Leicester City suffered a heartbreaking loss to Aston Villa in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
But Brendan Rodgers cannot let the squad dwell on the setback for too long. They face a mercurial Chelsea side next in the early kick-off on Saturday.
Frank Lampard has overseen a Chelsea season, which has blown hot and cold, but his work has mostly been praised given the club’s inability to let him dip in the transfer window since his arrival. The former club legend has utilised his young players admirably and while there have been signs of fatigue lately, the Blues have done well to cling on to the 4th spot heading into Matchweek 25.
Leicester City are 8 points ahead of their next opponents (Chelsea) and will be eager to grasp the opportunity to further increase the gap but at the same time, face the tangible prospect of seeing that lead cut to 5 points at the King Power.
LEICESTER CITY TEAM NEWS
Jamie Vardy can ‘potentially’ start on Saturday, with the English striker coming off the bench to play the last 34 minutes against Aston Villa in the cup.
Wes Morgan has been ruled out by Rodgers who also stated there were a few ‘knocks’ but nothing serious to add to the injury list.
PREDICTED LEICESTER CITY LINEUP vs CHELSEA (4-1-4-1)
DEFENCE
Kasper Schmeichel will start in goal and will relish the chance to make a mark against Chelsea.
Ricardo Pereira has been one of the standout stars for the Foxes and will start at right-back in the Leicester City lineup.
We are likely to see Ben Chilwell on the opposite flank in defence. The highly-rated Englishman has been shaky in recent weeks and needs to up his game against the London blues.
Jonny Evans and Caglar Soyuncu will start as the two centre-backs. The latter has earned numerous plaudits but like his defensive teammate on the left-side, has to steady the ship a bit.
MIDFIELD
We might see the fit-again Wilfred Ndidi start as the lone defensive screen in front of the defence.
If Rodgers does opt for a 4-1-4-1, the two advanced central midfielders are likely to be James Maddison and the rested Dennis Praet.
James Maddison will be the main creative force from midfield and the Chelsea midfield will have to deal with his movement and long-range shooting ability.
ATTACK
Harvey Barnes is expected to start on the left with the perennial candidate for substitution, Ayoze Perez starting on the right.
Jamie Vardy is a minor doubt but we think he will be passed fit to start this huge game.
LEICESTER CITY LINEUP
