The Premier League returns with an exciting encounter as Leicester City welcomes Chelsea to the King Power Stadium. This encounter pits Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, who returns to familiar territory as he led the Foxes back into the Premier League last season, against his successor Steve Cooper, trying to keep Leicester afloat in the top flight.
Match Preview
Enzo Maresca’s managerial magic continues to shine at Chelsea. Currently sitting third in the Premier League standings, Chelsea has defied expectations this season, edging out teams like Arsenal and Nottingham Forest on goal difference. However, their recent form shows room for improvement, with just one win in their last four league games.
Still, Chelsea has turned out to be one of those formidable forces away from home. They have scored a league-leading 12 goals on the road this season, scoring in each of their last nine road games since losing 5-0 to Arsenal in April. They do tend to struggle after international breaks, though, winning just once in seven post-break contests.
Meanwhile, Steve Cooper’s Leicester City is fighting to stay in the Premier League. Though without a win in three months since October, the Foxes stay three points ahead of the relegation places. Impressively, Leicester has scored in every home game this season, although their attacking options are significantly weakened by injuries.
Leicester haven’t beaten Chelsea since the 2020-21 FA Cup final. Chelsea have won five and drawn one of their last six meetings, including a 4-2 win in last season’s FA Cup quarterfinals.
Team News
Chelsea Updates:
Out: Reece James (hamstring).
Fit to Play: Romeo Lavia, Cole Palmer, Jadon Sancho, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, and Malo Gusto are available following minor injuries.
Chelsea’s midfield will be dependent on Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, coming back from their recent South American commitments.
Leicester Updates:
Out: Abdul Fatawu (ACL), Ricardo Pereira (thigh), Jakub Stolarczyk (ankle).
Doubtful: Jamie Vardy (back), Bobby Decordova-Reid (Achilles), Jordan Ayew (knee).
Suspended: Facundo Buonanotte (yellow card accumulation).
Fit to Play: Patson Daka (ankle) may be back in action.
Predicted Lineups
Leicester City:
Hermansen; Justin, Faes, Vestergaard, Kristiansen; Winks, Ndidi, Soumare; El Khannouss, Edouard, Mavididi
Chelsea:
Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Lavia; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson
Prediction: Leicester City 0-3 Chelsea
Leicester’s injury and suspension problems could well make its presence felt because of its weak-looking attacking lineup. Chelsea’s good away form combined with Leicester’s leaky defense suggests that the Blues should keep this one quite comfortable.
