Leicester City have had a very inconsistent season so far by their standards in recent years as injuries have struck heavily with the long-term absence of Wesley Fofana and James Justin.
 

Jonny Evans has struggled to stay fit too this season but he earned a man of the match award for his tremendous display for Northern Ireland in midweek.

Brendan Rodgers on Evans: "He’s a huge player for us. He brings authority to the game. He’s a winner. Having him available is important.
 

“It’s no surprise, to see him play that way for our country was amazing. He’s now at the stage of his career where it’s about playing and recovering, so we’ll try to manage that.”

Evans will need to carry his form into this game against Chelsea with the Blues three points clear at the top of the table whilst only conceding four goals. Thomas Tuchel's side are also the second highest scorers in the league only behind Liverpool. 

Matching the system

Chelsea have consistently played a five at the back formation since Tuchel's arrival, the wing-backs push high , often Reece James and Ben Chilwell.

Rodgers' is expected to match their system as he did in the FA cup final win earlier this year. Leicester will be without starman, Youri Tielemans who is still out injured. 

Chelsea are very dominant with their wingbacks as they like to push high up the pitch so it will be a task for our wingbacks to nullify their threat especially that of Reece James who has scored four goals and assisted three in eight premier league games.

Wilfred Ndidi may be forced to cover at times but the foxes must be aware of the counter attack Chelsea possess with the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Kai Havertz and Callum Hudson-Odoi

Leicester too possess a threat on the break with the pace of Ricardo Periera, Jamie Vardy and Harvey Barnes depending on the side Rodgers' selects.

James Maddison has recently shown a return to form after a number of months underperforming which saw him in and out of the side at times.
 

His creativity and confidence on the ball is certainly the best in the side so he may become one of the key figures that allow us to gain a positive result. 

Embed from Getty Images

 

Injury news

Tuchel has confirmed his summer signing, Romelu Lukaku, won't be available to feature. Neither will Mateo Kovacic, another frequent member of Chelsea's starting 11.

That will give the Foxes added confidence and belief that they can achieve a positive result against a weakened side.

Rodgers spoke to the media and confirmed that Tielemans will be out "for a few weeks" after sustaining a calf injury away at Leeds.

Marc Albrighton is fit again but James Justin isn't ready to return but he will likely feature for Leicester's u23's. 

Timo Werner is back in training but will be asssesed. 

Mason Mount is expected to be available following dental surgery and Christian Pulisic is fit. 

Embed from Getty Images

Midfield Battle

Leicester are all too familiar about the brilliance of former player, Ngolo Kante,  but the East Midland's side have found a superb replacement in Wilfred Ndidi,  who has been excellent since his £15M arrival from Genk in 2017.
 

Those two have topped the charts in tackles and interceptions over the last five years and it will make for an interesting battle between the two.

Kante however has been playing further forward in Tuchel's side so it will mean Soumare may have to track the forward runs of the frenchman. 

Jorginho will likely dictate the tempo of the play however, Rodgers' often puts Maddison or Kelechi Iheanacho on the deep-lying playmaker to prevent oppositions gaining a rhythm.
 

Leicester will have to remain disciplined in their approach and not press too aggressively  because of the quality Chelsea possess to break the press.
 

We have often seen Rodgers' employ a mid-block against the better sides and choosing their moments to press whilst also allowing the attackers and full backs opportunity to attack into space. 

 

Embed from Getty Images

Verdict

It will be a tactical game with few chances, Chelsea do not concede many goals and their attack has been formidable at times this season. Leicester also however on their day can cause teams problems after thrashing Manchester United 4-2. 

With the absence of Lukaku it will certainly increase Leicester's chance of winning and Vardy will be hungry to add to his tally of seven league goals this season. Patson Daka is a great option off the bench should he not start which may be a good avenue to victory if the game is level going into the final 20 minutes.

Score prediction: 1-1

VAVEL Logo
About the author