It’s fair to say not a lot of people here in the Football Transfer Tavern predicted Leicester’s title triumph last season.

A lot of Leicester fans here at the Tavern said at the start of the season they would have been happy with avoiding the relegation drama of the 2014/15 season and aim for a quiet, mid-table season.

And when Claudio Ranieri was announced as the man to replace Nigel Pearson, who kept the Foxes up, many fans were fearing the worst.

What followed was a superb start to the season with a 4-2 win against Sunderland. From there, the Foxes went from strength to strength and were still around the top of the table at Christmas.

At that point the Tavern’s punters were split into two camps; those that thought the Foxes could do the impossible, and those who thought it would all end in tears. By the time that Leicester had beaten Manchester City 3-1 at the Etihad, everyone was on board with the dream.

This time around a lot of fans at the King Power are on the same page. Here are FOUR thoughts every Leicester fan has had this season.

KANTE WAS ALWAYS GOING TO BE A BIG MISS

After such an amazing season, it was inevitable that Leicester were going to struggle to hold onto their key men.

The Premier League Player of the Year, Riyad Mahrez, was linked with the top clubs while Jamie Vardy had his own transfer saga with Arsenal.

In the end the only loss was N’Golo Kante, who moved to Chelsea for £30m.

The Frenchman was arguably the most important part of the Foxes side, and Ranieri has struggled without his boundless energy and tackling in the middle.

As is seemingly mentioned by every commentator and pundit however, Kante is now gone, and Leicester must find a way to cope without him.

THERE WON’T BE ANOTHER TITLE CHALLENGE

Never say never, but even the most fervent of Foxes fans will admit a repeat title -challenge was always unlikely.

With Chelsea and the Manchester clubs bringing in world-class managers and Liverpool, Arsenal and Spurs improving, it would have been a difficult feat even without the strain of European duties.

After the opening defeat against Hull, as well as heavy losses to Liverpool and United, domestic expectations have been suitably tempered.

A lot of Leicester fans at the Tavern have claimed they would be happy with a mid-table finish this time around.

THEY’LL BE AT THEIR BEST IN EUROPE

While Leicester fans are prepared for a mediocre season in the league, they are dreaming again in Europe.

After being drawn with Club Brugges, Copenhagen and FC Porto, punters at the Tavern predicted Leicester would not only go through, but top the group.

They are certainly living up to the billing so far, winning 3-0 in Bruges and grinding out a 1-0 win against Porto.

It is telling the thrashings from United and Liverpool both came prior to Champions League game, suggesting the Foxes are saving themselves for Europe.

SOME PLAYERS NEED TO BE REPLACED

While it is difficult not to be sentimental to those players who won them the title, Leicester fans are starting to point out those players who may not be good enough to get them to the next level.

Marcin Wasilewski has looked out of his depth and infamously conceded the free-kick which handed the game to Arsenal last year, while Leo Ulloa was almost moved on in a bid for first-team football.

Then there are players like Andy King; the Welshman proved he can’t fulfil the defensive role in a 4-4-2 and seems limited to bench duties unless Ranieri moves to a five-man midfield.