Leicester seal EPL return after one season out

Leicester City have guaranteed promotion to the English Premier League for the 2024/2025 season after Leeds United’s stunning 4-0 loss against QPR on Friday night.

The Foxes were sitting pretty atop the Championship with 94 points prior to the weekend’s fixtures, meaning a win on Sunday at Preston would mathematically confirm their top-two finish regardless of other results.

However, Leeds’ capitulation against QPR ensured Leicester’s celebrations could start early. The defeat left Leeds on 90 points, with Brendan Rodgers’ men now insurmountable in the automatic promotion places with two games remaining. It represents an impressive campaign for the former EPL champions after last season’s relegation.

Veteran striker, Jamie Vardy, has spearheaded Leicester’s charge, netting 16 goals to date. The 36-year-old has received excellent support from wingers Issahaku Fatawu and Stephy Mavididi who have 18 goals between them. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s 12 goals from midfield, where Wilfred Ndidi has contributed, have also proved invaluable.

At the back, the solid partnership of Jannik Vestergaard and Wout Faes has provided the foundation, ably supported by the experienced Harry Winks shielding the defence. With Ricardo Pereira also a key figure, this EPL-quality squad bounced straight back up at the first attempt.