As the Chelsea chase silverware this season, they host Leicester City at Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup semifinal.
Key Takeaways
- Chelsea are 11th in the Premier League table
- Leicester City are leading the charts in the Championship this season
- Chelsea won the last meeting between the two
At the moment, Chelsea is experiencing another turbulent season in the league. Despite this, they have managed to perform well in the cup competitions this season, having already played in the EFL final. Leicester City, however, are leading the Championship this season and would pose a real challenge to Chelsea.
Chelsea Form
Despite looking good on a few occasions this season, Chelsea have not been able to maintain that form consistently. Their only chance of playing European football next season is by winning the FA Cup. There has been a lot of pressure on Mauricio Pochettino to turn things around for the Blues, who haven't yet performed to their fullest.
While they suffered a defeat to Liverpool in the EFL Cup final, they have managed to remain unbeaten in the last three games. They have shown in the last three matches that they have the quality to win. Victories over Leeds in the last round and against Newcastle have boasted the morale in the squad.
Leicester City Form
It has been a strong season for Leicester City, with the team now poised to return to the Premier League. With the form in which they are currently, a promotion to the Championship seems likely for them. However, from now on, as the competition for places is heating up, they will remain consistent.
With Enzo Maresca as manager, the team appears confident this season. In the wake of their shock loss to QPR, the team has managed to get back on top of the game by collecting four points in the last two matches. A 0-1 win over Sunderland was followed by a 2-2 draw with Hull City in the final match.
Head-to-Head
In the 23 matches played between Chelsea and Leicester City prior to this match, Chelsea has won 13 times, drawn 6 times, and lost four times.
Team News
Before this important match, Mauricio Pochettino will be pleased to welcome Chilwell and Badiashile back to full training. Injuries have plagued the Blues this season, so they are currently missing a number of key players. They include Nkunku, James, Lavia, Fofana, Colwill, and Ugochukwu.
For Leicester City, Praet and Pereira are both out due to hamstring injuries, while McAteer is also out after feeling some physical discomfort, but will be back soon.
Key Players
After joining Chelsea from Manchester City this season, Cole Palmer has been a positive for the team. Gareth Southgate has been impressed by his form this season and has given him a place in the latest England squad. He has scored 13 goals and laid on 11 assists for the team.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has been a vital part of Leicester City's attempt to return to the Premier League. He has scored 10 goals from the midfield this season and contributed 12 assists to the team, an impressive number for a midfielder. The FA Cup semifinals will be decided by this match, and Enzo Maresca will be hoping to provide the spark for his team.
Final Thoughts
Chelsea have looked good in the cup competitions this season with their experience playing an important role in their push for silverware. Leicester remains a challenging opponent for them, so Chelsea fans will get a good game. Chelsea's recent record suggests they should win this match against the Foxes.
FA Cup