Chelsea return to action after the international break with a trip to Leicester.
Leicester City enter this clash in a difficult position following a disheartening 3-0 defeat to Manchester United before the international break.
To compound their woes, the Foxes are dealing with an injury crisis, with Ricardo Pereira ruled out for four months and attacking options like Jordan Ayew, Patson Daka, and Jamie Vardy unavailable.
The pressure is mounting on manager Steve Cooper as Leicester have gone three Premier League games without a win (D1, L2), leaving them just three points above the relegation zone.
Their lack of attacking output has been glaring, scoring only one goal in each of their five home league games this season (W1, D2, L2). Creativity and finishing remain significant concerns, and with a depleted forward line, those issues may persist.
Chelsea’s strong start :
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side have been one of the standout teams this season, sitting third in the Premier League (W5, D4, L2).
The Italian manager returns to the King Power Stadium, where he previously served as Leicester’s assistant, looking to extend Chelsea’s unbeaten run in this fixture to seven games (W5, D1).
The Blues have been clinical in recent visits, scoring three goals on each of their last two trips to Leicester (W2).
Chelsea’s attacking prowess has shone away from home, particularly against bottom-half teams, where they’ve averaged 2.75 goals per game this term.
Scoring first has been key to their success, as they’ve gone on to win all three away games where they’ve opened the scoring this season.
Key Battles :
Leicester: Stephy Mavididi
Mavididi scored in a 4-2 defeat to Chelsea back in March, but his recent performances have been more combative than clinical, earning yellow cards in two of his last three outings.
His ability to trouble Chelsea’s defense will be crucial in the absence of Leicester’s usual attacking stars.
Chelsea: Pedro Neto
Neto has been in scintillating form, scoring in his last two matches, including for Portugal during the international break.
Known for his late-game impact, both of his recent goals have come after the 65th minute, making him a potential game-changer once again.
Potential Lineups:
Leicester City: 4-3-3 – Hermansen; Justin, Faes, Vestergaard, Kristiansen; Soumare, Ndidi, Winks; McAteer, Edouard, Fatawu.
Chelsea: 4-2-3-1 – Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Enzo, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.
Score Prediction: Leicester 1 – 3 Chelsea
Where to watch:
United Kingdom: TNT Sports 1
United States: USA Network
Canada: FuboTV Canada
India: Star Sports Select, HD1, Disney+ Hot Star VIP
Australia: Optus Sport.
Nigeria: SuperSports.
Conclusion:
Chelsea’s superior form and attacking firepower make them firm favorites for this clash, especially against a struggling Leicester side missing key players.
Expect the Blues to exploit Leicester’s vulnerabilities and maintain their impressive record at the King Power Stadium.
