Leicester vs Chelsea Predictions, Betting Tips & Preview

A fresh and well rested Leicester side will host Chelsea in the FA Cup on Sunday. Conte’s men will have to recover quickly from a tricky tie in Barcelona less than four days earlier, but they’ll also be aware that they will have a two week break after this game.

Game: Leicester vs Chelsea

Venue: King Power Stadium

Kick-off: Sunday, 18th March, 4.30pm

Leicester haven’t been beaten at home all that often. The Foxes have a strong record against Premier League opposition, dating back to the revival that saw them narrowly survive prior to their Premier League success. But still, Chelsea have won three of their last four league trips to the King Power, and they were eventual 4-2 winners here in the sides’ last cup meeting.

One might suspect that the Foxes may be feeling the happier of the two sides come kick-off. Their last result was a 4-1 victory over West Brom and that won’t change, whilst Chelsea’s mood could be dictated by Wednesday’s result. At the time of writing the blues have lost two of three to top four rivals, and Barcelona are priced odds on to end their Champions League dream.

Leicester are the underdogs despite being the hosts. The Foxes are available at 12/5 with Paddy Power, whilst the draw can be backed at 23/10 through Bet365. Unibet are best odds 15/13 on a Chelsea win.

Chelsea’s defence have become error prone of late. Mistakes against Barcelona, United and Palace have cost Chelsea a champions league lead and a crucial point (or perhaps even three) at Old Trafford. Leicester have allowed just three goals in seven home games, but they continue to find the net and those games were against weaker opposition.

Back our Free Betting Tip: Over 2.5 goals at 4/5 with Betfred

Chelsea have seen both teams score in eight of their 14 away Premier League games, with 10 of those 14 games featuring three or more goals. Only one Leicester home games has failed to produce two or more goals, and you can expect that extra motivation and freedom to attack in a cup game. This could be a tricky game for the Blues, but they won’t go away easily.

Back our Score Prediction: 2-2 draw at 13/1 with Bet365

Rotation is far more likely for Chelsea than Leicester, who will hope to come through Wednesday’s game fighting fit. There’s a two week break awaiting these sides after this game and Leicester have had the week off, so there’s no question of Jamie Vardy not playing a part here. Vardy has an eye for a goal in a big game, and the price for him to score is perhaps higher than it should be.

Back our Scorer Prediction: Jamie Vardy at 2/1 with Paddy Power