To suggest that Leicester City only focused on negating Chelsea’s threats would also be unfair. The Foxes were by far the better team in possession, even when seeing a drastic amount less. Chelsea nearly had double the amount of time on the ball (65% possession to the Foxes 35%) but managed less touches in the penalty area (14 to Leicester’s 19) – a lot less efficient. Again, this is a credit to Leicester City – their narrow and deep structure didn’t allow Chelsea to find spaces centrally.
Offensively, the 4-3-3 formation facilitated better play from the Foxes in transition. This was for two major reasons. Firstly, seeing less of the ball meant that attacking scenarios tended to stem from a quick turnover, or were played with more directness and conviction. Secondly, playing with two robust No.8’s gave Leicester City a lot more progressive angles to play quickly through the lines – whilst also adding additional runners from deep to get into the box – this is shown clearly with Maddison’s goal.
Brendan Rodgers has been fairly clear with his starting XI’s this season, that the Foxes will almost exclusively setup in a 4-2-3-1 – unless of course there’s another injury crisis. But, after seeing the benefits of playing a 4-3-3, perhaps Leicester City will opt for a midfield of two No.8’s, rather than two No.6’s. Honestly, formations aren’t mutually exclusive – the Foxes could start in a 4-2-3-1 and still find similar passing lanes and positions to the 4-3-3, but it’s still an interesting debate.
The next game for the Foxes will be an intriguing watch, as Brentford have built a formidable reputation over recent seasons, for playing some intricate and expansive football – whilst investing heavily into data analytics (so they hold a special place in my heart). It will most likely allow Ayoze Pérez another chance to play as the striker – probably as a false nine. I’d suggest that Ricardo Pereira will feature to help his rehabilitation process – with Caglar Söyüncü doing the same. The player I’m confused about is Cengiz Ünder and whether he’ll feature after a few months on the side-lines.
I’m confident that Rodgers will ensure there’s enough quality on display, whilst protecting the players that need a rest. I’d like a 4-3-3 formation, Pérez through the middle – with Ünder and Demarai Gray on the wings (two excellent runners behind the defensive line in the channels – with a forward who excels in connecting play). With a few absentees in midfield, most notably Dennis Praet and Nampalys Mendy who are both seemingly unavailable, I’d anticipate a fairly full-strength midfield. In defence, rotate the appropriate players in for game time and I think Leicester should come away from the fixture victorious.