Leicester City’s Premier League struggles continued in their 0-0 draw with Southampton before the international break – but their supporters in the Tavern are still feeling optimistic about the season ahead.
Eight points from seven games sees Claudio Ranieri’s side sitting in 12th in the Premier League, a far-cry from their title-winning form we saw last time out.
But with the landlord in here still tipping the Foxes to pick up the pace when the internationals finish, they’ve got a great opportunity to pick up a big three points against Chelsea this weekend.
The Blues are hardly in title-winning form themselves and it’s a good time to head to Stamford Bridge as Conte’s side struggle to find their mojo.
But we’re tipping the Foxes to turn things around and we think they will be able to pick up three points at the Bridge this weekend.
So with that in mind, here’s our Leicester XI who we think will do the business against Chelsea this weekend…
GK: Kasper Schmeichel
Kasper Schmeichel was one of Leicester’s star men in their title win last season and they did well to hang onto him this summer.
He’s an authoritative goalkeeper and has been in decent form so far this campaign. A stable, sturdy character between the sticks.
RB: Danny Simpson
Former Newcastle United defender Danny Simpson has done extremely well over the past season for the Foxes considering he wasn’t even considered as first choice at the start of the last campaign.
But he quickly ousted Ritchie De Laet from the Leicester first-team and has been a mainstay at right-back ever since. His pace going forward has been a real asset to this Foxes team.
CB: Wes Morgan
Again, it’s difficult to not keep referring to last season but Wes Morgan hasn’t quite rediscovered that magical form just yet.
But despite not having the strongest start to the campaign, he’s still got a lot to give to this side and his leadership and power at the back will be important going forward.
CB: Robert Huth
Huth has been absolutely solid in Leicester’s Champions League ventures this campaign but like some of his team-mates, he’s still waiting to discover his best form domestically.
He’s a tank and a real brute at the heart of the defence and he’ll be looking to get a result against one of his former sides this weekend.
LB: Christian Fuchs
Has been one of the standout performers so far this season and he’s a player that will need to keep performing if the Foxes are going to push for Europe again this season.
A good showing against Chelsea could get things going again and Fuchs is a player that can really make things happen on his day.
RM: Riyad Mahrez
Algerian international Riyad Mahrez was one of, if not the biggest player for the Foxes last season but is still waiting for the goals to start coming again this season.
Had a fantastic game in the Champions League against Brugge earlier in the season and he’ll be looking to impress against Premier League giants Chelsea at the Bridge this weekend.
CM: Danny Drinkwater
A huge player in this Leicester midfield, Danny Drinkwater is a man who deserves real success after slogging it out in the Championship with Leicester for a number of years before their more recent success.
Might feel a little aggrieved to not have been fully involved with England this week but will hope to get back to top form in the league as soon as possible.
CM: Daniel Amartey
Ghanaian international Daniel Amartey has really had to step up following N’Golo Kante’s move to Chelsea this summer but if the early signs are anything to go by, there is huge potential in the 21-year-old.
He’s versatile and can play in defence as well as in the middle-of-the-park. The game against Chelsea is a massive opportunity to show the Leicester fans they don’t need Kante as much as they might think.
LM: Mark Albrighton
Mark Albrighton is probably the most underrated player in the Premier League, let alone in this Leicester squad.
His work-rate is unbelievable and whilst his final product has been a little lacking at times this season, he showed on plenty of occasions last season that he’s up to the task on the Foxes flank.
ST: Jamie Vardy
Everyone’s favourite striker is currently on international duty with England and he’ll be hoping to take some form into the game against Chelsea.
He’s already said publicly that he feels there is more to come from Leicester this season and after scoring 24 Premier League goals last season, he’ll hope to better that this time out.
ST: Islam Slimani
A big money signing from Sporting Lisbon this summer, the early signs have shown that Islam Slimani has plenty to offer this Leicester City side this season.
He’s dispatched three times already this campaign and his power could be crucial in any Leicester City success. He’ll be hoping to bully Chelsea’s defenders in the game this weekend.
