Leicester vs Chelsea Preview

• Chelsea to win
• Mavididi to receive yellow card

Leicester City face a challenging encounter as they host Chelsea at the King Power Stadium, aiming to turn around their faltering form.

With manager Steve Cooper under pressure and a growing injury list, the Foxes will need to dig deep against a Chelsea side riding high under Enzo Maresca.

Leicester City: Struggling for Goals and Confidence

Leicester enter this match after a tough 3-0 defeat to Manchester United, which was compounded by the loss of key defender Ricardo Pereira to a long-term injury.

The Foxes are winless in their last three Premier League games (D1, L2), leaving them just three points above the relegation zone.

A lack of attacking firepower has been a key issue for Leicester, with just one goal scored in each of their five home league fixtures this season (W1, D2, L2).

The absence of forwards Jordan Ayew, Patson Daka, and Jamie Vardy due to injuries further complicates matters, making it difficult for the Foxes to improve their offensive output.

Chelsea: Maresca’s Impressive Start Continues

Enzo Maresca returns to the King Power Stadium with Chelsea sitting third in the Premier League table (W5, D4, L2).

Despite back-to-back draws before the international break, the Blues have been impressive under their new manager, especially in their attacking displays.

Chelsea are unbeaten in their last six meetings with Leicester (W5, D1), scoring 2+ goals in the last three encounters, including a 4-2 win at this venue in March.

Chelsea’s dominance away from home has been notable, especially against bottom-half sides, where they average 2.75 goals per game. Scoring first has been a consistent factor in their success, with the Blues converting early leads into victories in their last three such matches.

Key Players to Watch

Stephy Mavididi (Leicester City)

Mavididi, who scored against Chelsea in their 4-2 loss last season, will need to step up in the absence of Leicester’s other attacking options. However, his recent disciplinary issues, with two yellow cards in his last three games, could be a concern.

Pedro Neto (Chelsea)

Neto has been in excellent form, scoring in consecutive matches, including for Portugal against Poland during the international break. Both of his recent goals came after the 65th minute, showcasing his ability to make an impact in the latter stages of games.

Tactical Insights: Leicester’s Defensive Challenges vs. Chelsea’s Ruthless Attack

Leicester will need to focus on defensive solidity to contain Chelsea’s high-scoring attack. With their injury-hit squad, the Foxes may adopt a more compact, counter-attacking approach to exploit any spaces Chelsea leave open. Mavididi’s pace and creativity will be crucial in breaking through the Blues’ backline.

Chelsea, on the other hand, will look to dominate possession and create chances through their midfield dynamism. Neto’s form and Maresca’s attacking philosophy will be central to their game plan, and an early goal could set the tone for another convincing away performance.

Final Thoughts

With Leicester struggling to find form and missing key players, Chelsea come into this match as strong favourites. The Foxes’ home woes and Chelsea’s proficiency on the road, particularly against lower-ranked teams, suggest the Blues have a significant edge.

Can Leicester defy the odds and revive their season, or will Chelsea extend their unbeaten run against the Foxes?

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Leicester v Chelsea, 2024/25 | Premier League