Leicester City are having a season of struggle in the Premier League this time out, particularly after their title-winning campaign last season.

Their fans here in the Tavern have struggled to adapt to the new-look results that we’ve seen this season, with performances coming nowhere close to the quality we saw last time out.

Jamie Vardy hasn’t hit the same heights he did last season and the loss of N’Golo Kante in the middle-of-the-park has been extremely noticeable too.

But with the opportunity to pick things up again in the Premier League just around the corner, the Foxes will be hoping to establish their quality once again against the league leaders Chelsea.

The Blues suffered defeat in their last Premier League outing away at Tottenham Hotspur and will be determined to get things back on track against a Leicester City side, that are struggling in the league.

But surprisingly, we’re tipping Claudio Ranieri’s team to pull of an upset in the game against the title-leaders, and here’s the XI that we think could pick up a result….

GK: Kasper Schmeichel

Danish international Kasper Schmeichel was one of the biggest players in Leicester City’s unbelievable league triumph last season, and he’s been in decent form again this campaign.

Little of Leicester City’s poor form can be put down to his individual performances, and he deserves to keep his place in goal for the crunch tie against Antonio Conte’s Chelsea.

RB: Danny Simpson

Former Newcastle United man Danny Simpson was a real mainstay in the side last season and he’s kept his place for the entirety of this campaign too.

He offers a real outlet on that right-hand side and his workrate and ability to get up and down the pitch is massive for the Foxes.

He’ll be looking to get forward to expose Chelsea’s three-man defence this weekend.

CB: Wes Morgan

Jamaican international Wes Morgan has continued running things at the centre-of-defence for the Foxes this season and whilst he hasn’t been as solid as last season, he still does a real job for the Foxes.

CB: Robert Huth

Former Chelsea man Robert Huth will want to have a good game against his former employers as he looks to guide his side up the table in the second half of the season.

He’s a real fans favourite at both the King Power Stadium and here in the pub and if he keeps things solid at the back against Chelsea, the likes of Diego Costa will have real trouble getting at Kasper Schmeichel’s goal.

LB: Christian Fuchs

Austrian international Christian Fuchs was one of the best players in Leicester’s title winning season last time out and he’s widely retained his place in the first-team this season too.

Young Ben Chilwell got a run out in the FA Cup and it’s good to see him developing going forward but Fuchs is the main man at left-back for the Foxes.

CDM: Nampalys Mendy

Nampalys Mendy has finally gotten over his early-season injury and looks to be a big player for the Foxes going into the second half of the season.

With Daniel Amartey at the African Cup of Nations for the month ahead, the Frenchman could come into the first-team and play regularly, at least until his colleague’s return.

CDM: Wilfred Ndidi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhPEwF-00qo

Former Genk man Wilfred Ndidi was given his debut in the FA Cup win over Everton this week and he played extremely well in the middle-of-the-park.

His fantastic performance came as a slight surprise to the Foxes faithful here in the pub but they’re naturally delighted to have found another gem to come into the first-team.

RM: Demarai Gray

With Riyad Mahrez missing due to the African Cup of Nations, this is set to be a big couple of weeks for former Birmingham City youngster Demarai Gray.

He’s struggled to break into the first-team in recent weeks, especially on the back of some off-the-field issues but he now looks set to get his chance to shine.

CAM: Danny Drinkwater

Danny Drinkwater has been a shadow of his former self this campaign but in recent weeks, he’s been getting back to his better form.

Foxes fans here in the Tavern are delighted we’re seeing the best from him once again and so are we- from an England perspective, having him back at the top of his game is best for the national team too.

LM: Mark Albrighton

Hard-working Mark Albrighton remains a key player in this Leicester City side and his endeavour on the flank remains a big part of Leicester City’s pressing game.

He might not be the most skillful of wingers in the world but he tracks back and works hard and he’ll need to – it will be a busy afternoon against the league leaders.

ST: Leonardo Ulloa

With Islam Slimani and Ahmed Musa at the African Cup of Nations, the pressure will be on Leonardo Ulloa to lead the line for the Foxes in their absence.

He’s struggled for game-time in recent weeks but he will be the man expected to get the goals.

He’s a burly unit upfront and he’ll be looking to pull the Chelsea centre-halves around in the game this weekend.