Saturday, January 13, 2018


Chelsea vs Leicester City - Competition: English Premier League
 
Chelsea team enter this match on the back of a 0-0 League Cup draw against Arsenal on Wednesday. That was their third stalemate in a row after a 0-0 at Norwich in English FA Cup and a 2-2 against the Gunners at Emirates in Premier League. They have scored nine goals in their past three league matches and currently sit 3rd in the table standings, one point below 2nd placed Manchester UTD. The Blues boast an impressive home form, having recorded nine victories and no defeats to their name in the last 12 fixtures in front of their own fans. Furthermore, the Londoners have won 6 of their last 7 home matches against Leicester in all competitions.
The hosts have no fresh injury concerns but they will be overly fatigued following a hectic schedule over the festive period. New Ross Barkley could be available for Antonio Conte but the former Everton talent is expected to sit on the bench at maximum. The Italian manager is expected to field a 3-5-1-1 formation and keep faith in his best XI. Gary Cahill and Tiemoue Bakayoko may come in for Antonio Rudiger and Danny Drinkwater from the XI that started in midweek while Eden Hazard and Alvaro Morata will start upfront. Victor Moses should get the nod over Davide Zappacosta for the right wing back position. Charly Musonda is the only sidelined player for the Blues.
Leicester's form has dipped in recent weeks. Their only victory in the last 7 games was a 3-0 success at home to Huddersfield on New Year’s Day. They are 8th  in the EPL standings, nine points adrift of 6th placed Arsenal and  just eight wins from their opening 22 fixtures. Away from King Power Stadium, Claude Puel's men have lost 2-1 against both Watford and Liverpool since Christmas, putting an end to their seven match unbeaten run on the road. The Foxes also need another shot at reaching the English FA Cup fourth round because last weekend's tie at Fleetwood ended goalless too.
The Foxes have a defensive emergency underway. Danny Simpson is ruled out, which means Daniel Amartey should continue at right-back, Christian Fuchs is a major doubt while Wes Morgan and Robert Huth both miss out. Yohan Benalouane should partner Harry Maguire as centre back while Ben Chilwell will start at left back. Up front, Jamie Vardy is available this weekend and will lead the line, with Shinji Okazaki or Mahrez tucked behind him. Should the Algerian play as number ten, Demaray Gray will start as right winger, with Mark Albrighton on the other side. Wilfred Ndidi and Vicente Iborra are likely to start in the middle of the park, while Adrien Silva may have to settle for a place on the bench. 

Chelsea last 5 matches:
26/12/17 Chelsea 2 – 0 Brighton
30/12/17 Chelsea 5 – 0 Stoke City
03/01/18 Arsenal 2 – 2 Chelsea
06/01/18 Norwich City 0 – 0 Chelsea
10/01/18 Chelsea – Arsenal

Leicester City last 5 matches:
23/12/17 Leicester City 2 – 2 Manchester United
26/12/17 Watford 2 – 1 Leicester City
30/12/17 Liverpool 2 – 1 Leicester City
01/01/18 Leicester City 3 – 0 Huddersfield
06/01/18 Fleetwood Town 0 – 0 Leicester City
 
Date: 13 January 2018
Kick-off Time: 15:00 GMT
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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