European giants Chelsea will be looking to get back to winning ways in the Premier League on the back of their disappointing 2-2 draw against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side last weekend. Despite being a man up for than two-thirds of the fixture, the Blues were unable to see out the lead on two occasions and gave away cheap equalisers as well. Some questionable attacking play has been hurting Chelsea in recent weeks, and the midweek tie didn’t do anything to improve that.
Although Chelsea taking on Hull City should’ve been a cake-walk for the Blues on paper, they were given a right run for their money in the late stages, despite boasting a two goal lead against a Championship club at the hour mark. Frank Lampard will be eager to put things right once again, and beating third-place Leicester City and closing down the gap between the clubs is sure to do just that.
Team News
Tammy Abraham picked up an unfortunate ankle niggle on the weekend and is hence set to miss out on this visit to the King Power Stadium. Meanwhile, Christian Pulisic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are both still out nursing knocks, with both set to return midway through February. Olivier Giroud is another who is said to have a slight groin issue, while Reece James could make his return to the side in this fixture as well.
Chelsea 4-3-3 Predicted Lineup Vs Leicester City
Formation: 4-3-3
Defence
Despite the questions being raised about Kepa Arizzabalaga’s credibility to be the first-choice goalkeeper at a massive club like Chelsea, the Spaniard is set to continue operating as the main shot-stopper. In front of him, Antonio Rudiger is set to return to the first team after missing out of the midweek cup fixture. Alongside him, expect to see the return of Danish international Andreas Christensen, with Cesar Azpilicueta and Reece James taking up the full-back roles.
Midfield
Frank Lampard’s midfield strategies don’t seem to be as effective as they were at the start of the season anymore, meaning that he could be forced to try something new for this tie. The gaffer could opt to return to a three-man midfield in an attempt to offer the Blues more control of possession in the middle of the park, meaning that Mason Mount could be the one to be sacrificed. Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante and Jorginho are all set to start together, with the Italian expected to act as the pivot.
Attack
With top scorer Tammy Abraham unavailable for selection, Lampard will be left with no option but to start former Valencia forward Michy Batshuayi, despite the Belgian’s apparent lack of form. He put up a poor display in midweek and will be hoping to get back to the top of his game against the Foxes. The usual suspects of Willian and Callum Hudson-Odoi could take up the wide roles, thereby completing what is undeniably a talented Chelsea side.
