Chelsea v Leicester: five key battles
Chelsea face defending champions Leicester City at Stamford Bridge in Saturday’s early kick-off. Here are five potential battles we think might be all-important to deciding the result.
John Terry v Jamie Vardy
The Chelsea captain is fit again and, although boss Antonio Conte remained tight-lipped on whether he would start, there is no doubting the importance of Terry to the Blues’ defence. With him, they won three and drew one of their first four games. Without him, they lost twice and conceded five goals in three matches. Vardy’s pace, though, will be an examination for the skipper.
N’Golo Kante v Danny Drinkwater
Having been an unused substitute in the EFL Cup tie between the sides last month, Kante will on Saturday face his former Leicester team-mates for the first time since his £30m summer move. The Frenchman occupies a slightly different role at Chelsea, and his tackling stats are poorer as a result, but he will no doubt enjoy his tussle with Drinkwater, fit again after the groin niggle that saw him pull out of the England squad.
Diego Costa v Robert Huth
Referee Andre Marriner will be keeping a close eye on these two, particularly given ex-Chelsea defender Huth’s propensity for shirt grabbing. Costa will need to keep his cool in the face of any provocation as he looks to add to his six goals in seven league games this term.
Marcos Alonso v Riyad Mahrez
Whether Conte sticks with three centre backs, or reverts to a back four, Alonso is likely to keep his place following a solid first Premier League start at Hull last time out. And whether he is a wing-back or a more traditional full-back, the Spaniard will face a challenge against Mahrez, despite the fact the Leicester man is yet to repeat the performances of last season.
Eden Hazard v Danny Simpson
Goals against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Gibraltar while playing for Belgium will have given Hazard a confidence boos following a mixed display at Hull and, prior to that, an anonymous performance at Arsenal. He will look to get the better of former QPR man Simpson, who was excellent as the Foxes shut out Southampton in their last game.
