MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 7: Jeremy Monga of Leicester City during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester United and Leicester City at Old Trafford on February 7, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Leicester City are set to take on Chelsea in a Premier League clash on Sunday afternoon, as they continue their battle to avoid relegation.
The Foxes are struggling to prevent an immediate return to the Championship, with their season going from bad to worse. Steve Cooper was dismissed after just 12 league matches, but his successor, Ruud van Nistelrooy, has also failed to turn things around.
The Dutchman has endured a torrid spell in charge, losing 11 of his last 12 Premier League games, which has seen Leicester plummet to 19th in the table. While survival is still mathematically possible, their poor form suggests it’s an unlikely outcome.
Their next challenge in their fight to stay up is a tough trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on Sunday, March 9th.
Leicester City Team and Injury Updates Ahead of Chelsea Clash
Chelsea, currently sitting fifth in the table, are strong favorites to claim victory in this encounter. However, one positive for Van Nistelrooy is that Leicester have relatively few injury concerns heading into the game.
Winger Abdul Fatawu recently shared an update on his recovery, but he is still expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the campaign. Meanwhile, Ricardo Pereira returned to training last month, though there is no confirmed date for his return to action. In his absence, James Justin and January signing Woyo Coulibaly have been filling in at right-back.
Aside from these issues, the Foxes have no major fitness worries as they prepare to face Enzo Maresca’s side.
Jeremy Monga Tipped for Leicester City’s Predicted XI vs Chelsea
With Leicester’s form in free fall and recent performances—particularly against West Ham and Brentford—being woeful, Van Nistelrooy may need to shake things up.
A lack of significant reinforcements in January has left the former Manchester United striker with an underperforming squad. Given their struggles, this might be the perfect opportunity to introduce young talent.
One standout candidate is 15-year-old Jeremy Monga, who was included on the bench for Leicester’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester United last month. Manchester City are reportedly interested in the teenager, but giving him first-team opportunities could help convince him to stay at the King Power Stadium.
Elsewhere, Jannik Vestergaard’s poor display against West Ham could see him dropped in favor of Caleb Okoli, while Stephy Mavididi may also return to the lineup to add more attacking firepower on the flanks.
