Chelsea predicted line-up vs. Leicester: Three changes as Maresca risks backlash with Fernandez call

Chelsea have a few injury concerns going into their game against Leicester City this weekend. The Foxes have also been hit with an injury blow, losing Abdul Fatawu, their young forward, who injured his ACL while on international duty. Enzo Maresca also confirmed in his press conference that club captain Reece James will be sidelined due to another muscle injury.

This news has dampened the spirits around the Chelsea squad, but they are fortunate to have the electric Malo Gusto, who has softened the blow of losing their captain. There is also the case of Romeo Lavia, who went on international duty but didn’t feature in any games. Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez only returned from international duty just 48 hours before the match.

So, in what should be a really interesting game, here is the latest team news and predicted Chelsea line-up for the trip to the King Power Stadium - and if you’re here looking for some Fantasy Premier League updates, you can also check out or resident expert’s latest advice column by clicking here.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Robert Sánchez has come under increasing pressure in recent games, with some fans suggesting the club may need to upgrade in goal. However, he will start in goal, with the defense consisting of Malo Gusto at right-back, Marc Cucurella at left-back, and a central defensive pairing of Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana.

One of the success stories of Chelsea’s campaign so far has been how well Colwill and Fofana have stepped up to fill the void left by Thiago Silva’s departure, a role many initially feared would be difficult to fill.

Midfield

This game is likely to see the return of Enzo Fernandez to the starting line-up. The Argentine midfielder has been used as a substitute in recent league matches, but with Lavia’s injury concerns, Fernandez could partner Caicedo in midfield, with Cole Palmer now fit after recovering from the knock that forced him to pull out of the England squad.

This midfield trio is likely to form the backbone of the team as Maresca looks for a positive result.

Forwards

The forward line is where things could get tricky. Nicolas Jackson is expected to start as the central striker, most likely flanked by Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke based on Maresca’s previous selections.

Sánchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.