Leicester vs Chelsea
England – Premier League
Date: Saturday, 1 February 2020
Kick-off at 12:30 UK/ 13:30 CET
Venue: King Power Stadium (Leicester)
Match Preview
While Leicester have been riding the crest of a wave under Brendan Rodgers for much of the season, Northern Ireland now have to find a way to lift his players after they missed out on an appearance at Wembley Stadium for the final EFL Cup.
Before the two-legged tie with Aston Villa, Fox is the clear favorite to set up a showdown with one of the Manchester clubs, but conceded a goal early in the second gear proved their undoing.
Although Rodgers to be quite satisfied with the performance in the West Midlands, there needs to be recognition that this is a pretty big blip in their development are given what is at stake.
After collecting such impressive results in all three domestic competitions this season, Leicester regarded as the third best team in the state of achievement, eliminating the narrative that they remain underdogs for the club's higher-profile.
The next step in their development is to put an end to dependence on the lines scored from Jamie Vardy and Kelechi Iheanacho, a significant factor over the last three months.
Vardy has contributed only one goal in their last eight games in all competitions, a barren spell which has been produced after netting in eight consecutive games.
Meanwhile, Iheanacho has added goals or assists in his last three appearances after more than one month with just one strike to his name.
Leicester inconsistent results, this has happened courtesy of shooting each in the final third, as well as clubs find it easier to penetrate Jonny Evans and Caglar Soyuncu in the middle of their defense.
However, there is a feeling that the dispute with Chelsea, their nearest challengers for third position, is the perfect game after succumbing Villa lows earlier this week.
Despite the relatively progressive season them, Frank Lampard still not happy with the mentality of the Chelsea team, who appeared not to sweep aside opponents to convince despite spells of dominance.
On the back of pick up just one point from games against Newcastle United and Arsenal, the Blues were made to struggle to claim a 2-1 win over Hull City in the FA Cup fourth last weekend.
For most of the contest in KCOM Stadium, Chelsea slide, but the failure to take a number of opportunities which obviously means that the Championship outfit remain competitive until the final whistle.
After the match, Lampard insists that he is the same criticism of his team, which often creates opportunities that are not taken by a player to a team.
With it appeared increasingly likely that Chelsea will bring another striker before the end of the January window, more responsibility will be placed on Tammy Abraham and Michy Batshuayi in the final third.
While Batshuayi have wasted fewer opportunities due to lack of game time, Abraham has not been built on a strong start to the campaign, scoring just four times in 13 outings last.
Graduates of the academy is doubtful for this game due to an ankle injury, but there is an argument that Lampard will not necessarily mind being forced to experiment with different solutions.
As far as the backline is concerned, Chelsea have conceded in the last quarter four of their last half dozen events, something that must improve if they want to retain fourth position for the remainder of the season.
NewsTeam
Leicester
Brendan Rodgers has suggested Jamie Vardy can be started after featuring on the bench in midweek, but Wes Morgan is still out with an injury.
XI predicted: Schmeichel; Pereira, Soyuncu, Evans, Chilwell; Ndidi, Tielemans; Perez, Maddison, Barnes; Vardy.
Chelsea
Tammy Abraham (ankle) and Reece James (knee) doubt, while Christian Pulisic possible loss due to problems kidnappers. Ruben Loftus-Cheek (heel) remain long-term absentee.
XI predicted: Kepa; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rüdiger, Emerson; Kante, Jorginho, Kovacic; Hudson-Odoi, Batshuayi, Willian.
Prediction
After a fine run of form moved them to second in the Premier League, Leicester now won just three out of eight games on their last flight. A 4-1 victory over West Ham last week, ending three home games without a win and Brendan Rodgers will need to pick his players after a last-minute heartache Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.
Chelsea secured their place in the next round of the FA Cup at a cost Hull last weekend and they have more time to prepare for their trip to Leicester. Two league wins from their last six on the road is far from ideal, however, and with the Premier League's top scorer back fit, they could struggle to put three points on the board here.
Fans can in an entertaining encounter at the King Power Stadium and one that Leicester could be the edge.
Prediction: Leicester 3 2 Chelsea
