Leicester City take on Chelsea this afternoon in a must-win game for Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side.
With 11 games left to play in the Premier League, every fixture will be seen by the Foxes as a must-win contest with Leicester heading into today’s match six points off Wolves, who occupy the coveted 17th-place spot in the standings.
Despite recent results, the first-half was an encouraging one for Leicester fans, with Mads Hermansen saving a 20th-minute penalty from Cole Palmer as the King Power Stadium side went into the break 0-0 in west London.
And Van Nistelrooy surprised supporters pre-match by making a big tactical change to his Leicester starting XI that could lead to important points being won later on in the season.
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images
Conor Coady back in Leicester’s starting XI to face Chelsea
With Leicester’s defence struggling all season, a big change was needed heading to Chelsea this afternoon, and Van Nistelrooy did just that be bringing Conor Coady back into the fold whilst also shifting to a back-three.
With Troy Deeney urging Van Nistelrooy to bring Coady back into Leicester’s XI, the former Watford captain’s wishes have been answered, with the England international making his first Premier League start for the Foxes since January.
Indeed, Coady is one of seven Leicester players who could leave the club at the end of the season with Leeds United interested in signing the former Wolves star, who has only managed 16 appearances in all competitions.
However, Coady’s return to the Leicester XI coupled with an impressive first-half could lead to a change of heart from the club in the defender’s future, with the defender’s experience something that will be hard to replace for the Foxes.
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How impressive was Conor Coady vs Chelsea in the first-half?
Coady’s return to the Leicester starting line-up was a welcome surprise for supporters, who in recent weeks have struggled to watch Van Nistelrooy’s side defend with the Dutch manager lacking any new ideas.
Conor Coady’s first-half vs Chelsea
Accurate passes 13/15 (87%)
Clearances 5
Defensive actions 5
Recoveries 1
Aerial duels won 1/1
However, that has all changed this afternoon against Chelsea, with a change in shape and the return of Coady giving Leicester a good platform to build from heading into the final ten games of the Premier League season.
Indeed, Chelsea have made things easier for Leicester with a lacklustre attacking performance and by missing a penalty, yet Coady’s reintroduction to the starting XI has given the Foxes a sturdyness at the back has been missing in recent weeks.