Can the league's table toppers bounce back from their loss to Spurs and pick maximum points against Leicester?
Chelsea will be looking to bounce back from their first League defeat since September when they take on defending champions Leicester City on Matchday 21. The English champions, Leicester City have not been at their best this season so far, but they often reserve their top football for the best teams and are always a difficult side to break down.
The Blues need momentum after their defeat at the hands of Pochettino's Tottenham Hotspur, and a win over the reigning champions would provide just that.
TEAM NEWS
Chelsea are free of injuries entering this Matchweek 21, but John Terry is suspended for Saturday's match. Nathan Ake has been recalled from a loan to Bournemouth, and he could make the squad.
For the champions, Jamie Vardy should be available after some recent struggles with illness. Ahmed Musa scored twice in the FA Cup win over Everton and will be pushing for a spot in the team. Daniel Amartey, Islam Slimani and Riyad Mahrez are away for the Africa Cup of Nations.
PREVIEW
Chelsea's winning run had to come to an end at one point, and it finally did in Week 20, as London rivals Tottenham proved too much for the league-leaders. It will now be up to Conte and his men to bounce back from that setback―a true test of their title credentials.
Teams have taken a hit and never recovered in the past, and the Blues' ability to put the loss in the rearview mirror and carry on could decide the outcome of the title race. The team has a significant five-point lead at the top of the table heading into Week 21. Antonio Conte is excellent at keeping his players sharp and motivated, meaning he'll have them ready to bounce back from the Spurs defeat.
Colleague Claudio Ranieri has also gained a reputation for preparing his players for big matches, and the Foxes are just as in need of a win as Chelsea. Leicester sit just six points ahead of the relegation zone, and that's far from a safe buffer. The loss of N'Golo Kante has played a big role in their struggles, and on Saturday, Leicester will come face-to-face with their former star. The Frenchman has been impeccable for the Blues and will once again play a big role in winning the midfield battles and shutting down counter-attacks.
Limiting long balls over the top will be the key to victory for the Blues, who have been solid against the counter this season but will face arguably the best in the business in Leicester.
PREDICTION= Leicester City 2 - 2 Chelsea
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