Leicester v Chelsea: four key battles

Current leaders Chelsea travel to the reigning Premier League champions Leicester in Saturday’s evening kick-off. It was the scene of Jose Mourinho’s final game in charge, a 2-1 defeat in December 2015, but can the Blues return to winning ways? Here are four match-ups we think could be important.

N’Golo Kante v Wilfred Ndidi

One of the heroes of Leicester’s unlikely Premier League title win, Kante will make his playing return to the King Power Stadium, having been on the bench for the Blues’ League Cup tie earlier in the season. Interestingly, he has never been on the losing side in the three Leicester v Chelsea games. Wilfred Ndidi, signed from Genk, could be thrown straight in for his Leicester debut – though Foxes boss Claudio Ranieri has played down comparisons between the two.

Gary Cahill v Jamie Vardy

Leicester will be boosted by the return of Vardy after suspension – although he only has five Premier League goals to his name, a far cry from last season’s 24. Cahill, who will again captain the Blues, has the challenge of stopping his England colleague from making his trademark runs into the channels.

Eden Hazard v Danny Simpson

The 3-4-3 formation, and arrival of Marcos Alonso, has freed up Hazard from any defensive duties and allowed him to concentrate solely on taking on his full-back. Next in his sights is former QPR man Simpson, whose performances this term have not lived up to the Foxes’ title-winning campaign – he was booked in four successive games in December.

Marcos Alonso or Pedro v Marc Albrighton

The left wing-back spot has been Alonso’s ever since the formation change post-Arsenal but there are suggestions the Spaniard may be rested to allow a leg injury to heal. The recalled Nathan Ake could play there but Pedro is more likely to be thrown in if Alonso is omitted. Former Aston Villa winger Albrighton set up six goals last season but is yet to create one this term.