Big game tonight for both teams.
Everyone has been saying how unpredictable the Premier League is this season, but if you swapped Chelsea and Leicester in the league table it would look pretty much as most people expected before a ball was kicked (with an honourable mention to Watford who have been excellent).
As for tonight it is very close to call in spite of the respective league positions. Chelsea will be desperate for a win to cement their recent improved form. Despite their recent loss to Bournemouth they have begun to turn things round and their defensive record is significantly improved over the last few games. If they can get Hazard and Costa scoring goals again then it will surely be only a matter of time before they make their ascent up the league ladder.
As for Leicester, they will see this as the perfect opportunity to prove their doubters wrong and demonstrate that the lofty perch on which they find themselves is thoroughly deserved. Win and they are an unbelievable 20 points clear of last year's Champions and sitting atop the Premier League going into the Christmas period. Lose and all the naysayers will be out in force to back up their predictions of an instant return to mediocrity once we face the traditional big hitters.
History supports a Chelsea victory. Last time the foxes triumphed over the Chelsea Ranieri was managing the Londoners. But Leicester have shown little regard for history this season and if Vardy gets his shooting boots on to break his goal-scoring drought at Swansea last week then a home win is eminently possible.
It only needs a quick look at the names in the Chelsea squad though to bring on a cold sweat - Costa, Fabregas, Terry, Ivanovich, Hazard, Willian etc. etc. - it can only be a matter of time before this team clicks into gear and I fear it could happen tonight.
A finely balanced game. I'm going for a 2-2 draw. Chelsea to take a two goal lead through Costa and another Willian free-kick and City to come back strong in the second half with a Vardy brace.
Predictions?
Predictions for Tonight's Match
posted on 14/12/15
Barney 16th!!!!
Leicester city well player
posted on 14/12/15
Played *
posted on 14/12/15
Don Not tonight.
posted on 14/12/15
My brother predicted Chelsea would get relegated if Hull City and QPR could batter them and get relegated losing those home games. Maybe he is right.
posted on 14/12/15
This is exciting stuff.
Is it even possible for one of the sky4 to be relegated?
And is it even possible for a newly promoted club to actually become PL champions.
Fascinating.
posted on 14/12/15
Lawro has Leicester City on 11 points after 16 games and Chelsea on 35 points after 16 games
Leicester City are instead where he has predicted Chelsea to be and Chelsea are 4 points better then he has predicted Leicester City to be.
posted on 14/12/15
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11712/9912094/claudio-ranieris-appointment-a-risk-for-leicester-city
Great insight from Tony Cottee
"He has managed in Premier League football before but when he did manage with Chelsea, he was working with players that were capable of winning the Premier League," Cottee added.
"At Leicester, it's a completely different ball game. He is going to be dealing with players that are good players but Leicester have got a fight for survival on their hands.
"It's going to be a little bit different managing at the bottom of the Premier League than at the top. He will need to hit the ground running and make sure they get some points on the board.
http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Leicester-City-Claudio-Ranieri-appointment-makes/story-26900142-detail/story.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33513290
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jul/20/claudio-ranieri-defends-record-leicester-city-gary-lineker
http://www.espnfc.co.uk/barclays-premier-league/23/video/2521699/darke-ranieri-appointment-is-a-surprise
https://www.footballpools.com/news/how-twitter-reacted-to-claudio-ranieris-appointment-as-leicester-manager
posted on 15/12/15
The ridiculousness of the situation speaks for itself
posted on 15/12/15
The Jose Mourinho 3 Season DVD Collection: Season 1: Buy The Bus Season 2: Park The Bus Season 3: Throw Players Under The Bus
......
Brilliant
posted on 16/12/15
http://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/teams/west-ham-united/10101593/carroll-chelsea-could-go-down