By Matt Smith
Enzo Maresca will likely be internet hosting his former membership, who helped get promoted to England’s high flight, whereas the Foxes are on the lookout for simply their second league win of 2025.
When the 2 sides met earlier within the marketing campaign, Maresca’s aspect secured a 2-1 victory on the King Energy Stadium because of objectives from Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernández. Leicester haven’t received at Stamford Bridge within the Premier League since 2018.
Chelsea obtain Lavia enhance
Roméo Lavia hasn’t featured within the Premier League since January 14 and has struggled with accidents since arriving in West London from Southampton. The Belgian midfielder was signed in a big-money transfer, however hasn’t had the affect many would have anticipated.
Talking to the media forward of the sport, Maresca has confirmed that Lavia has educated all week and ought to be included within the squad to face Leicester on the weekend.
Reece James deployed additional ahead
Towards FC København within the Europe Convention League, Reece James was deployed in midfield as Maresca seemed to experiment along with his aspect in Europe. After the sport, the Chelsea boss burdened how a lot he believes James can play on this position, and his efficiency definitely backed it up.
It’s no shock Maresca is trying to experiment after a tough run of type, and James was a standout in the midst of the park towards Copenhagen. James scored the opening aim for Chelsea, produced extra passes into the ultimate third than another participant, and received 100% of his tackles.
Coulibaly again within the fold
Talking to the media forward of the journey right down to London, Ruud van Nistelrooy confirmed that January switch window signing Woyo Coulibaly is again and accessible after lacking the sport towards West Ham United final day out.
The Foxes have loved a 10-day break attributable to not being concerned within the FA Cup final weekend and will have an virtually totally match squad accessible. Ricardo Pereira and Abdul Fatawu are long-term absentees.
Jamie Vardy the menace on the counter
Leicester are unlikely to see an excessive amount of of the ball towards Chelsea. Van Nistelrooy’s aspect have averaged simply 45.6% possession within the Premier League this season, whereas solely Manchester Metropolis have seen extra of the ball than Chelsea.
In consequence, Leicester will likely be trying to hit the Blues on the counter-attack, and that’s the place Jamie Vardy comes into play. The English ahead thrives off balls in behind the defence, and the skilled striker remains to be a key man for Leicester, offering 10 objectives and assists mixed this season in a struggling aspect.
Prediction
Contemplating Leicester’s type this season, particularly away from house the place they’ve picked up simply eight factors, it’s arduous to see previous a Chelsea victory. Maresca’s aspect have misplaced simply twice at house within the Premier League, so we’re going for a snug 3-0 win.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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