Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
Chelsea’s Europa Conference League last-16 first leg against FC Copenhagen on Thursday will undoubtedly affect their clash with struggling Leicester City on Sunday. However, even that might not be enough to significantly impact proceedings against Leicester City.
Chelsea
In that match in the Danish capital, several first-team regulars were rested. Cole Palmer made his first appearance in the Europa Conference League, while Reece James partnered Moises Caicedo - who was replaced by Enzo Fernández at half-time - in an unfamiliar central midfield role. The experiment proved fruitful, with the captain getting on the scoresheet. There was also mixed news on the injury front. Benoit Badiashile, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since December, made his return, playing a single half. On the downside, right-back Malo Gusto was forced off with an injury after just 25 minutes. Fortunately, Marc Cucurella stepped up and even provided an assist.
Leicester City
Therefore, Chelsea aren’t likely to be overly fatigued; key players were managed carefully. Leicester, on the other hand, need to rediscover their scoring touch. Their season-long form sees them averaging less than a goal a game (25 in 27), and that’s been especially true since the start of February. In fact, they failed to find the net in four league matches during that month, conceding a staggering 12 goals in the process. Only in the FA Cup have they managed to breach the opposition’s defence, scoring once against Manchester United.
Chelsea vs Leicester City Prediction
With an attack struggling so badly, how can they realistically contemplate a victory? A goalless draw is theoretically possible, but Leicester last kept a clean sheet on October 5th against Bournemouth. No, Chelsea will win this one, and likely by a margin of at least two goals – a scoreline all too familiar for Leicester.
