Bobby Vincent shares his predicted Chelsea line-up for this afternoon's Premier League clash between the Blues and Leicester City as Enzo Maresca returns to the Foxes
Chelsea return to action later today as they take on Leicester City in the early kick-off.
After a two-week international break, the final one of the year, the Blues will be looking to continue their impressive season with another three points on the road. It is a particularly special day for Enzo Maresca, who returns to the King Power Stadium for the first time since he left the Foxes to become Chelsea head coach over the summer.
"First of all, excited and also thankful because it was a fantastic season," Maresca said on Thursday when asked how he feels returning to Leicester, where he won the 2023/24 Championship title. "I met people that are very difficult to find in football; the owner, his family, they are fantastic human beings. They care for the players, the staff, all of the people who work inside the club. You can see that.
"It was a fantastic season because I met good people and then in terms of players, it was top, it was fantastic. It was a fantastic connection between the players and the staff. This is something you need to create and I will be thankful for all of my life to that squad."
However, while it will be an emotional day for the Italian, he has a job to do - and the first part of said job is naming an XI capable of beating his former club. And, with that being said, Bobby Vincent takes you through his predicted line-up.
GK: Robert Sanchez
The Spaniard remains Maresca's go-to goalkeeper in the Premier League. After another below-par display against Arsenal last time out, Sanchez will be hoping to improve this afternoon.(Image: Crystal Pix/MB Media)
Reece James has been ruled out of this one with a hamstring injury. Gusto is expected to take the captain's place at right-back - and it will be interesting to see what sort of role he takes on at the King Power; whether he will roam into midfield or stay back to create a back-three.(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Fofana was brilliant before the international break in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal. Arguably his strongest performance this season and the Frenchman, who withdrew from the France squad over the international break, will be hoping to replicate that kind of form as he returns to the King Power.(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA)
Colwill - another man that withdrew from action during the break. The England international, though, is expected to be fine for today's Premier League game.(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA)
The excellent Cucurella is expected to continue at left-back this afternoon. There may have been a shout for Gusto to play there but with James missing, he will almost certainly be used at right-back instead.(Image: Marc Atkins)
Judging by Maresca's comments on Lavia on Thursday, the midfielder seems fine. He limped off against Arsenal and then missed Belgium's two Nations League matches. If he is fit, though, he is one of the first names on the team sheet at the minute.(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)
Another one of the first names on the team sheet. Caicedo has been extraordinary recently. He and Enzo Fernandez returned late after travelling back from South America. If he is ready, then there is no doubt that Caicedo will start.(Image: Crystal Pix/MB Media)
A few calls for Madueke to be dropped from the side given how well Pedro Neto did on the right wing against Arsenal. Couple that with Madueke not being in the greatest form for Chelsea in recent matches. The winger did, however, play really well in England's two matches over the break.(Image: Justin Setterfield)
Neto on the left-hand side despite Jadon Sancho returning to the squad. The Arsenal draw was undoubtedly the best version of Neto we have seen since he joined Chelsea.(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Jackson is expected to lead the line for the Blues yet again. The Senegal international has scored in three out of Chelsea's five games away from home this season.(Image: Mike Hewitt)