More than half of the season in the Championship is over and Leicester City are still a long way behind at the top of the standings.
On Boxing Day, they scored a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw against second-placed Ipswich Town at Portman Road. The draw kept a six-point gap between the two teams at the top of the standings, but after Southampton’s win over Swansea City, the gap to third place has been reduced to 11 points.
For a few weeks Leeds were considered the biggest challenger to the top two places, but now the Saints have overtaken their rivals and moved closer to the automatic places. As well as some of the big games City have coming up, all eyes may be on other league games, but here’s a look at the matches that await City’s promotion rivals.
Leicester City:
Next five games: Cardiff (A), Huddersfield (H), Millwall (A) (FA Cup), Coventry (A), Ipswich (H)
Just 72 hours after arguably the toughest game of the season against Ipswich at home, City will soon be away to Cardiff. The Bluebirds are one of the few clubs in contention for the play-offs, but they have won only twice in their last seven games and drew 2-2 with Plymouth in their last fixture.
They then play Huddersfield at home on New Year’s Day. They are five points clear of the relegation zone in 21st place. After this game, there is a break in the Championship with an away game at Millwall in the FA Cup, where Maresca could make changes.
City then face two tough tests, namely a trip down the M69 against Coventry City, who are in good form. The Sky Blues are unbeaten in five and have lost just one of their last nine Championship games, losing to Ipswich.
City will then take on Tractor Boys at home in what is a quick replay after the Boxing Day clash. This is another game that could have a significant impact on the eventual title race.
Ipswich:
Next six games: QPR (H), Stoke (A), AFC Wimbledon (A)(FA Cup), Sunderland (H), Leicester (A)
Kieran McKenna’s charges start their latest series with perhaps one of the easier games on paper as they host QPR, who are fighting relegation and have lost their last three games and remain winless in four matches. Then on New Year’s Day they head to Stoke, where the Potters are adjusting to life under new manager Steve Schumacher.
Two tough FA Cup games against AFC Wimbledon follow, starting with a home showdown against Sunderland, who are in the play-offs. Ipswich will be away at the King Power Stadium on 22 January.
Southampton:
Next five games: Plymouth (H), Norwich (A), Walsall (H) (FA Cup), Sheffield Wednesday (H), Swansea (A)
Southampton may have one of the easier contests on paper as they take on Plymouth and Sheffield Wednesday, who are both facing relegation, in two of their next five games. They are also the only team in the top four not to play away in the third round of the FA Cup.
The Saints are currently unbeaten in 16 league games. Their streak includes a 5-0 away win at Swansea City on Boxing Day.
Leeds:
Next five games: West Brom (A), Birmingham (H), Peterborough (A) (FA Cup), Cardiff (A), Preston (H)
Leeds will start their last game away at West Brom, which looks to be one of the tougher games. The Baggies are unbeaten in their last four games and are closest to the top four places this season. Leeds will also have to cope without goalkeeper Illan Meslier, who received a red card against Preston.
Leeds are still unbeaten at Elland Road this season, with home games against Birmingham City and Preston to come. The latter beat Daniel Farke’s side on Boxing Day.