The Premier League is back this weekend, and here at SportsCasting, we have the Leicester vs Chelsea preview, prediction, latest team news, and confirmed lineups.
Leicester Vs Chelsea Preview
Enzo Maresca returns to the King Power Stadium as his Chelsea side take on Leicester in Saturday’s lunch time kick-off.
It will be Maresca’s first outing at the home of the Foxes since he left the club in the summer. Many City fans will still be feeling bitter owing to his surprise departure.
The Italian won the EFL Championship before answering Todd Boehly’s call. He famously took star player Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall with him to Stamford Bridge.
Now, the Italian is mounting a top-four challenge with his new employers and he’ll be quietly confident of picking up all three points.
During their last Premier League outing, the Blues earned a credible 1-1 draw with Arsenal. Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring before Pedro Neto lashed home the equaliser.
Maresca’s only defeats in England’s elite this season have come against the two sides who are above them – Liverpool and Manchester City.
From Leicester’s perspective, a slow but steady start is what Steve Cooper has overseen so far. The Foxes were easily beaten 3-0 by Manchester United before November’s international break.
However, they are keeping their head above water currently. Cooper’s side have two wins and four draws to their name going into GW12.
Their two victories came against Bournemouth and fellow promoted side Southampton back in October. Going into the Chelsea clash, the Foxes are three points above the drop zone in 15th position.
Ahead of Saturday’s clash, the best football betting sites in the UK make Maresca’s side the 8/15 match favourites. The draw is available at 15/4 with the hosts 11/2.
Back to business 👔#LEICHE pic.twitter.com/wPgkV7zfIG
— Leicester City (@LCFC) November 20, 2024
Leicester Vs Chelsea Team News
The trio of Ricardo Pereira, Jordan Ayew and Issahaku Fatawu are all ruled out for Leicester. However, Jamie Vardy, Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Patson Daka and Jakub Stolarczyk could all return to the matchday squad.
Other than that, Steve Cooper has a fully fit squad to choose from but Facundo Buonanotte is suspended. It’s likely the majority of the starting XI who featured against Manchester United will be called upon once again.
The likes of Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana and Malo Gusto are all expected to start for Chelsea after withdrawing from international duty.
Red Devils loanee Jadon Sancho is likely to make the matchday squad after his illness bout. In the middle of the park, Enzo Fernandez is expected to start over Romeo Lavia. Captain Reece James is ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Leicester Vs Chelsea Confirmed Lineups
Leicester Lineup:
Hermansen; Justin, Faes, Okoli, Kristiansen; Winks, Soumare, Ndidi; McAteer, Vardy, El Khannouss
Chelsea Lineup:
Sanchez; Fofana, Colwill, Badiashile, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Felix; Jackson
Leicester Vs Chelsea Prediction
Leicester haven’t beaten Chelsea in all competitions since their famous 1-0 FA Cup final victory in 2021 – and we expect the winless streak to continue.
The Blues are beginning to find their rhythm under Enzo Maresca, who led the Foxes back into the Premier League last season.
It’s hard to envisage anything but three points for the Italian. Especially that many of his squad were able to recover from minor injuries over the international break.
Prediction: Leicester 1-3 Chelsea
