Chelsea vs Leicester: FA Cup team news, probable lineups and prediction

 

Chelsea are looking to progress to the semi-finals of the FA Cup at Leicester's expense on Sunday afternoon as the pair lock horns at Stamford Bridge. 

 

Ahead of this FA Cup quarter-final tie, we provide the necessary pre-match information, including where to watch the game, what time it kicks off, team news, probable XIs and a SkyBet price boost. 

 

When is kick off?        

Sunday 17th March, 12:45 GMT        

Where is the match?          

Stamford Bridge, London 

What TV channel is it on?          

BBC One 

 

Route to the quarter-finals 

 

Chelsea were handed a routine opening draw for their FA Cup campaign as they drew Preston at home in the third round. The Blues dispatched of the Championship side with ease as they secured a reosunding 4-0 win. Aston Villa then held Mauricio Pochettino's side at Stamford Bridge, only for Chelsea to claim a 3-1 FA Cup reply win at Villa Park. A late Conor Gallagher strike last month confirmed a 3-2 win over Leeds to set up a quarter-final meeting with Leicester. 

 

The Foxes faced fellow Championship opposition in their opening two rounds of the FA Cup as they beat Millwall and Birmingham 3-2 and 3-0, respectively. A trip to Bournemouth awaited Enzo Maresca's side and they navigated the Cherries at the Vitality Stadium with Abdul Fatawu's extra time strike confirming a 1-0 victory on the south coast. 

 

Team News 

 

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is hoping to have Benoit Badiashile and Ben Chilwell available for selection with the pair doubts. He is without no fewer than six players here, however, with Christopher Nkunku, Wesley Fofana and Reece James among those absent. Pochettino may also use Robert Sanchez and Mykhailo Mudryk from the outset. 

 

For Leicester, Wilfred Ndidi is a long-term absentee, though the Nigerian is the Foxes' only player who is a certainty to miss out. Dennis Praet and Ricardo Pereira are doubts for Enzo Maresca and the duo will be assessed. 

 

Probable XIs 

 

Chelsea vs Leicester: FA Cup team news, probable lineups and prediction

 

Chelsea (4231) - Sanchez; Gusto, Disasi, Chalobah, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Palmer, Gallagher, Mudryk; Jackson

 

Leicester (433) - Stolarczyk; Choudhury, Coady, Vestergaard, Doyle; Dewsbury-Hall, Raikhy, Akgun; Albrighton, Vardy, Marcal

 

SkyBet Price Boost

 

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is desperate to keep Conor Gallagher at Stamford Bridge beyond the summer. Gallagher has a little over a year left on his current deal in west London and has been linked with a move to rivals Tottenham. Some at the club are eager to cash in on the England international to help balance the books.

 

Chelsea vs Leicester: FA Cup team news, probable lineups and prediction

 

Gallagher has been a revelation for a disappointing Blues side this season, yet has a knack for landing in hot water with officials. Indeed, the 24-year-old has committed at least 14 more fouls (58) than any other player in the Premier League this season. SkyBet are looking to maximise this rashness to Gallagher's game and have boosted Gallagher to commit at least four fouls inside 90 minutes on Sunday from 11/4 to 7/2.

 

Score Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Leicester

Chelsea vs Leicester: FA Cup team news, probable lineups and prediction