Coming from the international break, many fans would be delighted to see their clubs playing football again in competitive league matches. Chelsea would be traveling to the King Power stadium as they try to retain the top spot at the apex of the league. Meanwhile, Leicester would look to keep pressure on the European spots.
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Why you should be watching?
It would definitely be an exciting encounter looking at the fact that Chelsea would want to revenge their FA Cup final defeat at the hands of Brendan Rodger’s boys at Wembley. Would Leicester city once again be the kryptonite of Chelsea? Let’s get into further details
Team News
Leicester City
Tielemans would be unavailable for selection due to injury. His goal won Leicester the FA Cup trophy and he has been pivotal for the Foxes this season. It is a huge loss for the Foxes ahead of this crucial encounter.
Brendan Rodgers has not really nailed down his preferred options upfront. Vardy definitely has his spot but we keep seeing rotations with Ayoze Perez, Ihenacho, Daka, Barnes, and Lookman in different formation variations. The earlier Leicester figures out this dilemma, the better, so as to bring fluidity in their attack. Brendan Rodgers has been linked recently to a move to Old Trafford. Hopefully, this does not serve as a distraction for the staff and the players.
Predicted Line-Up
Leicester City
Formation : 3-4-1-2
GK: Schmeichel
Defense : Amartey, Evans, Soyuncu
Midfield: Castagne, Ndidi, Soumare, Thomas
CAM: Maddison
Attack : Ihenacho, Vardy
Chelsea
Kovacic is ruled out of this fixture due to injury. However, Chelsea has a lot of freshly returning players from injury. Werner has been spotted participating in training ahead of the Leicester clash. Lukaku also is said to be fit but unsure whether it is too early to play full minutes. Mason Mount had an infection in his wisdom tooth and missed international games due to that but would be in contention for the game.
There was an injury fear for Kai Havertz when Hansi Flink reported in a press conference of a possible thigh injury, however, he started the international match against Albania and got a goal to his name. Pulisic also played the international break and got a goal. He is ready for his first start in months after a prolonged injury. Kante was rested well for France as France enjoyed a fancy ride in the international break. The international break was not meant to Chelsea in any sort as no one came back with an injury.
Predicted Line-Up
Formation: 3-4-3
GK: Mendy
Defense: Christensen, Thiago, Rudiger
Midfield: Reece James, Jorginho, Loftus-Cheek, Chilwell
Attack : Mount, Lukaku, Werner
Players to Watch out for?
Leicester City
Jamie Vardy
This name is a threat to any defender’s ear in the premier league. He could create a goal from nothing and he has been the spearhead of the Leicester attack for years running. Chelsea must be wary of counter-attacks through this dangerous man because it is most likely for the Foxes to sit back and look for just one goal or settle for a draw.
Maddison
The creative playmaker is another player whose influence could tell deep in the game. He could sting Chelsea from outside the box and also create for a target man. He would be one to look out for.
Chelsea
Ben Chilwell
Chelsea acquired the full-back from Leicester City last season as a replacement for out-of-favor Alonso under Lampard. But the arrival of a new coach saw him being played in a new position as a wing-back. Chilwell has become well suited to the role as he plunges forward at will without utterly despising his defensive responsibilities.
Chelsea’s wing-backs have become one of their major goal threat has their positioning and movement is key to the attacking flow of Tuchel’s game. Tuchel said he doesn’t regard him as a defender but rather a midfielder. He could hurt his former team if afforded time and space.
Eduouard Mendy
He was not nominated in the Balon D’or list but it is clear to the footballing eye that Mendy is one of the best goalkeepers on the planet. Chelsea might dominate the game but also suffer counterattacks. Mendy could win Chelsea the game if the case arises.
CONCLUSION
Chelsea would be looking to claim a win here before facing Juventus in the Champions League midweek clash. Last time out facing Juventus, Chelsea lost to Manchester City prior to that and it did not do a lot of good to their confidence. A win against Leicester City would put them in high spirits to clinch the top spot of their group from Juventus when they meet later
Leicester City, currently 12th, would not want to be languishing far behind as they are in competing for a European spot. A draw could suffice them against current league toppers and European champions but a win is not totally out of the lot.
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