Winning the League Cup in 2004/05 laid the foundations for Jose Mourinho's era of success. 20 years later, can it help Mauricio Pochettino salvage his Chelsea career?
High-flying and current league leaders Leicester host struggling Chelsea in this week’s Premier League match in what looks like the two sides have swapped their respective league position. Current title holders Chelsea sit in 14th place coming into this game- two points above the relegation zone and 14 off fourth-placed Manchester United while Leicester sit at the top of the table after 15 games. The Foxes have exceeded all expectations so far and they are now unbeaten in eight league games, having only lost the one match this term. Jose Mourinho may have seen some of the pressure lifted off his shoulders following Chelsea’s progression to the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday, but a huge test now awaits his team in the form of Leicester City.
Whereas Former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri has led Leicester to the top of the league standings with some impressive team and individual performances from the likes of top scorer Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez. Chelsea come into their game with Leicester having secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Porto in the Champions League – a game in which the Blues looked more like the team that won the league in May. However, the victory came just days after the Blues suffered a shock 1-0 loss at home to Bournemouth, which handed the side their eighth league loss of the season.
While their form at home hasn’t been favourable, Chelsea have also endured a difficult time on the road having lost three games, won one and drawn two this term. Leicester, in contrast, arrive to their clash with the Blues having thrashed Swansea 3-0 thanks to Mahrez’s hat-trick while their previous game at home saw the Foxes draw 1-1 with Manchester United.
Injury News
Mourinho has no fresh injury concerns to deal with as Terry and Ramires returned from injury against Porto while Radamel Falcao could be on the Chelsea bench following a muscular problem.
Ranieri, meanwhile, could field the same XI that beat Swansea last weekend with the Leicester boss remaining without Ritchie de Laet (ankle) and Matty James (knee) for the game.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup: (4-2-3-1)
Courtois, Ivanovic, Terry, Zouma, Azpilicueta, Matic, Ramires, Willian, Oscar, Hazard, Costa
Chelsea Predicted Lineup: (4-4-2)
Schmeichel, Simpson, Morgan, Huth, Fuchs, Mahrez, Drinkwater, Kante, Albrighton, Ulloa, Vardy
Prediction
Leicester 1 Chelsea 1
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