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Chelsea vs Leicester City – Match Preview, Stats, Prediction And Predicted Line Up

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As Chelsea are finally finding an identity for themselves, they would look to overcome the reigning premier league champions Leicester City this weekend.

Despite Leicester’s less than impressive start to the season, this will still be a pivotal fixture for Chelsea, in term of tactics being deployed.

After facing the successive defeats, the switch to 3-4-3 in the match against Hull brought out their most balanced performance yet. The players finally showed some grit and drive against the Tigers, the return of John Terry against the Foxes would further supplement the defense, as despite his advanced age, he remains a key player. He will provide that much-required leadership and guidance at the back.

Important Players for Chelsea

John Terry

Although a plethora of rumors have called almost every season in the past four years his swan song, John Terry has remained irreplaceable for the Blues. He brings in experience and courage that has been absent in the side ever since he got injured. His tenacity and fighting spirit definitely add intangibles to the team.

Even though his role in the 3-4-3 system remains unclear with worrying performances from Gary Chill and David Luiz, the fans would be happy to see their perennial star return. Especially since on an average, he has committed 5 defensive actions and zero errors this season.

Diego Costa

If there’s one player that has been ever-present at Chelsea this year, it has to be Diego Costa. Showing a possible change in attitude. He looks much more motivated to get the right results. Though he aims to do this by fulfilling his role and not indulging in unnecessary scuffles having scored 6 goals and created 2 chances in the last seven games, he is going to be their biggest threat.

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Important Players Chelsea Needs to Keep in Check

Kasper Schmeichel

The Leicester goalkeeper was the difference between a loss or a draw in his team’s last match. And he could well prove to be one of the decisive factors against Chelsea as well. He has collected two clean sheets and has averagEd 3.6 saves per game and if Chelsea wants to collect three points they will have to ensure that they are at their attacking best.

Islam Slimani

The “Dragon Slayer” as he is affectionately called by his fans, Slimani has been one of the most crucial players for Leicester this season. He has single-handedly continued his side’s perfect run in the Champions’ League group stage And will definitely be a threat that Chelsea need to keep in check.

Stats: (Taken From FourFourTwo)

 

  • Chelsea are without a win in their last two Premier League meetings with Leicester (W0 D1 L1), after winning the six before that.
  • Leicester have registered just one win in their 10 Premier League visits to Stamford Bridge (D3 L6), with that win coming in September 2000 via a 2-0 scoreline.
  • This will be Claudio Ranieri’s third top-flight clash with Chelsea, with each of those meetings coming against a different manager (2-1 v Mourinho, 1-1 v Hiddink and this game against Conte).
  • Cesc Fabregas has netted three goals in Chelsea last two meetings with Leicester in all competitions, including a brace in a 4-2 EFL Cup win for the Blues in September.
  • Leicester City have lost on just one of their last five top-flight trips to London (W3 D1 L1), this after losing 17 and drawing three of their previous 20.
  • Leicester City have lost all three of their away league games this season. The last reigning top-flight champions to lose their opening four away games of the season were Blackburn in 1995-96 (also Liverpool in 1964-65 – 4, and Arsenal in 1953-54 – 4).

 

Predicted Line-up 3-4-3

Courtois | Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Terry (c), | Alonso, Kante, Matic, Moses| Hazard, Costa, Willian

Predicted Score Line

With John Terry’s return and the Conte’s 3-4-3 finally taking shape. Chelsea should be able to pick up a 2-0 win over Leicester City.