Reece James out again as Enzo Maresca returns to Leicester looking to close in on Premier League leaders – predicted line-ups and talkSPORT commentary

Enzo Maresca will return to Leicester for the first time since leaving for Chelsea this weekend as his side aim to close in on the Premier League’s top two. 

The Blues travel to the King Power Stadium following a draw against Arsenal, with the chance to put some pressure on title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool. 

Chelsea drew with Arsenal last time out and they are competing at the topCredit: Getty

Maresca won the Championship with Leicester City last season, masterminding their promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking.

But now he’s back in charge of a potential title challenger while the Foxes sit dangerously close to the relegation zone under Steve Cooper.

Leicester were beaten by Manchester United in their last game before the international break and they will now need to get a positive result after it to lift spirits. 

Leicester vs Chelsea: Enzo returns

Maresca will likely get a great reception at the King Power.

After a dismal 2022/23 campaign ended in relegation, Leicester desperately needed to get back in the big time straight away. 

And that’s exactly what the former Man City assistant delivered, implementing his dominant tactics instantly and leading the Foxes to promotion. 

His performance in his first managerial role in England expectedly led to some high-quality suitors and one of those was Chelsea. 

With a points deduction looming and the opportunity too good to turn down, Maresca made the jump from the East Midlands to London in the summer. 

Of course, the deduction never came after Leicester won their appeal, but that was not predicted, and not many blame him for making the move after only a year. 

So, fans are likely to say their thanks for an enjoyable and crucial campaign last season when the Italian steps out into the dugout for the first time since leaving. 

Maresca won the Championship title with Leicester last seasonCredit: GettyAfter a six-game unbeaten run against Chelsea in the Premier League between 2018 and 2021 (W2 D4), Leicester have now lost four of their last five against the Blues (D1).Chelsea have lost just one of their last seven Premier League away games against Leicester (W4 D2), winning their last two visits by an aggregate score of 6-1.

Leicester vs Chelsea: Predicted line-ups

Leicester start Abdul Fatawu has been confirmed to have suffered an ACL injury which will keep him out for the remainder of the season.

That is a major blow for Cooper's side who also have Jamie Vardy is also carrying a problem, although he could still be set to make a return to the line-up. 

The Foxes legend will be leading the line should he be fit but in-form Facundo Buonanotte is suspended and won't feature.

Stephy Mavididi is expected to play on the left while due to an injury to Jordan Ayew and Buonanotte's ban, Bilal El Khannouss will likely start.

Cooper may opt to change his system though, with Wilfred Ndidi, Harry Winks and Boubakary Soumare potentially starting as a midfield three, just as they did against Man United.

In defence, Wout Faes and Jannik Vestergaard will likely start at centre-back with James Justin and Victor Kristiansen at full-back and Mads Hermansen in goal. 

As for Chelsea, they have lost their captain again...

Reece James has suffered yet another injury and will be sidelined for this game, with Maresca confirming the news on Thursday.

It means Malo Gusto is likely to be at right-back if fully fit, with Marc Cucurella keeping his place on the left.

Robert Sanchez is the clear No.1 while former Fox Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill take up the centre-back roles in front of him. 

In midfield, Moises Caicedo has starred this season and Romeo Lavia has come into his own, but the latter is a doubt through injury. 

So ex-Leicester star Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall could feature against his former club, although it’s likely to be Enzo Fernandez sitting behind the in-form trio of Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke. 

Jadon Sancho is back fit, while up front, Nicolas Jackson continues to keep Christopher Nkunku out of the team.

Chelsea duo Cole Palmer (12 chances created) and Noni Madueke (5) have created more chances for each other than any other pair of teammates in the Premier League so far this season (17).Wilfred Ndidi has had more touches in the opposition box (33) and provided more assists (4) in the Premier League than any other Leicester player this season. His four assists have come from just nine chances created.

Leicester vs Chelsea: What has been said?

Maresca confirmed the injury to James in his press conference.

He explained: "We have for sure just one injured player and that's Reece.

"He unfortunately felt something small and we don't want to take a risk for the weekend. The rest are better or a doubt."

The Italian added: "Hopefully it is not something long. He felt something, he has to be out and then we'll see.

"It's his hamstring, a muscle problem."

James is injured againCredit: GettyLeicester are winless in their last 13 Premier League games against sides starting the day in the top four of the table (D3 L10) since a 1-0 win against Liverpool in December 2021. They’ve conceded 35 goals in these 13 games, an average of 2.7 per game.Chelsea have won just one of their last seven Premier League games immediately following an international break (D3 L3), beating Bournemouth 1-0 earlier this season.

Leicester vs Chelsea: talkSPORT coverage 

This Premier League clash will take place on Saturday, November 23. 

Kick-off at the King Power Stadium is scheduled for 12:30pm. 

talkSPORT will have live and EXCLUSIVE coverage of the game presented by Reshmin Chowdhury. 

Commentary will come from Sam Matterface and former England striker Darren Bent. 

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream. 

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

Regular updates of the game will be on our dedicated Premier League blog too. 

Meanwhile, TNT Sports will broadcast the match live on TV. 

Leicester vs Chelsea: talkSPORT BET Odds

Match odds:

Leicester - 5/1

Draw - 17/5

Chelsea - 9/20

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