Chelsea face Leicester City in today’s early kick-off at King Power Stadium.
The match is extremely crucial for both teams as a win will see the London Blues cut the gap to third-placed Leicester City to 5 points while a win for the Foxes will see them break clear of the chasing pack and go 11 points clear of Chelsea in fourth.
Frank Lampard has overseen a frustrating January transfer window, having failed to bring in a striker, which was a priority this winter. But he will be smart enough to put his head down and continue grinding out the season with the exciting, albeit inexperienced, options at his disposal.
Chelsea’s recent form has been mixed, like their season, having won and drawn two apiece while losing one in their last five games.
Leicester, on the other hand, have won three and lost two in a similar period in the league.
CHELSEA TEAM NEWS
Lampard failed to provide an update on the availability of Reece James but given the minor nature of his injury, the player is expected to be fit to start.
Tammy Abraham is also a minor doubt but came through unscathed through a couple of training sessions and is unlikely to be rested for such a key game in the context of the season.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Achilles) and Christian Pulisic (tendon) remain out.
PREDICTED CHELSEA LINEUP vs LEICESTER CITY (4-3-3)
DEFENCE
Kepa Arrizabalaga will start in goal. He has been poor this season but a lack of quality alternative means, he will continue to start in this Chelsea lineup.
We are opting for a back four and hoping Lampard does the same.
In that case, Reece James should be given every chance to start at right-back with Cesar Azpilicueta then shifting to left-back. Emerson and Alonso have been inconsistent and not deserving of a start ahead of these two.
Andreas Christensen has edged ahead in the pecking order and is set to keep his place alongside Antonio Rudiger at centre-back in the Chelsea lineup.
MIDFIELD
Lampard has usually gone for his best options in midfield in big games, and this is a big one.
N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho are then expected to start across the midfield with the Italian looking to wrest control of the tempo of the game early on.
ATTACK
Callum Hudson-Odoi is expected to start on the right and renew his blossoming partnership with James.
Willian has started 19 of the last 20 league matches and should start once again on the left in the Chelsea lineup.
Tammy Abraham is favourites to start as the striker, a call which will have been made this morning.
Michy Batshuayi will be on standby if the Englishman fails to make the cut.
