Pochettino predicts Vardy absence will have 'big impact' on title race

London - Tottenham Hotspur coach Mauricio Pochettino believes Jamie Vardy's suspension will have a "big impact" on Leicester City's challenge for the Premier League title.

England striker Vardy has accepted an improper conduct charge for confronting referee Jon Moss after he was sent off during Leicester's 2-2 draw at home to West Ham last weekend.

Vardy's prolific form this season - he has scored 22 goals in the campaign thus far - has been a key factor in Leicester's rise to the top of the Premier League table, where it leads Spurs by five points with four games left.

But he is now definitely suspended from Leicester's match against Swansea City on Sunday and could now miss next week's game against Manchester United as well.

Pochettino's men thrashed Stoke City 4-0 in midweek to maintain the pressure and the Argentinian coach believes Vardy's suspension could tip the balance further in favour of his north London side.

"I think that it's a big impact for Leicester because Vardy is one of the best players in the Premier League. Sure, it's a big impact for them," Pochettino said Friday.

"I think Leicester have very good players and are in a position that they deserve to be, this is important, nobody gave nothing for nothing.

"But he's one of the best strikers in the Premier League. I am sure they will feel that but they have different players that can play the same way.

"We are in the race for the title and I, like our supporters, hope Leicester will drop points in the next game so we can erase the gap."