Chelsea vs Leicester City: 3 players who could change the game on their own in the Premier League match between the Blues and the Foxes.
Chelsea will play their first home match of the season tomorrow. Frank Lampard’s homecoming will however, not be easy by any means. They will face a determined Leicester City, who many have predicted, could break into the top 6 this season.
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Chelsea had a dreadful start to their campaign with a 4-0 loss to Manchester United at old Trafford. However, the scoreline failed to reflect Chelsea’s dominance in the match. Chelsea looked much more threatening than United ever did in the 90 minutes between them. Unfortunately, when it mattered most, the Blues faltered on both sides of the field.
They had a much more improved showing against Liverpool in the UEFA Super Cup. They dragged the European Champions to penalties and lost by the narrowest of margins. However, Lampard’s men will take a lot of heart from that match and will hope to win their first game of the season; and what better than to start at Stamford Bridge.
Leicester on the other hand have had a somewhat dismal showing against Wolverhampton in their season opener. They enjoyed over 70% of the possession but failed to find the net and managed only one shot on target. The match ended in a draw and Leicester will hope to register their first victory tomorrow in London.
Both teams will hope to get that first win out of the way and here are three players that could turn the tide for their teams in the Chelsea vs Leicester City match.
Christian Pulisic
The American was bought in from Borussia Dortmund as a replacement for the outgoing Eden Hazard. Pulisic is no where near the Belgian in terms of quality but he has all the requirements to become just as valuable to the club in the coming years.
Pulisic did not start against Manchester United. He did however, start against Liverpool. The impact was immediate. Pulisic was easily the most creative player on the field and looked threatening at all times. If Pulisic can replicate his performance against the Foxes tomorrow then Chelsea will walk out of London the runaway winners.
If Lampard and his men want to win the match, Pulisic has to be played and he needs to be at the heart of their attack. Pulisic is a proven performer outside of the Premier League and to know that he has the faith of his manager will only serve to bring the best out of him.
Jamie Vardy
The English striker was one of the Architects of Leicester City’s only Premier League title. He is now at the twilight of his career but still remains one of their most potent weapons. If Vardy fires then there is very little Chelsea can do to stop him.
Leicester have only beaten Chelsea 5 times in the English League. However, Leicester beat the Blues at the Bridge last season courtesy Vardy’s goal. Their aforementioned victory against Chelsea is the Blues only loss at home in their last 22 games at Stamford Bridge. The Foxes will look to take inspiration from this and hope that their veteran striker does the same tomorrow.
With Leicester and Chelsea’s game being very tightly defensive games in recent times, it is likely that the result will favour the side that attacks better. It is here that Vardy becomes absolutely vital to Leicester’s chances.
N’Golo Kante
There is no one else like Kante at Chelsea. His presence in the midfield in the game against Liverpool transformed the entire team. There was not a trace of a scratch or bruise from the Manchester United game. The Blues looked like a completely different outfit there.
Kante was everywhere on the field that day. He was at the front with the attackers creating chances. He was at the back with the defenders protecting the goal and building play with Jorginho in the middle. He received heavy praise from his manager who will be expecting an encore from him.
Chelsea have never lost two opening games of a League season since 1973/74. If Chelsea are to keep that record in tact and even go for their first Premier League win under Lampard’s regime, Kante will have to shoulder a lot of responsibility. How the diminutive French midfielder fares will determine the outcome of the Chelsea vs Leicester City match.
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