Mou's Blues ready to face Foxes

[Liquidator 5,176]

Chelsea face newly-promoted opposition for the second time in six days as they welcome last year's Sky Bet Championship winners Leicester City to Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Kick-off is at 15:00 GMT.

An imperious Monday night display from Jose Mourinho's side lifted them straight to the top of the table, with superb first-half goals from Diego Costa, Andre Schurrle and Branislav Ivanovic going some way to dispel any worries that the Blues may struggle to break down a fired-up Burnley side. Leicester City also impressed on the opening weekend, coming from behind twice to eventually draw 2-2 with Everton.

It will be 11 years to the day since the sides last met in a league game at Stamford Bridge come Saturday and if this weekend's fixture provides half the drama of the corresponding fixture then it will be difficult for supporters to complain about a lack of entertainment. In what was Roman Abramovich's first game at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea triumphed 2-1 thanks to an early own goal and thunderbolt from Adrian Mutu on his debut. The second half saw three red cards. One for Geremi and two for our opponents.

Our most recent meeting came in an FA Cup Quarter Final tie in 2012 when Fernando Torres scored twice.

The Opposition

Leicester won 31 of their 46 games on the way to winning the Championship last season and Nigel Pearson's side is one littered with Premier League talent. Matthew Upson, Gary Taylor-Fletcher, David Nugent and Paul Konchesky all starred in the Foxes' return to top flight football for the first time since 2004. With a squad that blends experienced heads with young talent already at his disposal, Pearson has been fairly conservative in the transfer market. He has however, paid a club record £8m to bring Argentine striker Leonardo Ulloa from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Pearson's ability to adapt his side to different situations means that Leicester will always threaten their opponents. 4-4-2, 4-3-3 and 4-5-1 formations were all used by the former Sheffield Wednesday star, although 4-4-2 was the most popular. In all cases David Nugent, who netted 20 times last season, spearheaded the attack. Nugent, when utilized in a 4-4-2 formation, partnered the lively Jamie Vardy, while Riyad Mahrez and Antony Knockaert provide pace and flair on the wings. In centre-midfield, Danny Drinkwater keeps his side ticking over by providing service to the wings and made more passes than any other play in the Championship last season. Nigel Pearson takes an uncomplicated approach to tactics and looks to utilize the pace of his forward players on the counter attack, although when required to be, his side can be equally impressive in keeping possession.

Team News

Chelsea- The Blues are currently injury-free, giving Jose Mourinho a positive selection headache. Felipe Luis could come in for Cesar Azpilicueta at left back and Thibaut Courtois is expected to continue in goal. Mourinho could keep the rest of the team the same after an impressive team display at Burnley. Ramires returns from suspension.

Likely line up: (4-2-3-1) Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Felipe Luis; Fabregas, Matic; Schurrle, Oscar, Hazard; Diego Costa

Leicester City- Danny Drinkwater limped off with a hamstring problem during Leicester's 2-2 draw with Everton and is expected to miss the Stamford Bridge clash. Jamie Vardy and Marc Albrighton face late fitness tests but could feature, although Leonardo Ulloa's impressive debut means he could continue to partner Nugent up front.

Likely line-up: (4-4-2) Schmeichel; De Laet, Morgan, Moore, Konchesky; Knockaert, King, Hammond, Mahrez; Ulloa, Nugent

Statistics:

Chelsea have kept a clean sheet in 7 of their last 8 league games at Stamford Bridge

The Blues have found the net an average of 2.5 goals in their last 5 games against Leicester City in all competitions

Leicester were awarded 14 penalties last season in the Championship- the highest amount in the division

The Foxes had the second best disciplinary record in the division last season- beaten only by Burnley

Our all-time record against Leicester reads: Played 95, Chelsea wins 45, Leicester wins 23, Draws 27

Nigel Pearson's side are unbeaten in away games since they were defeated by Brighton & Hove Albion in December

Leicester have only won once at Stamford Bridge during the Premier League era

Odds:

Courtesy of SkyBet

Chelsea Win: 1/5

Leicester Win: 11/1

Draw: 11/2

TV Coverage

UK: Highlights Match of the Day, BBC1 at 22:30

USA: NBC Sports Live Extra, mun2, NBCSN

Brazil: FOX Sports

Middle East: BeIn Sports

Others see here:

http://www.livesocce...leicester-city/

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[Jase 43,479]

*bump*

[robsblubot 3,595]

wonder why we bothered with friendlies...