Chelsea

Chelsea (Last 5 games W: 2 D: 1 L: 2)

After a cracking start to the season Chelsea faltered on the weeks leading up to international break, conceding two goals against Swansea, before loses to Arsenal and Liverpool culminating in a ray of sunshine with a solid away win against Hull City. With Costa being the key figure throughout, Chelsea have showed glimpses of potential but their consistency will be scrutinised over arguably a tough run of fixtures upcoming: Leicester (H), Manchester United (H), Southampton (A), Everton (H), Tottenham Hotspur (H).

Surprisingly for a top premier league club only four first team players played twice internationally during midweek (Courtois, Ivanovic, Costa, Hazard) which I think goes to show the form of some high calibre players. Unfortunately for Conte though this didn’t mean players where around to help install his new ethos but instead many played bit part roles for their countries, the highlight being Willian’s goal in Brazils win over Venezula.

John Terry’s a possible returnee, which could see Conte starting with three at the back, stifling pacey attacks with a solid, dominate display. This will be a key match for Conte in his decision to stick with the 4-5-1 or move to the 3-4-3 which was so successful at Hull City. Victor Moses is carrying a knock and they’ll be no place for Ruben Loftus-Cheek on the bench after an injury in the England U21 camp. Diego Costa’s had plenty of time to recover from his international exerts and he certainly is a man on a mission at the moment.

Don’t forgot a massive bonus will be the return of Kurt Zouma at centre back in the coming weeks.

Leicester City

Leicester City (Last 5 games W: 2 D: 1 L:2)

This is a hard write. Leicester City, who achieved the greatest sporting achievement of the past decade (should I say century?) have been bought back to earth with a bump. Their away form currently reads L-L-L and they’re goal rate of 1.14 per game is simply not getting them over the line. Whats gone wrong then? No N’Golo Kante? The distraction of Champions League football? Untimely injuries to key players? All issues Ranieri has spent many a hour pondering no doubt.

My key concern with Ranieri is his persistence to play Amartey in centre midfield. Physicality, Yes. Passing and reading of the game, No. His inexperience of playing in the role  is a massive hindrance and until the centre midfield is shored up I can’t see Leicester City seeing a top 10 spot in the coming months.

There must be positives? Algeria only played one match this week, a huge bonus for the fitness of Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani. Jamie Vardy has seen a disappointing amount of minutes (in my opinion!) for England – good for saving energy in those hamstrings! Danny Drinkwater has had time to recover from his groin injury, Shinji Okazaki says he’s overcome the ankle injury he suffered during the international break and the rest of the squad will have (hopefully) rested in their armchairs doing their Chelsea homework.

Claudio Ranieri and his team need to use this international break to their advantage and wipe the slate clean, I just wonder if they would of been happier playing a Stoke City or West Ham United instead.

STATS

LAST SAY! Diego Costa has scored the last goal in 5 of Chelsea’s 7 games this season.

Chelsea have scored 8 of their 12 goals this season after the 65th minute

There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 6 of Chelsea's last 7 home games (Premier League).

Leicester have scored in each of their away loses.

Leicester sit 3rd in the fair play league.

CURRENT MATCH ODDS (BEST PRICED ODDS)

Chelsea: 8/13 (Paddy Power)    Draw: 16/5 (Betfred)    Leicester: 21/4 (BetVictor)

SUMMING UP!

This looks like a tough match to swing one way or the other on. Both teams will be looking to put in a strong performance and both teams will be desperate for the points. How many chances Diego Costa receives will be key but at the other end the ageing back line of Chelsea needs to be careful of the Leicester City counter attack. I’ve just got a sneaky feeling this could turn into a stale mate and a draw is on the cards.

MY RECOMMENDED BETS

Diego Costa – Last goal scorer (Best priced 33/10 Coral)
Chelsea 1 – 1  Leicester (Best Priced 15/2 Bet365)
Draw No Bet Leicester (Best Priced 16/5 Boylesports)

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