Leicester vs Chelsea LIVE: Premier League group information and line-ups as Palmer begins and Maresca returns
The Premier League returns as Chelsea visit Leicester City in the early kick-off, with Enzo Maresca facing his former side for the first time.
Maresca helped Leicester secure promotion back to the Premier League last season and the Italian then landed the Chelsea job following the dismissal of Mauricio Pochettino. Maresca has started brightly at Chelsea, with the Blues seemingly recovering from a turbulent spell to sit third in the table ahead of the restart.
Challenging for the top-four has become a real target for Maresca’s new side, while Leicester attempt to distance themselves from the relegation places under Steve Cooper. The Foxes have won just two of their first 11 games since promotion, with victories over Bournemouth and Southampton last month, but they are winless since.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have only lost to Manchester City and Liverpool in the league this season and could cement their position as top-four contenders with a victory at the King Power. Follow live updates from Leicester vs Chelsea in the Premier League below.
Leicester’s Abdul Fatawu to miss the rest of the season
Leicester have also been dealt a major blow with winger Abdul Fatawu to miss the rest of the season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The 20-year-old has been a bright spark among a struggling Leicester side this season but suffered the serious knee injury while on international duty with Ghana and underwent surgery on Wednesday to fix the issue.
Cooper told a press conference: “It’s not good, it’s a serious injury.
“It’s difficult news – he’s obviously a big talent and a young player who’s exciting. Every player his age has lots to learn but there is so much to be excited about with him.”
Reece James suffers another injury set-back
Reece James’ injury woes continued and suffered yet another hamstring injury to miss Chelsea’s Premier League match with Leicester.
The 24-year-old defender has started just three games for Chelsea in 2024. He missed the start of the season with a hamstring injury but returned against Liverpool last month, playing nearly an hour of the Premier League defeat. He also started games against Newcastle United and Manchester United and came off the bench against Arsenal before last week’s international break.
“It’s a hamstring issue, a muscle problem,” manager Enzo Maresca said on Thursday. “He felt something small and we don’t want to take any risks for the weekend.”
Maresca added: “It was two days ago. He has to try and avoid as much as he can but sometimes things happen even if you want to avoid that. Hopefully he can be available for the next one but he is not available for this one.”
Leicester vs Chelsea team news and confirmed line-ups
Cole Palmer starts for Chelsea but there are changes in defence with Malo Gusto not yet fit, so Wesley Fofana moves to right back and Benoit Badiashile partners Levi Colwill at centre-back with Marc Cucurella at left back.
Enzo Fernandez returns into midfield as there is also a start for Joao Felix but Pedro Neto is not in the squad.
For Leicester, Jamie Vardy is fit to start, with Jordan Ayew and Patson Daka on the bench. Kasey McAteer is handed his first Premier League start.
Leicester vs Chelsea team news and confirmed line-ups
Leicester XI: Hermansen; Justin, Faes, Okoli, Kristiansen; Winks, Ndidi, Soumare; McAteer, El Khannouss, Vardy
Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Badiashile, Colwill, Cucurella; Enzo, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Felix; Jackson
Premier League table: Tight at the top?
Chelsea are sitting third in the Premier League ahead of the restart following the international break – but there are only three points separating the teams in 3rd and 11th. The table could be looking very different by Monday night.
3) Chelsea: 19 (+8)
4) Arsenal: 19 (+6)
5) Nottm Forest: 19 (+5)
6) Brighton: 19 (+4)
7) Fulham: 18 (+3)
8) Newcastle: 18 (+2)
9) Aston Villa: 18 (0)
10) Tottenham: 16 (+10)
11) Brentford: 16 (0)
Enzo Maresca still believes Jamie Vardy is still ‘the best’
Jamie Vardy might not be having a party at the end of this season but he is still banging in the goals at 37 and Maresca rates the striker even more highly than England’s two top goalscorers – Harry Kane and Wayne Rooney.
“People don’t realise how good he is,” said Maresca. “I know England have been quite lucky because of Kane and Rooney, this type of striker, they are fantastic.
“But Jamie is, if you ask me, the best one.”
Enzo Maresca returns to Leicester and shares special ‘connection’
Enzo Maresca has lifted the lid on Leicester’s promotion celebrations ahead of Chelsea’s trip to his former team.
The venue for last April’s party was Maresca’s house when the players turned up unannounced at 2am.
Maresca recalled: “The best present I had from last season was when we got promoted and they arrived at my home. All the team.
“This showed the connection between the players; they could go for a party at a different place but they all arrived at my home. It was a fantastic connection and I will always be thankful for them.
“I was at home celebrating with my staff and my family and about two o’clock in the morning all the squad was there. We celebrated all together.
“When I was a player and I won things I never thought to go to the manager’s home. That shows the connection.”
What is the Chelsea team news?
Chelsea captain Reece James has suffered another injury setback and will be out because of a hamstring strain. Cole Palmer has been passed fit despite missing England duty, with Malo Gusto, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia and Jadon Sancho available too.
What is the Leicester team news?
Leiceter have a few selection issues among the forward positions, with Jamie Vardy and Jordan Ayew potential doubts. Patson Daka it fit after three months out but winger Abdul Fatawu has suffered an ACL injury and will be out for the rest of the season.
