Leicester City’s top-four ambitions hang by a thread. But a win over Tottenham this Sunday will at least give them a fighting chance of qualifying for the Champions League.
Kevin Hatchard, Mark O’Haire and Jason Murphy previewed the big game on the latest edition of Betfair’s Football…Only Bettor podcast.
“It’s an interesting game from the outset,” Mark said. “I think we spoke a few weeks ago, maybe a month ago, I said there was an outside chance that big boys come to the party at the end of the season and pinch that top four place off Leicester who were wobbling at the time.
“The FA Cup win may have blown them a little bit further off course. Clearly at Stamford Bridge in mid-week, we could see mental, physical fatigue. The emotions of winning that trophy. Even if they didn’t go mad celebrating it, it’s bound to have some sort of effect on their performance.
“Chelsea had the bigger squad, the advantage. There was very little rest between Saturday and then Tuesday night as well. They will have been driven by revenge, driven by the motivation to finish in that top four.
“When we get these top-level matches, it can only be a 1% or 2% edge. But that kind of difference can make a difference. I think we saw that, particularly in the first half where Chelsea really had Leicester pinned back and really dominated the match.
“Now, Leicester need to prime themselves for Sunday. It’s one last hurrah. Jonny Evans looks like he’s going to be missing as well which is a real blow for them defensively.
“I think despite that mid-week set back, I believe this Leicester team are capable of putting on a show. I think they will. Come out firing. I think this is a winnable game against a Spurs team that’s still got a desire to finish in the Europa League, otherwise it’s the Conference League or nothing at all.
“Arsenal breathing down their neck is another thing to count as well. Spurs will want to finish above Arsenal.
“You look at drive, desire, motivation – I think they’re all slightly reduced compared to what’s on the line for Leicester here.
“I’m really looking forward to this game. I think it could be quite exciting. Quite entertaining. Particularly when you look at Tottenham and their carefree approach under Ryan Mason where he just tends to pick a front-loaded team over recent weeks and almost hope for the best.
“I do expect goals. I have no major opinion on the outcome. I like the look of goals. End of season goals always go up.”
You can hear more tips and more insight from Kevin, Mark and Jason on the latest edition of Betfair’s Football…Only Bettor podcast.
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