Chelsea will look to extend their positive momentum when they host Leicester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday in the Premier League.
📅 Match Date: March 9, 2025
⏰ Kickoff Time: 7:45 PM
🏟 Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
Match Preview
Chelsea’s Struggles and Home Resurgence
After being in the title race late in 2024, Chelsea’s league campaign has unraveled. A five-game winning streak ended with a draw at Everton, followed by a poor run of just three wins in 11 league matches, including five defeats.
However, the three victories in that stretch have come in their last three home games, scoring nine goals against Wolves, West Ham, and Southampton. This gives Maresca the opportunity to achieve four consecutive home wins for the first time since taking over.
With the top five in the Premier League now likely to qualify for the Champions League, securing three points is crucial. Chelsea currently sit fifth, but the race remains extremely tight, with just six points separating third and 10th place.
Leicester’s Freefall Towards Relegation
Leicester’s disastrous form has put them in serious danger of relegation. The Foxes have lost 11 of their last 12 league matches, a streak that includes a run of six straight home defeats without scoring—an unwanted record in Premier League history.
Their 2-0 defeat at West Ham last weekend means another two-goal loss would see Leicester lose five consecutive league games by the same margin for the first time in 95 years.
Despite their struggles, they remain just five points from safety, as their relegation rivals also lost last weekend. However, pressure is mounting on Ruud van Nistelrooy, and a heavy defeat at Stamford Bridge could bring his position under further scrutiny.
Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
✅ Overall Meetings: 61 matches – Chelsea 35 wins, Leicester 9 wins, 17 draws
✅ Last Meeting: Leicester 1-2 Chelsea (Premier League, November 2024)
✅ Chelsea’s Home Form: Three consecutive wins at Stamford Bridge, scoring nine goals.
✅ Leicester’s Struggles: 11 defeats in their last 12 league matches.
Team News
Chelsea Injury Updates
🚑 Out: Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu (all out until after the international break)
✅ Returning Soon: Romeo Lavia (back in training, expected to return next week)
🔹 Key Change: Reece James was used in midfield and impressed, scoring against Copenhagen.
Leicester Injury Updates
🚑 Out: Ricardo Pereira, Abdul Fatawu
✅ Fit to Play: Woyo Coulibaly
🔹 Possible Change: Stephy Mavididi is expected to start after being benched for six straight games.
Predicted Lineups
Chelsea Possible XI (4-3-3):
Jorgensen; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; James, Enzo, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Nkunku
Leicester Possible XI (4-2-3-1):
Hermansen; Justin, Faes, Vestergaard, Kristiansen; Ndidi, Soumare; Buonanotte, El Khannouss, Mavididi; Vardy
Prediction
Given Leicester’s horrific form, this could be a repeat of Chelsea’s recent 4-0 win over Southampton. The Blues’ strong home record and Leicester’s defensive frailties point toward another comfortable victory.
🔮 Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Leicester City
Where to Watch from Nepal
📺 Live on: Epic Sports, Score808, Live7HD
