Chelsea face a quick turnaround for Sunday’s match at home to Leicester City in the Premier League.
The Blues are currently preparing after Thursday evening’s 2-1 away win over Copenhagen in the Conference League, which gives them a decent advantage ahead of next week’s second leg at Stamford Bridge.
In between the European last-16 tie, Chelsea hosts Leicester on Sunday afternoon in an important Premier League fixture.
Enzo Maresca’s side entered the weekend sitting fifth in the Premier League table. Also, the top five could secure Champions League qualification this season, so they find themselves in a decent position going into their final 11 league matches.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea predicted XI vs Leicester
The Chelsea Chronicle have predicted the Chelsea line-up we’re expecting to see start the match at home to Leicester.
Even though Reece James scored and impressed on Thursday in Europe, we think he could be rested as the management continues to be cautious with the captain’s minutes.
Filip Jorgensen
First up, Filip Jorgensen returns to start in goal after watching teammate Robert Sanchez play versus Copenhagen.
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Josh Acheampong
It’s a surprise start for Blues youngster Josh Acheampong on Sunday for what would be only his eighth senior appearance. We think the young right-back could be picked to play, even though Malo Gusto is fit and available after coming off early with an injury against Copenhagen.
Wesley Fofana
It could be a first appearance for Wesley Fofana since 1 December against Aston Villa. It’s been confirmed that Fofana is ready to play against Leicester. The central defender was an unused substitute in the recent win over Southampton and wasn’t involved in the Conference League.
Levi Colwill
Levi Colwill start in the predicted XI as he reforms a quality centre-back partnership alongside Fofana.
Marc Cucurella
It’s a fair guess to predict that Marc Cucurella will start against Leicester at left-back. One fear is that he’s being asked to play a lot of football because there isn’t much cover for him in the squad.
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Moises Caicedo
It would be a risk to start Moises Caicedo on Sunday because he’s only one booking away from a two-game suspension. However, Maresca confirmed Caicedo will play against Leicester because the defensive midfielder is too important to leave out.
Enzo Fernandez
Alongside Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez starts as a box-to-box central midfielder with a responsibility to get up and down. He’ll be hoping to build on two goals in his last three club appearances.
Cole Palmer
We expect to see Cole Palmer pulling the strings in his preferred No 10 position this weekend, especially because he came off early against Copenhagen. He’s still trying to end a run of eight matches across all competitions without scoring.
Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho could get a start on the right wing. Without a doubt, he needs to perform and make the most of game time while Noni Madueke is out injured.
Pedro Neto
In the central striker position, Pedro Neto plays again and will be looking to shine at the point of the attack. He’s scored one goal and created two assists in his two matches as the centre-forward.
Christopher Nkunku
Finally, Christopher Nkunku completes the predicted XI in a left-winger position that appears to suit him.