Leicester 2-0 Chelsea: Rodgers successfully rotated formations to victory

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.