Chelsea vs Leicester City: Team News, Possible Lineups, Match Facts, Preview & Prediction

Chelsea face another newly promoted team within a week, this time at Stamford Bridge in what happens to be a rather tricky yet smooth beginning to their fixtures.

Chelsea showed some early hiccups against Burnley as they conceded the first goal. But thereon, inspired by an exceptional display of playmaking by new signing Cesc Fàbregas, Chelsea strolled past Burnley eventually winning the match 1-3.

This game is going to be considerably tougher as Leicester have a better squad than Burnley and they also had a good opening match against Everton where they came twice from behind to earn a good point from the match. Leicester would offer more resistance and have more experience of playing against top opposition.

Team News:

For hosts Chelsea, Brazilian midfielder Ramires is back from his last season’s extended suspension. The energetic midfielder is likely to bolster the squad, but would mostly be on the bench. Drogba played a few minutes the other day meaning he is fit enough to play a part in the match. There are no more absentees.

As for the team selection, manager Mourinho would like to use last time’s aggressive attack minded team to break Leicester. He may look to give Filipe Luís a debut, but even Cesar Azpilicueta is fully capable of starting ahead like he did in the previous match.

As for Leicester, they would have to cope with the absence of midfielder Danny Drinkwater. Dean Hammond is likely to partner Andy King in central midfield. Mathew Upson remains out of this match with a foot injury while Marc Albrighton and James Vardy are doubtful due to fitness worries.

Manager Nigel Pearson would most likely go ahead with the Nugent-Olloa partnership up front with Chris Wood on the bench. Thus Leicester are going to field a 4-4-2 against a 4-2-3-1 of Chelsea.

Key Tactics:

Chelsea showed against Burnley that they now have the ability to break down oppositions which sit too deep looking for a counter. Fabregas in the pivot with Matic gives the team the technical and physical dominance in central midfield, which is being seen after a long time in Chelsea. With a blend of possession and direct football, Chelsea are set to dictate the tempo of the match.

Leicester on the other hand won’t be having much possession. Their way of playing should be simple and aggressive if they want to ruffle Chelsea’s feathers even slightly. We saw how vulnerable Chelsea are initially when they conceded againsy Burnley. Leicester must make sure that they don’t give Fabregas, Hazard and Costa much space at all.

Key Players:

Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

Andy King, Leonardo Ulloa and Schmeichel (Leicester)

Predicted Team Line ups:

Chelsea: Courtois, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Luís, Matic, Fàbregas, Hazard, Oscar, Schürrle, Costa.

Leicester: Schmeichel, De Laet, Morgan, Moore, Konchesky, Mahrez, Knockaert, Hammond, King, Nugent, Ulloa.

Predictions:

According to Paddy Power, a 3-0 win for Chelsea is very much on the cards.

The Blues look formidable and composed to mount a serious challenge for the title this year and a win against such a lower ranked side is absolutely essential.