Latest team news, predictions: Leicester City v Chelsea

South West London is the next destination for Claude Puel’s erratic Leicester City team. Chelsea are discovering excellent form again under Maurizio Sarri, and are favourites for the match accordingly. What is the most recent team news:

Whilst Leicester City disappointingly drew at Fulham, simultaneously, Chelsea shockingly lost away to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Since then, the Foxes have been defeated three times, twice in the Premier League, as well as by Manchester City on penalties in the League Cup.

While Chelsea in that time, won versus reigning champions the Citizens and then Brighton in the top-flight; have beaten Vidi on Champions League duty; along with qualifying for the Carabao Cup semi-final with a 1-0 victory against Bournemouth. Contrasting form for the two, indeed.

Presser

Now the Stamford Bridge outfit welcome the Leicester team on Saturday, December 22. Claude Puel gave his pre-match press conference; two days before an away match, as usual. Here is what Puel said at the press meeting:

"“I hope [Vardy] can be fit for this match and can find his qualities. With his quality and his aggressiveness, he is a very good player for us. We need Jamie – with his ability, capacity and character – to give his best.“Of course, it has been difficult for him with injuries and suspensions this season, but he is a valuable player for us and we need Jamie to be at his best for us.”He [Chilwell] came back yesterday in training with the group. He has had a good feeling without any problems and I hope when we see tomorrow, he will be fit for the game.“We will see tomorrow (Friday), but I think he [Chilwell] can participate. “He came back yesterday in training with the group. He has had a good feeling without any problems and I hope when we see tomorrow, he will be fit for the game.”“We will see tomorrow if he [Wilfred Ndidi] can play or not. It’s about his knee, he received a fall against him. He finished the game, but with pain, so we’ll see if he can participate.”– Claude Puel(Via: lcfc.com)"

So, how does that help us in predicting the side:

Predicted Leicester City line-up

Boss of the Foxes, Puel, has a penchant for the 4-2-3-1 formation, yet he may finally defy his stubbornness and opt to go with a defensive-three. The Blues play attacking, direct football in a 4-3-3; yet like many top-five premiership clubs, favour the slick possession style with a potent counter-attack.

Giving two valid setups for the Frenchman – Foxes of Leicester will attempt an educated guess of either prospective starting XI:

4-2-3-1

Kasper Schmeichel; Chilwell, Harry Maguire, Wes Morgan, Ricardo Pereira; Vicente Iborra, Papy Mendy; Demarai Gray, James Maddison, Marc Albrighton; Vardy.

3-4-2-1

Schmeichel; Jonny Evans, Maguire, Morgan; Chilwell, Mendy, Iborra, Ricardo; Gray, Maddison; Vardy.

Naturally, some of you Blue Army faithful will find this new layout radical and complexing as to whether, for example: Maddison can get involved in that position? Additionally: will Ricardo and Chilwell play well that forward? Yes to both. Trust me, this is definitely worth trying – can it be any more boring than at present?!

The full-backs will do a great job there and Leicester City’s No.10 can play his preferred playmaker role. In addition, he is interchangeable with his Young Lions teammate, enabling extra freedom to create.

Kick off between the Pensioners and the Foxes is 3pm GMT, Saturday. It will be a tough game for Leicester – a point would be a valuable and successful conquest. Winning is particularly unlikely; so expect a Chelsea triumph.