Lee Hendrie Highlights Three Reasons for Leicester City’s Optimism Despite Relegation Battle

Ruud van Nistelrooy has just nine games to turn Leicester City’s season around and prevent relegation to the Championship.

However, one pundit believes the Foxes could thrive in the second division if they do go down.

Leicester’s form has been abysmal, losing 13 of their last 14 matches.

They currently sit 19th in the Premier League, nine points adrift from safety.

For the second consecutive season, newly promoted clubs have struggled, with all three looking likely to return to the Championship.

Despite the looming drop, a season in the second tier could help Leicester rediscover their winning mentality.

Former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie believes that if they go down, they will be strong contenders for an immediate return.

Speaking to Football League World, Hendrie said: “Will they be fighting for promotion next year? Yes, all three of them – I think so.

We’ve seen clubs bounce back after relegation because they often have bigger budgets, better players, and stronger squads than most Championship sides.”

However, the Championship can be unforgiving. Some clubs struggle to adjust and end up in a downward spiral, risking further relegation.

That has been the case for Luton Town, who were in the Premier League last season but now sit 23rd in the Championship, destined for League One.

Their decline mirrors Sunderland’s fall in 2017 and Wolves’ double relegation in 2012.

Despite these risks, Hendrie believes Leicester will have the financial backing and parachute payments needed to remain competitive.

He expects them to be among the favourites for promotion next season.