Chelsea FC vs Leicester: Prediction, kick off time today, TV, live stream, team news, lineups, h2h results, odds
Chelsea will tonight be looking to swiftly avenge their second successive FA Cup Final defeat when they face a quick reunion with Leicester City in a crucial Premier League clash.
Youri Tielemans’ super second-half strike clinched the Foxes’ maiden success in football’s oldest competition in front of 21,000 returning fans at Wembley on Saturday evening, with former Leicester favourite Ben Chilwell seeing a late equaliser chalked off following a dramatic intervention by the VAR.
The two teams now prepare to do battle again just three days later in a clash that could prove pivotal in the race for Champions League qualification.
Chelsea head into their penultimate top-flight fixture of the season sitting fourth but just one point ahead of Liverpool - who travel to Burnley on Wednesday - following goalkeeper Alisson’s shock last-gasp winner at West Brom on Sunday.
Meanwhile, third-placed Leicester are now guaranteed a Europa League spot at least and boast a three-point cushion to fifth spot and sit two above Chelsea, with a tough final day meeting with Tottenham still to come.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Chelsea vs Leicester is scheduled for an 8:15pm BST kick-off today, May 18, 2021.
Around 8,000 Chelsea supporters will return to Stamford Bridge for the match.
Where to watch Chelsea vs Leicester
TV channel: Tonight’s match will be televised live on Sky Sports’ Premier League and Main Event channels, with coverage beginning at 8pm.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers will be able to watch the match online via the website or Sky Go app.
Chelsea vs Leicester team news
Leicester managed to win Saturday’s final despite Jonny Evans lasting just 30 minutes on his return from injury.
Brendan Rodgers confirmed on Monday that the experienced defender would not return from a heel injury at Stamford Bridge, while Roma loanee Cengiz Under is struggling with a hip issue.
James Justin and Harvey Barnes both remain sidelined, meanwhile.
Chelsea have no fresh injury worries to contend with as Mateo Kovacic and Andreas Christensen battle to prove their fitness with the Champions League Final against Manchester City looming in Porto on May 29.
Tammy Abraham did not make the squad at all at Wembley, with Kai Havertz and Olivier Giroud preferred as alternatives to starting frontman Timo Werner.
Chelsea vs Leicester lineups
Chelsea predicted XI (3-4-3): Mendy; James, Thiago Silva, Rudiger; Azpilicueta, Kante, Jorginho, Chilwell; Mount, Ziyech, Havertz
Leicester City predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Schmeichel; Castagne, Fofana, Soyuncu; Albrighton, Tielemans, Ndidi, Thomas; Perez, Maddison; Vardy
Chelsea vs Leicester prediction
Chelsea’s impressive win at Manchester City suddenly feels like a long time ago, with back-to-back high-profile defeats denting confidence, denying Thomas Tuchel a first trophy in English football and putting their top-four hopes at real risk.
The Blues rather look like they are running out of steam after a busy and eventful season, with their manager struggling to find the most effective attacking combination amid familiar criticism of Werner.
FA Cup winners Leicester’s confidence will be sky-high after Wembley as they look to secure their own Champions League return, but we’re backing the resourceful Tuchel to find a solution to Chelsea’s sudden ills in the nick of time and hold off Liverpool’s charge.
2-1 home win.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Chelsea wins: 57
Leicester wins: 28
Draws: 34
Last meeting: Chelsea 0-1 Leicester (FA Cup Final - 15/05/2021).
Betting odds and tips
Chelsea win: 4/5
Leicester win: 9/2
Draw: 14/5
Chelsea to win 2-1: 9/1
Odds via Betfair Exchange (subject to change). Click here to find out more.
Read More
Thomas Tuchel must find right Chelsea FC balance fast to stop season from unravelling
Thomas Tuchel warns Chelsea FC not to ‘over-expect’ from ‘absolutely key’ Mason Mount