Chelsea at Leicester predicted XI: Tuchel turns to 3-4-2-1 in PL return

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 15: N'Golo Kante of Chelsea is challenged by Caglar Soyuncu of Leicester City during The Emirates FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Leicester City at Wembley Stadium on May 15, 2021 in London, England. A limited number of around 21,000 fans, subject to a negative lateral flow test, will be allowed inside Wembley Stadium to watch this year's FA Cup Final as part of a pilot event to trial the return of large crowds to UK venues. (Photo by Matt Childs - Pool/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 15: N'Golo Kante of Chelsea is challenged by Caglar Soyuncu of Leicester City during The Emirates FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Leicester City at Wembley Stadium on May 15, 2021 in London, England. A limited number of around 21,000 fans, subject to a negative lateral flow test, will be allowed inside Wembley Stadium to watch this year's FA Cup Final as part of a pilot event to trial the return of large crowds to UK venues. (Photo by Matt Childs - Pool/Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 14: Edouard Mendy of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 14, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 14: Edouard Mendy of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 14, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)

The table-topping European champions are set to return to Premier League action after the final international break of the year against a Leicester City team struggling for form at the King Power Stadium. The Foxes have only picked up eight points from a possible 15 in their last five league games. Leicester now heads into this match in 12th position. Chelsea has had very positive news injury wise with the returning Christian Pulisic, Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku back in full training with the rest of the team. The Blues will look to return to winning ways following a draw with Burnley prior to the temporary stoppage.

Let’s take a look at who might get the nod for the weekend’s important match in Leicester:

Edouard Mendy (No. 16) Goalkeeper, Senegal

The Senegalese international has the highest save percentage of any goalkeeper in the Premier League this season at 88 percent. The Chelsea goalkeeper has been crucial for the team this season, keeping six clean sheets in his 10 appearances in the league. Edouard Mendy has only featured in a single match over this international break for his native country.

Cesar Azpilicueta (No. 28)  Right centerback, Spain

The ever reliable captain of the club gets the nod at right centerback. Cesar Azpilicueta has been involved in eight matches in the league this season with a total of 22 clearances. The Spaniard has shown signs of his attacking display by assisting twice so far this year. The three centerbacks will have a huge job this weekend in keeping one of the league’s in form strikers, Jamie Vardy, quiet.

Trevor Chalobah (No. 14) Centerback, England

The young Englishman has been impressive when called upon this season for Chelsea. He has played in six matches so far this campaign, scoring an impressive two goals in that span. Trevoh Chalobah has a successful tackle rate of 53 percent. The depth of the entire squad will be needed for this hectic pile of upcoming fixtures.

Antonio Rudiger (No. 2) Left centerback, Germany

Antonio Rudiger is one of those players who is consistently in the starting line-up. He has been a real key player in the Blues’ defence since Thomas Tuchel arrived at the Bridge. The German has won 81 percent of his aerial duels in Premier League games this season, his aerial strength could come in handy against a very tall Leicester back line on set pieces.