Leicester City can win Premier League title without Jamie Vardy says Danny Simpson

Leicester City can secure the Premier League title with a victory over Manchester United, even in the absence of top scorer Jamie Vardy, defender Danny Simpson has insisted. Three points separate the Foxes from their first ever top flight championship, and they could claim the title by beating the 20-time winners at Old Trafford, or risk allowing Tottenham Hotspur.

But Claudio Ranieri's side must do so without Vardy, who has netted 22 goals this term, after the England international was handed an additional one-match ban by The Football Association. Vardy was found guilty of misconduct after his dismissal in the 2-2 draw with West Ham United.

In the absence of Vardy, Leicester thrashed Swansea City 4-0 to go within touching distance of the title with Leonardo Ulloa scoring twice. One of the defining features of Leicester's success has been the tightly-knit squad, inherited by Ranieri, who has used just 23 players this season - the lowest of any top flight club - but Simpson does not expect the latest changes to make a difference against United.

"I think we have just sent a message to everyone who has been a bit negative about us," said the full-back, whose side are seven points clear of Tottenham, according to Sky Sports. "We have players who can come in and do well. Leo (Ulloa) was man of the match and Jeff (Schlupp) has come in and was excellent.

"Demarai Gray came on and what a cameo it was from him and Marc Albrighton as well. It is all about the squad. We have had a settled team but we have always known the players who are trying to get in the team can do well."

United have not lost at home to Leicester in the league since 1998 and their impressive record over the club could see the title race extend to the penultimate weekend of the season. Tottenham travel to Chelsea on Monday [2 May] where they have not won themselves since 1990.

Failure to take three points at Stamford Bridge will see Tottenham hand the title to Leicester regardless of their result at United. Mauricio Pochettino's team lost ground after their 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion, which is set to see their 55-year wait for a top flight title continue.