3 key battles that can determine the outcome of Chelsea’s clash against the Foxes

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Chelsea travel to the King Power Stadium to face Leicester City when the Premier League returns to action this Saturday.

Chelsea finally seem to have the right combination as they won both their games against Spurs and Everton after an embarrassing opening day loss at home. Eden Hazard’s return from injury will be a huge boost for Antonio Conte as well.

Leicester City, meanwhile, sold Danny Drinkwater to their opponents on the deadline day and signed Adrien Silva from Sporting Lisbon but FIFA is rejecting his registration on the grounds of being late by 14 seconds.

Craig Shakespeare’s men have endured a difficult start already facing Arsenal and Manchester United in their first three games.

Here are some key battles that could have a telling impact on the game.

1) Jamie Vardy vs David Luiz

Vardy’s pace is second to none. He likes to run behind the defenders and beat them by pace. He will find it a tough job to do against Chelsea’s David Luiz. Luiz is not by any means the most reliable defender but what he does possess is a great combination of pace and strength. If avoids any lapses in concentration, Leicester’s top goal scorer could find it tough to break the defence. However, Vardy can punish even the smallest error so Luiz will have to beware of the threat.

 

2) Alvaro Morata vs Harry Maguire

Morata has started life in the Premier League well with two goals and two assists already. His intelligent running and link up play gets the wingers involved in the game and he is always on the lookout for gaps and spaces in the defence. Leicester’s new centre back Harry Maguire will be tasked with filling those gaps. The former Hull City defender is a robust and rugged no-nonsense defender and does not fear any physical challenge thrown at him. But the challenge that Morata will require Maguire’s concentration more than strength. Intriguing duel in the making.

 

3) Riyad Mahrez vs Marcos Alonso

Mahrez failed to secure a transfer on the deadline day which means he will have to stick to Leicester at least till January. He has featured in all of Leicester’s games so far and has shown complete commitment as well. He will be up against an in-form Alonso. Alonso’s attacking abilities are not questioned but his defensive contribution is still a doubt. Whether he is able to deal with Mahrez’s pace and trickery whilst still providing the attacking threat he does remains to be seen.

Read: Chelsea’s predicted line up vs Leicester City.