Date: Saturday 23rd
November 2024
Venue: King Power Stadium
Kick-off: 12:30 GMT
Our first game back after the international break is a
lunchtime kick-off at the King Power Stadium as we face Leicester City.
Despite
winning just one of our last four games, we start the day 3rd in the
Premier League table, above Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and Brighton on goal
difference. In our favour is that we are scoring away from home this season, the issue is,
we’re not so great after internationals, with just one win from the previous seven Premier League games following the break.
Leicester City, meanwhile, sit 15th in the Premier League, with 10 points from 33 on offer so far. They’ve lost five and drawn one of their last six against us but are yet to suffer back-to-back home losses this season – and lost last time out to Manchester United. Maresca’s successor at Leicester, Steve Cooper is also unbeaten in three previous Premier League meetings with Chelsea, winning one and drawing two.
.
MANAGER’S VIEWS
Going into
today’s game, Leicester City manager, Steve Cooper, says “Enzo did a
brilliant job last season in getting the club back to the Premier League, that
needs to be respected, and it is. He’s gone on a had a strong start with
Chelsea. We know we’re coming up against a talented team with a really good
coach. It’s a game which is a real test but one we need to embrace and be ready
for.”
Enzo
Maresca, meanwhile, says “It was a fantastic season [at Leicester] because I
met good people and then in terms of players, it was top, it was fantastic. It
was a fantastic connection between the players and the staff. This is something
you need to create and I will be thankful for all of my life to that squad. Most
of them, I am still in contact with them so there is still a connection. For
me, it was a fantastic season. I work every day to become better so I hope that
because I like to see things and analyse, you can improve. We try to improve
players but also we need to improve us as staff and as a manager.”
SQUAD NEWS
For Leicester, Abdul Fatawu (ACL) is
expected to miss the remainder of the season, Ricardo Pereira (thigh) and Jakub
Stolarczyk (ankle) are also missing through injury. Jamie Vardy (back) has
returned to training, while Patson Daka (ankle) is fit and Jordan Ayew may be
available. Buonanotte is suspended.
For Chelsea, captain Reece James misses
out because of a hamstring strain. Malo Gusto, Cole Palmer and Jadon Sancho
have all been passed fit and Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia are
expected to be available.
TEAMS
LEICESTER (Possible line-up): Hermansen; Justin, Faes, Vestergaard, Kristiansen; Winks, Ndidi,
Soumare; El Khannouss, Edouard, Mavididi
CHELSEA (Possible line-up): Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Lavia; Madueke,
Palmer, Neto; Jackson
LAST SEASON
N/A
CURRENT FORM (PL)
LEICESTER: LWWLDL
CHELSEA: WDLWDD
OTHER STUFF
- Leicester have lost five and drawn one of the six meetings since
the 2021 FA Cup final.
- Chelsea have won nine of their 13 visits to the King Power Stadium
in all competitions.
- Leicester are without a win in 13 Premier League games against
sides starting the day in the top four.
- Chelsea have one win and six points from their past five top-flight
games
- Leicester have conceded first in nine of their 11 top-flight games
this season.
- Leicester have scored in all six of their home games.
- Chelsea have lost just two of their last 17 Premier League
fixtures, winning 10 and drawing five.
- Chelsea have won one of their previous seven Premier League games
following an international break.
- Chelsea have taken 10 of their 19 points away from home this term.
PREDICTION
Sportsmole: Leicester 0-3 Chelsea
