Chelsea vs Leicester Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man + Predicted Score

Chelsea welcome Leicester City to Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon looking to continue their 100% start to the new Premier League season.

The Blues are the early season title favourites and it was easy to see why as they played some beautiful football during a 3-1 comeback victory over Burnley on Monday night.

Two of Jose Mourinho’s big-money signings impressed with Cesc Fabregas winning the Man of the Match award for his display which included picking up two assists, while Diego Costa didn’t take long to open his account in England after hitting the equalising goal.

Leicester on the other hand had to battle hard to salvage an excellent 2-2 draw with Everton at home on Saturday, and Nigel Pearson will know his men will need to show a similar fighting spirit if they’re to take anything away from the Bridge tomorrow.

City’s away form was the bedrock of their success in the Championship last season, as they won 14 games on their travels, but they will know it’s not going to be so easy in the top flight to pick up three points away from home, and they’d probably be delighted with a point this weekend.

Team News

Mourinho took the brave decision to drop long-serving goalkeeper Petr Cech last week and the Portuguese coach is expected to stick with Thibaut Courtois tomorrow.

The Blues boss has no fresh injury concerns to deal with but he might decide to hand Filipe Luis his debut at left-back having kept him in reserve at Turf Moor.

Willian may also get a recall in attack with Andre Schurrle possibly in-line for a rest after his World Cup exploits.

Leicester will have to make do without Danny Drinkwater after he picked up a hamstring injury last weekend so Dean Hammond is likely to come in.

Pearson will give late tests to striker Jamie Vardy and Marc Albrighton but the pair may only be deemed fit enough for a place on the bench.

Matthew Upson and Matty James won’t be involved as they are both still out through injury.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Cesc Fabregas: The former Arsenal skipper was instrumental in Chelsea’s comeback against Burnley and he looks right at home in the Blues midfield already, so he’ll certainly be the player Leicester will have to stop tomorrow.

Predicted Score

Chelsea 2-0 Leicester: I expect City to put up a good fight but Chelsea will have too much in the end for the newly-promoted side, with Mourinho’s men running out 2-0 winners.

What team would you put out and what’s your predicted score for the game? Share your views below.