As the coveted FA Cup enters the quarterfinal stage, all of the clubs still involved in the competition will be treating it with an elevated level of importance, especially because of the situation that has been caused by the COVID-19 outbreak as well. While there are multiple big teams still battling it out for the top prize, the most competitive fixture from the current stage would have to be the battle between the Premier League’s 3rd and 4th placed teams.
This fixture between Chelsea and Leicester City has the potential to not only improve either team’s chances of winning the competition but would also leave a mental impact on the Premier League front, with just one point separating the two sides on the table. Although the Foxes are yet to win a game after Project Restart, Rodgers will be quietly confident about his team’s chances on the weekend. On the other hand, the Blues are coming into this tie on the back of a stellar win against Manchester City, and are sure to be bubbling with confidence.
Here Is The Leicester City Vs Chelsea Tactical Preview:
Leicester City Vs Chelsea Tactical Preview
Talking Tactics
Leicester City
The Midlands club have been one of the biggest surprise packages of the season so far, as they find themselves at third place on the league table with just seven gameweeks left to go. A lot of the credit for this achievement would have to go to the manager, whose introduction of a dynamic, high-energy play-style has helped bring the best out of some of the uber-talented players at their disposal. Expect the Foxes to try and play their trademark brand of free-flowing football, in an attempt to break this questionable Chelsea defence down the old-fashioned way.
Chelsea
Although keeping lesser possession against Manchester City isn’t a bad thing, it had been the first time in forever that Lampard’s side didn’t boast the lion’s share of the ball in a match. That former trend is set to return this weekend when the London club travel to the King Power Stadium. Despite the Blues’ lower position on the table, expect Lampard’s men to be on the offensive right from the off, and look to take the lead early on. Add in the fact that there’s still going to be lingering confidence from their win against Manchester City, and Chelsea have everything they need in their arsenal to completely out-play Brendan Rodgers’ men.
Team News
Leicester City
Ricardo Pereira has been one of the Foxes’ biggest injury absences since their return to regular action. The Portuguese full-back, alongside Ben Chilwell, was one of their most significant sources of attacking inspiration. With the speedster not expected to return to action this season, James Justin should fill in for him yet again. Elsewhere, Daniel Amartey has had surgery at the start of the year but is yet to recover completely.
Predicted Lineup: Schmeichel; Justin, Soyunçu, Evans, Chilwell; Ndidi; Perez, Tielemans, Maddison, Barnes; Vardy
Chelsea
The Blues are also missing a couple of key names in the side at this point, but they’re not nearly as severely affected by it as Leicester. Callum Hudson-Odoi is one name that’s unlikely to feature on the weekend as he’s still nursing an ankle problem. Although he could come into the matchday squad, the chances of the youngster starting the game are incredibly bleak. Fikayo Tomori is another young Chelsea player who’s currently recovering from a muscle problem.
Predicted Lineup: Kepa; James, Rudiger, Christensen, Azpilicueta; Jorginho, Kovacic, Barkley; Pedro, Abraham, Pulisic
Key Men
Leicester City
The Foxes were in decent enough form going into the lockdown, but have come out of it looking quite shabby. They’ve collected just two points from two fixtures so far, and are going to face their biggest challenge yet on the weekend. Breaking in through the core of the Chelsea defence line would be the way to go for the Foxes, and the man most capable of doing that for the Midlands club is undoubtedly Jamie Vardy.
Chelsea
The Blues, on the other hand, have resumed the campaign with back-to-back 2-1 victories against Aston Villa and Manchester City. While there were multiple good performances over both the fixtures, the one standout name has been Christian Pulisic. The American had scored in both of the matches mentioned above and is sure to have an important part to play for the remainder of the season, and many more years to come.
