Leicester City’s title challenge won’t last the distance says Garry Monk

Swansea manager Garry Monk insists Leicester City are “genuine top-six contenders” after their incredible start to the Premier League.

“At the start of last week after the Bournemouth game, I sat down with all the players and had good discussions with them on how we go forward and what we need to do to improve”, Monk said.

“History shows you that in terms of whether they are title contenders, the answer is possibly not”.

After a draw with rock-bottom Aston Villa and a thumping home defeat by Liverpool, Manchester City got back to winning ways against Southampton and are the first of the top four in action on Saturday when they travel to Stoke in a lunchtime kickoff.

“How can they be sure by making a change anything will improve?” he said.

They play really good football.

Monk said part of the discussions focused on him telling the players to let him take the criticism so they could focus on matching last season’s standards. The Foxes go to Wales on a seven game unbeaten stretch in the league and are still being under estimated by some bookmakers.

“It’s an away game but I think we can be confident”.

“It was a much-improved performance, considering where we were the week before”.

Swansea have no fresh injury worries for the game, while the visitors are without Matthew James (knee injury) and Ritchie De Laet (ankle). “Hopefully we can shock one or two because the lads have enough confidence in their ability to play any team at any time”.

– Jamie Vardy’s 14 goals in the Premier League this season have won the Foxes 14 points, more than any other player in the competition.

City, top on goal difference ahead of Leicester, could welcome back striker Sergio Aguero and goalkeeper Joe Hart from injury for the game at the Britannia Stadium where they have not lost since 2009.

Sanchez has scored six in the Premier League and nine overall, and it’s unclear how long he will be out.

– The Swans have used 19 players in the Premier League this season, fewer than any other side.