Premier League Predictions: What could let each of the title contenders down

In the wake of Leicester City's 1-0 victory over Newcastle, a win that moves the Foxes five points clear at the top, the football community is daring to believe that Ranieri's men will pull off the inconceivable and be crowned Premier League champions. Not atypical of England's top flight, this season's title race has combined striking unpredictability with a strand of football romance.This term has seen a catalogue of different leaders. Leicester may be outright favourites and the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City practically written off, but it's not over until the fat lady sings and, with eight games to go for the majority, it's anyone's for the taking. My following predictions of the top six are based on the remaining fixtures each side faces, as well as the frailties they possess, which could cause them to stumble.

#1 Leicester City

Twelve months ago, the Foxes sat rock bottom of the league, seven points from safety and preparing for life in the Championship. Leicester went on to win seven of their remaining nine matches to finish a respectable 14th and the momentum carried into this season to propel them out of football logic.

Currently, five points clear with eight games to play, Ranieri’s side show no signs of slowing up in their pursuit of the Premier League title. Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez may have orchestrated 50 of the club’s 53 goals between them (Vardy with 19 goals and 5 assists; Mahrez with 15 goals and 11 assists) but the fulcrum of their success has been formed by a relentless work ethic and contagious spirit.

Having stuck with the coaching staff of last season, including Steve Walsh (recruitment) and Craig Shakespeare (coaching), it was Ranieri who scripted the perfect season by maintaining harmony within the club and building relationships with the existing personal. A sprinkling of new signings like Okazaki and Kanté and the squad had all the makings of a successful one.

Goals have been key in distracting from the hidden frailties in an adequate defence and, providing the club can navigate their way through a treacherous trio of fixtures at the close of the season (Manchester United, Everton, and Chelsea) they should pull off the unimaginable.