Leicester welcomes their former manager
Leicester welcomes their former manager
The Premier League is back in full swing, with uninterrupted league action scheduled all the way through to March, when the international break takes center stage once again. Kicking things off today is a clash between newly promoted Leicester and a resurgent Chelsea side thriving under former Leicester manager Enzo Maresca.
Leicester manager Steve Cooper faces growing criticism from fans, who view his game plans as inconsistent and lacking purpose. This sentiment was reinforced after a 3-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford, where substitutions came too late to impact the game. With a 1-2-2 record and only five goals scored in their first five home matches, Coooper's men has struggled to make a strong impression.
The Foxes have failed to win any of their last six encounters with Chelsea, losing the most recent three. Notably, today's home team has conceded the first goal in nine of their eleven matches since promotion. On the injury front, Abdul Fatawu is out for the season, but both Jamie Vardy and Patson Daka are expected to be available.
Chelsea continues to thrive under former Leicester manager Enzo Maresca, sitting just behind Manchester City and Liverpool in the Premier League standings. Chelsea's only league losses this season have come against these two teams. The Blues are in solid form, having drawn their last two matches against Manchester United and Arsenal before the international break. Interestingly, Chelsea has collected more points away from home than at Stamford Bridge this season. Despite losing just two of their last 17 Premier League games, they’ve managed only one win in their last five. Captain Reece James is sidelined with a recurring hamstring injury, but the rest of the squad is fit and ready.
Betting Tip from The Tipster: Both Teams to Score (2 units)
Chelsea has remained unbeaten in 9 of their last 10 league matches, while Leicester has scored in 10 of their first 11 games since returning to the Premier League. Expect goals from both sides in this encounter.