Wednesday 4 May 2016 16:50, UK
Leicester have completed the most remarkable of achievements by winning the Premier League, but how will the newly-crowned champions fare next season?
Claudio Ranieri's men have made a mockery of most pundits' predictions, with plenty expecting another relegation scrap, while few last August were tipping them to lift the trophy.
The bookmakers certainly didn't, with Sky Bet offering odds of 5,000/1, resulting in their greatest-ever outright pay-out of £4.6m.
We asked the Soccer Saturday pundits, Paul Merson, Charlie Nicholas, Matt Le Tissier and Phil Thompson, how they think Leicester will do in 2016/17 as defending Premier League champions.
Paul Merson - "I think they'll finish 10th"
If they finish in the top six next year, I'll be flabbergasted. I think they'll finish 10th.
What they've done is unbelievable, every one of these players has worked their socks off, every single day of the week, every week.
But they're in the Champions League next year as well, so there's six league games when they'll be more concentrated on that, in my opinion. It's pointless getting into the Champions League then playing your best team in the Premier League on Saturday, then Tuesday you're going wherever and getting beaten.
That's no disrespect, they've won the league but I'd be shocked if they finished above mid-table next year. Even if it's 17th, it wouldn't be too bad!
The Champions League is going to be such an experience for them, but it will be hard. It's a massive ask, but I have to wait and see the group before judging how they'll do. To get a result away in the Champions League is very difficult whoever you are, but they won't be the worst team in it, no chance.
I worry Riyad Mahrez and N'Golo Kante could leave. I'd be shocked if those two were there next season.
I don't know who they can bring in. They're going to have to use all of Ranieri's experience bringing in players that other people don't know about and aren't going for. They aren't going to get a player that Manchester City and Manchester United are trying to sign, even though they're champions.
I think their business will be done very quietly and very quickly, they won't mess about. They're probably doing it right now as we speak. That's how they'll have to work, there's no doubt about it.
I worry Riyad Mahrez and N'Golo Kante could leave. I don't see a problem with Jamie Vardy, as I don't think anyone will pay a lot of money for him at 29, but the other two stars are a worry.
Kante will be at the Euros and his France team-mates will be going: 'Oh, my manager wants you'. That's how it works and he's going to have his head twisted, I'd be shocked if those two were there next season.
Matt Le Tissier - "I'd expect them to compete for Europe"
I'm probably not the best man to ask, as I tipped them for relegation this season!
I think it would be incredibly difficult to retain the Premier League title, given the way bigger and better sides have struggled to do that. I'd certainly expect them to be competing for European places next season but the key for them is keeping hold of Mahrez and Kante this summer.
I think it would be incredibly difficult to retain the Premier League title given the way bigger and better sides have struggled to do that.
I'm guessing that being in the Champions League knockout stages will help them entice some big names in the summer and it will be interesting to see how much the 'Tinkerman' Claudio Ranieri will change this side, having used such a small batch of players.
As for their European hopes, I think they'll cause a few teams problems, because there are not many similar sides out there. They're incredibly organised and I don't think they will embarrass themselves.
Charlie Nicholas - "Europa League would be a success"
They'll strengthen, but teams are going to be a lot more aware of how Leicester set up next season.
They never knew what Danny Drinkwater and Kante could do, how Vardy was going to hurt them or that Mahrez was going to keep delivering.
There's no way they can continue to be one of the poorest passing teams and Mahrez can keep winning them games. There are 15 players who have had their best-ever seasons and I don't see how they can all do that again.
There are 15 players who have had their best-ever seasons and I don't see how they can all do that again.
If they can make Europa League next season, I think that would be a successful season, or maybe a cup run, but in the Champions League, much depends on the draw.
You can get lucky and I think they'll be a decent threat, as long as they don't lose too many players and manage to replace those that do leave.
Phil Thompson - "They can build on this season"
I think it's extremely difficult to say how they will get on but you'd like to think, with the way they play, that they'll be able to build on this.
If they keep everyone together, with Kante, Mahrez and Vardy the main ones, then they could have a good season, although I think if there are big offers, then they won't stand in the way.
If they keep everyone together, with Kante, Mahrez and Vardy the main ones, then they could have a good season.
They'll look to try and replicate it but that's difficult in football when everybody wants to beat you.
I tell you what, they'll be a shock to a lot of teams in the Champions League. You see the way Atletico get on and it works, so I'd expect them to give it a good go if they can come through the summer with a squad as strong as it currently is.
It's been a sensational season and one we'll always remember.
