Antonio Conte’s side suffered their first loss in 14 games after being beaten 2-0 by London rivals Tottenham last week but returned to winning ways in the FA Cup by coasting past Peterborough United 4-1 and have been boosted by getting the green light for the £500million development of Stamford Bridge.
Leicester have followed up their stunning 2015/16 triumph with a disappointing domestic form that has “pained” Claudio Ranieri as the title holders sit six points above the relegation zone in 15th position.
But the Foxes’ superb Champions League form proves that they can still turn on the style, and Ranieri will be determined to put a dent in compatriot Conte’s hopes of taking his Premier League crown.
TEAM NEWS
Leicester City – Leicester striker Jamie Vardy celebrated the birth of his second child on Tuesday, and should be available to face Chelsea after a recent illness.
Ahmed Musa may also start after a two-goal cameo in the 2-1 FA Cup win over Everton.
Chelsea – Conte has no injury concerns for the trip to Leicester, with a fully fit squad to choose from.
John Terry is suspended for the trip following his red card against Peterborough after seeing his appeal turned down by the FA, though the captain was unlikely to start anyway having been sidelined by Conte after a switch to 3-4-3.
Nathan Ake may be in contention for a place in the squad after being recalled from Bournemouth following his fine form on loan with Eddie Howe’s Cherries, with Conte revealing that Marcos Alonso has been struggling with a minor injury for the whole season.
Kurt Zouma will also be pushing for a role after returning from a long-term knee injury with a start in Saturday’s FA Cup win.
POSSIBLE STARTING LINE-UPS
Leicester XI: Schmeichel, Simpson, Morgan, Huth, Fuchs, Mendy, Amartey, Albrighton, Mahrez, Musa, Vardy
Chelsea XI: Courtois, Azpilicueta, Luiz, Cahill, Moses, Kante, Fabregas, Alonso, Pedro, Hazard, Costa
KEY STATS
Leicester have won just one of their last nine Premier League games against Chelsea, though it was this exact fixture last season (D1 L7).
Indeed, Chelsea have won three of their last four visits in the Premier League to Leicester (L1), with two of those wins masterminded by Claudio Ranieri in 2002 and 2004.
Despite winning the league last season, Claudio Ranieri’s Premier League win percentage was better at Chelsea (52%) than it currently is at Leicester City (48%).
Chelsea have not beaten the reigning Premier League champion twice in the same season since 2009/10, a season in which they ended up lifting the trophy.
Diego Costa has scored in two of his three Premier League games against the Foxes, though both goals have been at Stamford Bridge.
Costa has had a hand in 11 goals in his last 11 Premier League appearances away from home (nine goals, two assists).
Chelsea have the best points differential from this season to last after 20 games (+26), while Leicester City have the worst (-19).
Chelsea’s 49-point tally from 20 Premier League games this season is nine more than Leicester City had at this stage last season in their title-winning campaign (40).
Antonio Conte’s Chelsea have made the fewest changes to their starting XI overall this season (19), although 10 of these have come in the last five matches.
Conte has not lost two successive league matches away from home as a manager since May 2011 while boss of Serie A side Siena.
BETTING ODDS
Leicester to win: 51/10
Draw: 3/1
Chelsea to win: 5/8
PREDICTIONS
Leicester have been a lot more impressive at home than they have on their travels this season and they will be hoping for a similar display to the one that saw them dispatch of Manchester City last month. However, Chelsea have set a relentless pace in recent times and have been good on the road themselves, so we can see them bouncing back from the Spurs defeat and returning to winning ways this weekend.
Leicester 1-2 Chelsea