Blissful life in promised land looks likely for Leicester

They will be laying on the goals once more for Nugent, who netted 20 times in the Championship in 2013/14. Upson’s former teammate Ulloa, meanwhile, who netted 16 times in all competitions that campaign, will give the England cap able support in Pearson’s favoured 4-4-2 formation.

Leicester’s squad has even grown to better equip them with the demands of the Premier League, their first top-flight appearance since 2003/04, losing only one player of note. That player was winger Lloyd Dyer, who was a big part of Leicester’s success, getting 10 goals and nine assists in all competitions.

But the addition of former Aston Villa wideman Albrighton, who has far more Premier League experience, should fill the gap.

Pearson couldn’t have asked for a more difficult start to a season, though, as their first five fixtures are Everton (home), Chelsea (away), Arsenal (home), Stoke (away) and Manchester United (home). But, if they manage to get though them without too much damage to confidence and a few points, it will certainly give them a boost for the following games, where it will begin to get easier.

But Pearson is level-headed, and has said: “Our first goal is to establish ourselves in the Premier League. We are not going to dominate like we did last season, that goes without saying.”

While Leicester played with a flowing and attacking style last season, they may have to slightly alter their approach, especially for most of those opening matches. Boss Pearson highlights the need to improve defending set pieces in particular.

Following his side’s pre-season games this summer, he said: “We were appalling from set-plays [against Preston] with players not knowing where they were meant to be.”

“Set-plays are always a very important part of the game and, last season, if you looked at the stats about how many goals we conceded from set-plays, you could argue it was quite high but we didn’t really concede too many goals.

“They are going to be a big part and one of the things you need to do is give away less set-plays. That speaks for itself.

“Certainly when you get into the Premier League you are up against players who may look to buy a foul more often than in the Football League.”

Leicester are fancied by Coral to stay up, odds-on at 3/10, and you can back them at 7/2 to break into the top 10.