Leicester vs Chelsea: Foxes continue survival fight as Jose Mourinho's side look to take penultimate step to title
PREVIEW: A look ahead to this week's Premier League fixture at the King Power Stadium
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.What can you say about Leicester’s recent run of form? Nigel Pearson’s troops have incredibly battled to four Premier League wins on the trot and, in doing so, have forced themselves out of the dreaded relegation zone.
While Chelsea have been accused of playing boring football, the Foxes have scored eight vital goals in a miraculous quartet of matches – Jose Mourinho will surely admire the never say die spirit of his opponents on Wednesday night.
The Blues, meanwhile, have the chance to take one more step on their title march. Celebrations after the goalless draw with Arsenal suggested the Premier League title had been sewn up there and then, but Mourinho will be quick to drill into his players that the job is not done… yet.
Leicester’s fate may rest on the fitness of Jamie Vardy who has scored in three of his last six Premier League games. It’s no coincidence that his return to goalscoring form has coincided with the the Foxes’ remarkable resurgence. The English striker was playing with pain-killing injection in his foot when he found the net against Burnley on Saturday, and he will face a late test to determine whether he can take to the field against Chelsea.
Mourinho has an injury crisis of his own up front. Diego Costa is still struggling to make the squad with a hamstring injury and Loic Remy has been ruled out with a calf problem. ‘The Special One’ was forced to start the match without a recognised striker against the Gunners and he may have to replicate this at the King Power Stadium.
KICK-OFF: Wednesday, 7.45pm
PAST THREE MEETINGS…
Chelsea 2 (Costa, Hazard) Leicester 0, Premier League, August 2014
Chelsea 5 (Cahill, Kalou, Torres (2), Meireles), Leicester 2 (Beckford, Marshall), FA Cup, March 2012
Chelsea 4 (Lampard (3), Shevchenko), Leicester 3 (McAuley, Campbell, Cort), Carling Cup, October 2007
STATS…
A Leicester victory would be their fifth on the bounce in the top division – a feat they have not achieved since 1964.
Chelsea have won all of their last seven league and cup games against Leicester.
Leicester have lost their last five Premier League games against the top side in the division going into the fixture.
Chelsea’s Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is the top goalscorer in this Premier League fixture with 5 goals against the Foxes.
ODDS…
Leicester to win: 5.60
Chelsea to win: 1.78
Draw: 3.95
TV: Live on Sky Sports 1 at 7.45pm, highlights on BBC1 at 10.30pm on Saturday
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments