Domestic football returns as Chelsea travel to the King Power Stadium on Saturday afternoon to take on the 2015/16 Premier League champions, Leicester City.
The international action is now off the radar for another month as the Premier League returns. Saturday sees a clash between the last two title winners as Leicester City welcome Chelsea. The Blues will be looking to kick on after a couple of impressive results against Tottenham Hotspur and Everton.
Leicester, meanwhile, continue on a tough stretch of games. They have already faced Manchester United and Arsenal, putting in spirited performances against both. Now, they face Chelsea before hosting Liverpool in two weeks’ time. Antonio Conte’s men will need to be cautious as the Foxes look to take advantage of a raucous home crowd.
Team News
Antonio Conte disclosed that there were no injury concerns for the Blues this weekend. However, Gary Cahill is unavailable due to his suspension. Danny Drinkwater, one of Chelsea’s two deadline day signings, is not up to match speed so is unlikely to feature.
On the Leicester side of affairs, a couple of new signings could make their debut. Kelechi Iheanacho and Aleksandar Dragovic are both available for selection. Robert Huth is also fit having been sidelined through injury.
Probable XI and depth chart
Travis Tyler put together his predicted XI for The Pride Of London. These are his chosen starters and the first team players available for selection.
Eden Hazard returned to action for Belgium during the international break. He started against Gibraltar while playing a minor part in the game against Greece. Conte, though, has emphasised that he is not interested in rushing his star man back. Hence, Hazard could well start Saturday’s fixture on the bench.
Why don’t you pick your own starting eleven at this link!
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Referee watch
Lee Mason has been appointed to officiate this contest. His assistants will be Harry Lennard and Matthew Wilkes while Roger East will be on the touchline to be the proverbial punching bag for both managers.
Mason has taken charge of two games so far this season. Gameweek 2 saw him referee the 3-2 thriller between Southampton and West Ham. He dished out two yellow cards while dismissing Marko Arnautovic for an elbow. He then awarded the Saints a game-winning penalty in the 91st minute, the second penalty given in the game. The consensus, though, is that he got all the big decisions correct.
In gameweek 3 Mason officiated the Tottenham-Burnley game. No cards were given out, but there was still plenty of drama. Chris Wood scored an injury time equaliser to break Spurs hearts. The bottom line, seemingly, is to expect some late drama at the King Power Stadium.
Next: Leicester game will be a pivotal game for the Blues’ right wing-backs
What are your predictions for the game? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!