Chelsea vs Leicester: Preview, prediction & lineups | OneFootball

The upcoming Leicester match against Chelsea couldn't come at a worse time. Bad results have only been matched with even worse performances. Ruud van Nistelrooy's side is somehow still alive in the relegation battle. Too often, however, the Foxes look closer in quality to that of Southampton, with Wolves even separating themselves from Ipswich Town.

Following the losses to Brentford and West Ham, most would be willing to place LCFC in the Championship right now and move on from the current season. A trip to Stamford Bridge isn't likely to boost hopes otherwise.

The Blues aren't in the greatest of forms themselves and will look to fine-tune things for a strong end to the campaign. Familiar name, Enzo Maresca, is fighting for a top-five finish. In truth, they'll look to run up the score to secure the three points and better secure Champions League play for next year.

Van Nistelrooy, on the other hand, aims to field a competent Prem team. The quality and effort levels have been shockingly down. James Justin and Victor Kristiansen are going to have their hands full with the likes of Jadon Sancho and Christopher Nkunku.

The midfield battle will be critical to monitor as well. Simply put, the Foxes have too easily and often exposed Mads Hermansen and the back four. The triangle up top of Moisés Caicedo, Cole Palmer, and Enzo Fernández spells a certain doom for Boubakary Soumaré and Wilfred Ndidi.

Final pick and analysis

Too much suggests that Maresca will dominate against his former club. The hosts are coming off a strong 4-0 performance against the Saints. There is little suggesting that there won't be an identical or even worse scoreline here for LCFC. On a small positive note, the score line may allow Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to have a longer run of play against his former team than what he would otherwise.

Van Nistelrooy speaks of needing to push through adversity. The manager tries to maintain a positive outlook, but this will be tested in their next matchup in a major way.

Probable starting XIs

Chelsea: Jørgensen; Cucurella, Colwill, Adarabioyo, Gusto; Caicedo, Fernández; Nkunku, Palmer, Sancho; Neto.