Martin Keown has suggested that the completion of Leicester City's fairytale title bid hinges on how effectively they perform without star striker Jamie Vardy.
Vardy, who has netted 22 Premier League goals this season to help give the Foxes a five-point lead at the summit, will sit out Sunday's visit of Swansea City after being sent off in the 2-2 draw with West Ham United last weekend.
The 29-year-old has since been charged with improper conduct for his reaction to the second yellow card, issued by referee Jonathan Moss on 56 minutes for simulation.
Leonardo Ulloa, who converted a last-minute penalty to win a point against the Hammers, is expected to deputise, and Keown is fascinated to see how City respond without their top goalscorer.
Asked by the Daily Mail if Vardy's absence will be critical to Leicester's chances, Keown said: "I think it could be huge, and I think it will underline why he should be voted the Player of the Year.
"If you were to take Harry Kane out of the Tottenham team, I think they'd still find a way to get the job done. I'm not sure this is the case with Vardy and Leicester. He's so integral to the way they play and everything they do, and of course he puts the ball in the net so regularly it's frightening.
"Having said that, I think Leonardo Ulloa will do a good job filling in for him. He's a very intelligent player, and I've been impressed by the way he has accepted his position behind Vardy in the pecking order with no fuss, and when he's been asked to come on in games he has performed well. There was always going to be a point in the season when Vardy missed a game, and now it's arrived. I'm interested to see how Ranieri handles it."
Vardy could potentially see his one-match ban extended if an appeal is considered to have no grounds but, given the nature of his dismissal, further punishment is unlikely.
Victory over the Swans would restore their eight-point lead over Tottenham Hotspur, who host West Bromwich Albion on the Monday.
Shane Callaghan
