
Southampton and Burnley consist of the two back to back away games for the champions which seem to be easy on paper. If Leicester can get 10 points from a possible 12 in this month, it will be a brilliant start to a new year.
February
Manchester United and Liverpool visit the foxes in this month as the season comes down to its business end. Leicester must produce results against the top sides if they want to try and reach the top four spots which is highly difficult considering the fact that the league has gone a notch higher this time, both in quality and competitiveness. The Foxes visit Swansea which won't be much of a test for Ranieri's men.
March
Leicester welcome Hull City next who are in a turmoil and are going to find it tough in the first division. This follows back to back away games to London against Arsenal and West Ham which will be Leicester's first visit to the Olympic Stadium. If the Foxes remain unscathed through this month without being complacent against the likes of Swansea and West Brom, they can challenge for the top four next season.
April
Another busy month which includes consecutive home games against Stoke and Sunderland which are must win at this stage of the competition. Again two away games against Everton and Crystal Palace shouldn’t cause problems to the Foxes as they will be at a stage at this point where any slip-up may prove costly.
Spurs visit next which will be a big game at this stage of the season. West Brom welcome the Foxes next which will be a good way to end a tricky April. 12-15 points out of 18 would be a decent return in this month.
May
The second last game of the season against Man City is an important fixture as it may repercussions on the title race even if Leicester are involved in it or not. The other home games against Watford and Bournemouth are relatively easy and will end the season for the foxes on a good note.
Predicted finish: 7th
After a fairytale ending last season, Leicester are all set for a reality check as with increased games and added pressure, they are going to find it real tough to sustain their place at the top. Still after winning the league last term, the odds of the relegating are higher than them retaining their title.
The competition has gotten too tough in the Premier League and the Foxes though have a decent squad, don’t have the firepower to challenge the contenders like Manchester City and Manchester United. Still, from being a team in the relegation battle to a team challenging for the European spots is a dream come true for all true Leicester supporters.
