Chelsea and Leicester City will meet on Saturday, Aug. 27, at Stamford Bridge in what has become a must-win match for both clubs in Matchweek 4 of the Premier League.
After a controversial draw with Tottenham in Matchweek 2, the Blues were poised to bounce back over the weekend at Elland Road in hopes of taking three points against Leeds United. Instead, Chelsea was humbled in a 3-nil defeat that leaves the London club sitting 12th in the EPL table.
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Leicester City enters the match winless at 0-1-2, having lost at home to Southampton on Saturday. The Foxes sit among the bottom three in the Premier League, surrendering a league-worst eight goals.
Next Match
With each club desperate for three points, let’s look at current betting lines to find the best value and prop bets for this Matchweek 4 showdown between Chelsea and Leicester City.
Matthew Williams' 2022-23 EPL Betting Record: 9-10, +10.9 units
Chelsea vs Leicester City Odds
- 3-way Handicap: Chelsea (-275) | Draw (+400) | Leicester City (+725)
- Draw No Bet: Chelsea (-900) / Leicester City (+500)
- Over/Under Goals: Over 2.5 (-165) / Under 2.5 (+120)
Chelsea vs Leicester odds are current as of Monday, Aug. 22, at 11 a.m. EST on BetMGM Sportsbook.
Chelsea enters the match with Leicester City as a massive home favorite, with the expectation of Over 2.5 goals being scored at Stamford Bridge.
Betting on the Blues to win will net little profit, so if you are looking to place a wager on this match, you may need to get creative with a combination bet or by taking a massive swing on the Foxes.
Chelsea vs Leicester City Betting Tips
Koulibaly absence could spell trouble for Chelsea defense
During Chelsea’s 3-nil defeat to Leeds United, Kalidou Koulibaly picked up a second yellow card during the final minutes, earning the defender a red card and a costly one-game ban.
Koulibaly has arguably been Chelsea’s most valuable player this season, with precision passing and elite concentration on defense as part of Thomas Tuchel’s back three. With the 31-year-old sidelined, the Blues will likely rely on veteran César Azpilicueta to step in, with Ben Chilwell likely to see minutes as well against his former club.
The absence of Koulibaly may open up an opportunity for Jamie Vardy and the Leicester attack, who are tied for 6th in the Premier League in goals scored.
Last-minute transfers could swing the result
The summer transfer window comes to a close on Thursday, Sept. 1, and two of the most significant rumored transactions could impact the match between Chelsea and Leicester City.
First, there is the intriguing question of which uniform Wesley Fofana will be wearing this weekend. The 21-year-old center back has been an offseason target for the Blues over the last several weeks, with a deal looking more and more likely by the day. Fofana was even left out of the Foxes squad during their match with Southampton, adding fuel to the transfer fire.
Signing the French defender could go a long way in filling the void Koulibaly will leave behind this weekend for the Blues if a deal can be agreed upon between the two clubs.
The second question will be if Chelsea can add a much-needed attacker this week, such as Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Over the first three weeks, the Blues’ front three of Raheem Sterling, Kai Havertz, and Mason Mount have produced zero goals, and the presence of a genuine threat in the attacking third could be a difference maker.
Leicester struggles away
Last season, Leicester City went 4-6-9 on their travels with a goal differential of -8. This made the Foxes the sixth-worst road club in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Stamford Bridge is a difficult place to play for any opponent, as Chelsea lost just three matches at home last season.
Leicester will need to dramatically outperform their track record if they are going to earn their first victory of the season this weekend.
Chelsea vs Leicester City Prediction
Chelsea 2-1 Leicester City
Chelsea does not seem to be playing an optimal lineup right now. Key players, such as Reece James, are playing out of position, while the Blues midfield continues to struggle on the counterattack. Until Tuchel is able to find the proper balance in his starting eleven, Chelsea will continue to play imperfect football.
I expect the home team to walk away with three points this weekend, but I do not expect a walk in the park.
Leicester City may be off to a rough start, but they have not had issues scoring goals. This Premier League showdown could be closer than many expect, with both teams likely to find the back of the net.
Chelsea vs Leicester City Best Bets
➕ Chelsea to Win and Both Teams to Score (+190)
WAGER: 1 Unit
As mentioned above, Jamie Vardy and the Foxes may be difficult to keep off the scoreboard entirely.
The absence of Koulibaly is a tough blow for Chelsea, and while I expect them to win at home, this will be a close match.
Bet on the Blues to take care of business at Stamford Bridge, but not on a clean sheet.
Who will win the Premier League title?
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