Leicester City vs. Chelsea - Match Preview, Prediction, Team News, and Lineups
As the Premier League resumes after the international break, Leicester City and Chelsea will face off at the King Power Stadium on Saturday at 12:30 pm. This match sees Chelsea's Enzo Maresca return to the club where he led Leicester to the Championship title, with his former side now under the management of Steve Cooper.
Match Preview:
Maresca’s return to Leicester will surely dominate the pre-match discussions, especially considering his mixed reception during his time at the King Power. Despite leading Leicester back into the Premier League, his tactical style did not always endear him to the fans, particularly during difficult spells. However, since joining Chelsea, Maresca has impressed, with the Blues currently sitting in the top three of the Premier League, albeit with only a marginal advantage over Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, and Brighton & Hove Albion on goal difference.
Chelsea has had a somewhat inconsistent run, with just one win in their last four Premier League matches, though those results were against strong opposition in Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal. Still, their offensive form has been strong, having scored in eight consecutive away games and netting 12 goals in total – the best away goal tally in the Premier League this season.
Leicester, meanwhile, have struggled since a promising October victory over Southampton, remaining winless in all competitions. However, they have managed to stay clear of the relegation zone, with 10 points from 33 in 15th place. The Foxes have been difficult to beat at home, though, failing to lose back-to-back games at King Power Stadium so far this season.
Team News:
For Chelsea, the injury list remains relatively light, with Reece James out with a minor hamstring issue. However, Maresca confirmed that the rest of the squad is largely fit, with Romeo Lavia, Cole Palmer, Jadon Sancho, and Levi Colwill all back in training. Wesley Fofana and Malo Gusto are also expected to be available after withdrawing from their respective national teams.
Leicester, however, faces a much tougher injury situation, particularly in attack. Abdul Fatawu has suffered an ACL injury while on international duty with Ghana and will miss the rest of the season. Leicester is also sweating over the fitness of Jamie Vardy (back), Bobby Decordova-Reid (Achilles), and Jordan Ayew (knee), although Patson Daka (ankle) is expected to feature. Ricardo Pereira and Jakub Stolarczyk are both ruled out with injuries, and Facundo Buonanotte will miss the game due to suspension.
Possible Lineups:
Leicester City (4-3-3): Hermansen; Justin, Faes, Vestergaard, Kristiansen; Winks, Ndidi, Soumare; El Khannouss, Edouard, Mavididi
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Lavia; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson
Prediction:
Leicester City 0-3 Chelsea
With Chelsea's superior form, attacking power, and Leicester's injury concerns, the Blues are expected to secure a comfortable win in this encounter.
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