Chelsea will be defending a 14-year unbeaten run against Leicester City tonight as they travel to King Power Stadium in a bid to move ever closer to their fourth Premier League title.
Victory would put the Blues only three points shy of the 83 they need to be certain of a first title since 2010, and would guarantee atleast a second-place finish.
Leicester’s last win over the Blues came in 2001, but Chelsea have won the past seven meetings between the sides, scoring 22 goals in the process.
Having been branded boring after a goalless draw at nearest title challengers Arsenal on Sunday, Jose Mourinho’s side will be eager to silence their critics against a team battling relegation.
The hosts have found a much-needed run of form of late though, winning their past four games to move outside the drop zone, with striker Jamie Vardy scoring three and assisting two goals in his past five games.
But he is in a race against time to be fit to face Chelsea after requiring an injection in his foot to play in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Burnley.
Chelsea will monitor the fitness of one of their own strikers, Diego Costa, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury but could make his return.
Mourinho has spoken of his eagerness to put the title race to bed and with Loic Remy still injured, the Chelsea boss could well risk his top scorer against Leicester.
Having just been voted the PFA Player of the Year, Eden Hazard will be brimming with confidence and looking to add to the 88 goalscoring chances he has created in the league this season, a tally higher than any other player.
With David Nugent and Jeffrey Schlupp also doubtful and a crunch match with Newcastle at the weekend, Leicester boss Nigel Pearson has insisted he will not field a weakened side against Chelsea.
Esteban Cambiasso will go up against his former boss Mourinho, who managed him at Inter Milan, and his playmaking and leadership skills could be a decisive factor.
Star man: Eden Hazard
Danger man: Esteban Cambiasso
Last meeting: Chelsea 2-0 Leicester, August 23 2014
