Chelsea will face Leicester City in their penultimate home match of the season. Whilst a Champions League spot has already been confirmed for the Blues, they still have it all to play for, for the fans at home.
After last year's FA Cup final, Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea have built up quite a hostile atmosphere between themselves and the Foxes. Brendan Rodgers' side was filmed throwing the Chelsea pennant in the changing room after their win against the Blues.
It's safe to say that the West Londoners took that personally. I wouldn't say that there's some sort of rivalry against Leicester, but the atmosphere isn't exactly friendly. An appearance from Daniel Amartey, in particular, could make the tie that much more tasty.
READ MORE: Four Chelsea changes Todd Boehly must make after Premier League takeover decision
The two clubs met in Chelsea's last home game in the previous season. That particular match welcomed football fans like myself back into the stadiums following an entire year of playing behind closed doors. There weren't many of us in the stadium, but the atmosphere replicated that of a fierce rivalry.
Mason Mount and Thiago Silva were the two Chelsea players that took Leicester's disrespect personally. Goals from Antonio Rudiger and Jorginho confirmed a 2-1 win for the Blues but late on into the match, Mount and Silva had recognised the main culprit, Amartey, on the sideline. The unused sub had gotten involved in a small clash involving a couple of players, and the demeanour of the Chelsea players had changed.
Prior to this moment, the atmosphere from the returning fans was amazing. They came pumping up their loudest vocals in support of the team, which I expect them to do again this time around. Once the fracas on the touchline broke out, fans immediately got behind their players in total agreement with the domestics.
Once you disrespect the flag, you have to suffer the consequences, which happened to Leicester. Despite their FA Cup victory, the Blues dampened their hunt for a top-four finish.
Chelsea goes into this match having already secured a Champions League spot. However, they come off the back of yet another FA Cup final loss. The energy from last season must be kept for the fans' sake. To get the fanbase back in unity, a convincing win over Leicester is the way to do it.
