Leicester vs Chelsea LIVE: Premier League result and final score as Blues remain third with win
Leicester 1-2 Chelsea: Enzo Maresca enjoyed a winning return to the King Power thanks to goals from Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez
Goals from Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez ensured Chelsea remained third in the Premier League as Enzo Maresca enjoyed a winning return to Leicester City.
Jackson’s sublime finish gave Chelsea an early lead which did not feel completely secure despite their dominance until Fernandez nodded in a rebound in the 75th minute to wrap up three points.
Chelsea were in complete control when Jackson fired his seventh of the season but Leicester grew into it and had chances to equalise before half time, with Kasey McAteer going close.
But Chelsea resumed their dominance after the break. Cole Palmer’s goal-bound shot was blocked by team-mate Noni Madueke in an extraordinary moment, but Fernandez made sure it did not cost them.
Jordan Ayew pulled one back from the penalty spot in added time, but it was too late for Leicester to mount the comeback. Follow live reaction from Leicester vs Chelsea in the Premier League below.
Leicester vs Chelsea
Enzo Maresca speaking ahead of Leicester vs Chelsea, to TNT Sports. He confirms Malo Gusto is ill and Pedro Neto picked up a knock with Portugal.
On team news: “Malo unfortunately during the night felt bad. Pedro had a kick with the international team. It’s it getting better but we decided not to risk it today.”
On his return to Leicester: “It’s a fantastic feeling. We had a fantastic season here and we are very thankful. It’s both sides. We know they and they know us very well. We will make some small adjustments.”
Can Chelsea improve international break trend?
Chelsea have won one of their previous seven Premier League games following an international break, drawing three and losing three.
That includes the 2-1 defeat at Liverpool last month, but Enzo Maresca’s side did beat Bournemouth 1-0 in September.
Leicester vs Chelsea
It’s a chilly return to the Premier League this afternoon we kick off with Leicester vs Chelsea.
Leicester’s record against Chelsea since 2021 FA Cup final
Leicester memorably beat Chelsea to win the 2021 FA Cup final at Wembley - but the Foxes have lost five and drawn one of the six meetings since.
That includes last season’s FA Cup quarter-final at Stamford Bridge, when Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea beat Enzo Maresca’s Leicester 4-2.
Can Chelsea crack Premier League top-four?
Chelsea are still trying to find consistency in the Premier League under Enzo Maresca but they are picking up points against the teams around them while beating the sides towards the lower end of the table - which is encouraging ahead of the trip to Leicester.
Chelsea’s only defeats have come to the Premier League’s top two in Liverpool and Manchester City.
Last six Premier League results:
D: 1-1 vs Arsenal (H)
D: 1-1 vs Manchester United (A)
W: 2-1 vs Newcastle (H)
L: 1-2 vs Liverpool (A)
D: Nottingham Forest (H)
W: 4-2 vs Brighton (H)
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
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments