MANAGER Paul Sturrock is optimistic Plymouth Argyle can extend their unbeaten Championship run at Leicester City today (3pm).

Sturrock admits that sixth-placed Leicester, arguably the surprise package of the season so far, will provide tough opposition for fourth from bottom Argyle.

The Foxes have conceded just 14 goals in 16 matches this term – only Newcastle (10) and Swansea (12) have let in fewer.

But, with two wins and a draw from their last three matches – including a superb 1-0 victory at Middlesbrough on October 31 – the Pilgrims boss is hopeful his side can continue their good form.

"Leicester want to win football games and their fans are right behind them, so it is a difficult place to go," said Sturrock.

"But I think we have found a niche for ourselves on how we can play away from home to our benefit.

"Middlesbrough, like Leicester, have real quality in defence as well, but we brought them down and we could have scored more on the day.

"So, I am very hopeful that the players who have been doing it for us away from home will do it again against Leicester."

Despite his optimism, Sturrock has warned his side that they are going to have to work their socks off today if they aren't to return from the Walkers Stadium empty handed.

"The Championship is a difficult league, but Leicester have got a settled team," said Sturrock.

"They haven't had many injuries and when you are settled as a team and your back four are settled, it is a great benefit to you.

"At Leicester, everybody knows each other, they appreciate what they are and they play to their strengths.

"They are a hard-working side who work hard on their shape and they are a danger going forward.

"So, if we don't go there with the same thoughtfulness and the same work ethic we showed at Middlesbrough, we could pay the penalty."

Many pundits this season have expressed their surprise that Leicester, promoted as League One champions last season, currently occupy a Championship play-off spot.

However, Sturrock believes it is the Foxes' team ethic which has seen them enjoy a superb start to the campaign – a quality he feels Argyle have to adopt if they are to mirror Leicester's success.

When asked if he was surprised that Leicester are in the play-offs, Sturrock said: "Nothing surprises me in this league – you can't legislate for this league.

"Leicester have got some exceptional players, but they are very much a team which we are trying to mould ourselves on because we have got to be a team.

"We have not got the individual players who finish other teams off and win football games for the team, so we have got to work at it.

"Leicester have found the right blend and they have found the right shape and the individuals have fitted in very well to it."