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Claudio Ranieri backs Leicester's 'Caesars' to deliver in title run-in

Leicester City
Image: Claudio Ranieri has backed Leicester City's 'Caesars'

Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri is confident his players can continue their heroics in the final weeks of the campaign and deliver the title.

The Foxes require eight points from their last four Premier League fixtures to be crowned champions of England for the first time in the club's history.

Victory over Swansea on Sunday, live on Sky Sports, would put pressure on second-placed Tottenham ahead of their match against West Brom on Monday, also live on Sky Sports.

Leicester will be without top scorer Jamie Vardy for the next two games as he serves suspension and, although the striker has been a vital part of the team's success this season, Ranieri insists his entire squad have played their part.

Claudio Ranieri, Aston Villa v Leicester City, Premier League, 16 January 2016
Image: Claudio Ranieri has already clinched a Champions League spot for Leicester this season

"Without our goalscorer, it is not easy to play," Ranieri said. "We give, every time, the maximum but I am sure we will give a little more to win the match.

"I think I have 24 stars. I have 24 Caesars - that is our strength. There isn't one Caesar but there are the other 23."

Ranieri believes Algeria international Riyad Mahrez can be a key figure for the team in the league run in though.

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Mahrez has scored just three goals in his last 17 games but he did grab a hat-trick in Leicester's 3-0 win at Swansea in December, and Ranieri believes the midfielder has the potential to guide the team over the line.

Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City scores his team's third and hat trick goal against Swansea
Image: Riyad Mahrez of Leicester completes his hat trick against Swansea

"He is fantastic. Riyad is our light," the Italian added. "When he switches on, wow, Leicester change colour - that is the truth."

Meanwhile, Leonardo Ulloa, whose stoppage-time penalty salvaged a point in a 2-2 draw with West Ham last weekend, is expected to deputise for Vardy, and Ranieri knows the team has to adapt.

"Without Vardy we have to make some other strategy," Ranieri said. "Leo deserves to play but before Leo there is the team and I think about what is the best for the team.

"You'll see on Sunday. We have to change something. With Jamie, everyone knows his movement. It could be a change of formation or players. I won't tell you."

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