Chelsea host Leicester City today and they will look to get back to winning ways after three consecutive draws, two against the Gunners and the other versus Norwich City. Antonio Conte’s men have struggled to find the back of the net in their previous two outings despite creating an array of chances.
While Morata struggled to seal the deal in the Premier League last time out, Christensen failed to take two easy chances that could have given them a healthy lead in the Carabao Cup first leg.
But their record against the Foxes has been inspiring. On top of that, their home form is something which they can be confident about, as the Pensioners have won their last seven home games on the trot, in the PL.
If they convincingly beat Claude Puel’s side, they could apply pressure on both Liverpool and Manchester City, who are playing tomorrow and the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, who are trying hard for the top four spot.
Here are three players that could prove to be crucial for Chelsea against Leicester City
N’Golo Kante
The back to back Premier League winner will want to impress against his former club, as he has been doing so since he shifted to London. In the reverse fixture too, N’Golo scored the second one for Chelsea, which proved to be the match winner.
Last season, in his first game for Chelsea against his old club, he overcame the hostile reception from his ex-fans to come out on top and produce a stellar performance.
Since joining the West London club, he has won two man of the match awards against Leicester and this time around too, his energy, awareness and pace will be key if Chelsea are going to win here.
Eden Hazard
One of Hazard’s favourite opponents. The Belgian always loves scoring against Leicester City, something that he needs to do as he hasn’t been among the goals of late in spite of putting up solid, attractive performances.
Last year in this fixture and in the reverse fixture this year, Eden Hazard’s pace, skill, creativity and dynamism was in full flow and he found himself on the score sheet. He needs to get going today and can be the match winner for the defending champions.
Davide Zappacosta
Zappacosta seems to be more energetic than Victor Moses and certainly a cleverer player in terms of getting away from opposition full backs. While Moses has the pace to stroke the ball forward and dribble, Zappacosta has the smartness and feet to leave the defender flummoxed.
Also to mention, in his last two appearances off the bench, he has bagged one goal and an assist, which implies he deserves a start. Even in the game against Arsenal, he was very unlucky to have hit the frame of the goal in the 93rd minute and not win it for his side. Clearly, a better finisher than Moses, especially from distance.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored