(4-2-3-1) Enzo Fernandez back in the XI”, Confirmed Chelsea lineup vs Leicester – as Jao Felix starts His first premier League match

(4-2-3-1) Enzo Fernandez back in the XI”, confirmed Chelsea team versus Leicester – as Jao Felix starts his maiden Premier League encounter

Enzo Maresca returns to the King Power Stadium on Saturday for the first time since leaving Chelsea, as the new-look Blues play Leicester City in the Premier League.

The Italian led the Foxes back to the top level last season, but he left in the summer after receiving a call from Chelsea. Steve Cooper, Maresca’s replacement, will be determined to make his opponent’s comeback a miserable one.

Chelsea are third in the Premier League rankings when club football resumes after the November international break. The Blues have excelled this season after a difficult start, but they have only won one of their past five league games.

Leicester are battling hard and claw at the opposite end of the table, but they have showed signs of promise under Cooper. Back-to-back victories either side of the October international break propelled them up the table, and they are presently three points above the relegation zone.

Leicester have battled with injuries throughout the international season, and the unfortunate news for Cooper is that Abdul Fatawu is out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. He will miss the rest of the campaign.

Jordan Ayew is in contention for the weekend after suffering an injury with Ghana, while Jamie Vardy, who missed the 3-0 defeat to Manchester United last time out, may return from a back problem.

Bobby Decordova-Reid is being checked ahead of the weekend and may make his return after a “awkward” injury. Striker Patson Daka might make his first appearance of the season as he prepares to return.

Back-up goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk and right-back Ricardo Pereira are still out, while Brighton & Hove Albion loanee Facundo Buonanotte is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season before the international break.

Leicester’s probable lineup versus Chelsea
Leicester’s anticipated lineup against Chelsea (4-3-3): Hermansen; Justin, Faes, Vestergaard, Kristiansen; Soumare, Ndidi, Winks; McAteer, Vardy, and Mavididi.

Chelsea’s team includes a few former Leicester players, however Ben Chilwell, who is now out of favour, will not play on Saturday. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall departed the King Power in the summer and will most likely be on the bench this weekend, while centre-back Wesley Fofana is doubtful due to a knee injury received during the international break.

Maresca has disclosed that Reece James has sustained yet another injury and will be out for at least the trip to Leicester. Fellow right-back Malo Gusto is also uncertain due to an ankle issue, while midfielder Romeo Lavia may miss out with a hamstring problem.

Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill both withdrew from the England team during the international break, but should play in the East Midlands. Filip Jorgensen is unlikely to start on Saturday but remains a small doubt after withdrawing from Denmark’s Under-21 team.

Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez both played in the early hours of Wednesday morning for Ecuador and Argentina, casting doubt on their ability to start on Saturday.

In brighter news, Jadon Sancho should be ready to play after missing previous matches due to sickness.

Chelsea’s expected lineup versus Leicester
Chelsea’s anticipated lineup against Leicester (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.

Leicester versus Chelsea Score Prediction
It remains to be seen how Maresca is received upon his return to the King Power Stadium, but he will be unconcerned as long as his Chelsea team can resume their Premier League winning streak. That’s exactly what they should do against a Leicester team plagued by injuries and suspensions, particularly in the final third.

Chelsea has the offensive potency to break through a tenacious and deep defensive wall, whilst Leicester’s lack of creativity in the final third might be a stumbling block.

These are hardly the types of games that will define the Foxes’ season, and their performance at Old Trafford before the international break gives little hope of a surprise outcome.

Prediction: Leicester 0–2 Chelsea