Opposition Q&A Leicester – “Who doesn’t love Harry transfer deadline day?!”

This week we spoke to Leicester City fan Danny Varnfield (@DannyVarnfield) for his views on this weekend’s clash at Loftus Road…

Q. Nigel Pearson is now in his fourth year of his second spell as Leicester City manager. What do you think of the success he has achieved and to what extent is he the man to take you forward?

A. In his first four seasons he has had a great record with us; League 1 champions, 2 Playoffs and finally in his fourth season he guided us back to the ‘promised land’. I do believe he is the man to take us forward – like the players he’s rather new to the Prem and needs time to adjust to the style of the league.

Q. You must have been delighted with your start, although the Foxes have found things tougher in recent weeks and have slipped into the bottom three. What would you say has been the reason for this?

A. When the fixtures came out I saw our first five games and thought I’d be happy with 3 points, but to get 8 points was incredible! I put our recent bad form down to formation – playing with no width. So with Sunderland last week we went back to basics with 4-4-2 and looked a lot more dangerous creating a lot of opportunities.

Q. As with the team overall, Leonardo Ulloa seems to have had a fine start to the season, and looks a useful purchase from Brighton. Where else can the goals come from in the team to help keep you up?

A. Riyad Mahrez is a real gem and can create something out of nothing. With the pace of Jamie Vardy up front we will feel will always get a goal (as he showed at Loftus Road last season!)

Q. What did you make of Pearson’s transfer business over the summer? What additions will he need to make in January?

A. Nige said at the end of last season he won’t do much business and will give his team a chance. It’s a big gamble but time will tell. I do think we need some Prem experience in the side just to help us to start grinding out wins.

Q. Many Rangers fans were puzzled by the move of the popular Danny Simpson to Leicester, and he doesn’t seem to have had much of a look in since. Thoughts on the situation?

A. A bit of strange one for me as well with Danny Simpson but he needs to wait for his chance. Nige is a big fan of Ritchie De Laet but I’m confident Simpson can come in and do a job.

Q. With QPR, Leicester and Burnley all propping up the Premier League table, what do think is needed to provide the goals and points to keep promoted teams up?

A. Team spirit and work rate!! We 3 promoted teams know we are not technically as good as most of these Prem teams which is why I believe team spirit and work rate will keep you up. Also taking your chances – you may only get one all game which we’re seeing at the moment.

Q. How do you think Pearson will set up on Saturday? Who is the Foxes player to watch and why?

A. I think we will set up the same as last game with a flat 4-4-2 – with Mahrez trickery on the wing and the experience of Cambiasso in the middle threading the passes through to Vardy.

Q. What do you make of QPR manager Harry Redknapp? How is his image perceived by Leicester fans?

A. Harry’s a very experienced manager and I think he’s learnt his lesson from the last time they got relegated from the Prem. Don’t make the same mistake this time round and this should keep you up. Who doesn’t love Harry transfer deadline day? It just wouldn’t be the same!

Q. Which current QPR player/s do you rate or admire, if any?

A. I admire Charlie Austin a lot, think the lad has a big future ahead of him.

Q. Which three teams do you tip for the drop this season and why?

A. Burnley, Aston Villa and West Brom – I just feel these three don’t have enough quality and consistency to stay up this season.

Q. Score and prediction for Saturday’s game?

A. I am going for a 1-1 on Saturday even though both teams need the win!! COME ON YOU FOXES!!!!!

Many thanks to Danny for taking the time out to answer our questions.