The BIG Preview - Chelsea v Leicester City

Article by Robert Wake

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History

The clubs last met in an FA Cup quarter final at Stamford Bridge in March 2012. The home side ran out 5-2 victors with a brace from Fernando Torres and one each for Gary Cahill, Saloman Kalou and Raul Meireles. Jermaine Beckford and Ben Marshall replied for The Foxes. Prior to that, was another cup tie, this time in the League Cup at The Bridge in October 2007. This was another high scoring encounter with The Blues winning 4-3 thanks to a Frank Lampard hatrick. Andriy Shevchenko scored Chelsea’s other goal, with Gareth McAuley, DJ Campbell and Carl Cort replying for the visitor’s. The last league meeting at Stamford Bridge was back in August 2003 with Chelsea winning a bad tempered match 2-1. An own goal by Lilian Nalis put Chelsea ahead, before James Scowcroft levelled for Leicester, but Adrian Mutu restored The home side’s lead before the break. Geremi was sent off for Chelsea midway through the second period, and he was later followed down the tunnel by City’s Alan Rogers and Riccardo Scimeca. In 36 league meetings at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have come out on top 24 times, with Leicester prevailing on 4 occasions and 8 games ending all square.

Current Form

Leicester arrive at Stamford Bridge having showed their durability by twice coming from behind against Everton at the King Power on the opening day. Chelsea also came from behind in the victory at Turf Moor, scoring three times in 17 minutes.

Team News

Danny Drinkwater picked up a hamstring injury on the opening day, and joins Matty James and Matthew Upson on the sidelines. Dean Hammond or Gary Taylor-Fletcher may replace Drinkwater in midfield, while Marc Albrighton may recover in time to feature. Chelsea welcome back Ramires from suspension, and he and fellow Brazilian Filipe Luis could both be involved having missed out on Monday, though I don’t expect Jose Mourinho to make many changes. Thibaut Courtois made an impressive debut at Burnley, and is likely to retain his place here.

Prediction

Leicester showed admirable resilience against Everton, and will come to London with a game plan, full of confidence and should not be under estimated. That said, Chelsea looked very good at Burnley, and should have too much for another promoted team providing they approach this fixture in the right way. I’m pleased to say I got my Burnley prediction spot on, and I’m going for a similar margin of victory for The Blues on Saturday.

Chelsea 2-0 Leicester City

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