The great escape looks to be on for Leicester after they recorded their fourth straight Premier League win with a 1-0 success away to Burnley. They had to survive a huge fright, however, as Matty Taylor missed a penalty only moments before Jamie Vardy scored the only goal of the game. It was Vardy’s third goal in five games and he is proving to be a real asset during this run-in. With that victory, Leicester have moved out the bottom three for the first time since November. It is still far from over, though, as they are just one point above Sunderland and there remains plenty of football to be played. It is looking increasingly like one club from five. With QPR and Burnley four and five points adrift of safety respectively, and having played a game more than sides above them, it is difficult to see them surviving at this stage.
Chelsea celebrated the goalless draw with Arsenal on Sunday like a victory. Despite it being an instantly forgettable game, the point means they extended the gap between themselves and Manchester City to 10 points and basically wrap up the title. Without the services of Diego Costa and Loic Remy – and with Didier Drogba carrying a knock – Jose Mourinho opted to play without a recognised striker which had a direct impact on how the away team approached the game. Interestingly, it was the first time Chelsea failed to score in a Premier League game since the end of November – a run of 21. That did not stop the critics weighing in on Mourinho who proclaimed it as boring and negative. It may well not be the most attractive to watch but there’s still no denying they are by far the best team in England, this season.
On paper, this looks like being one of those games which anything Leicester take from it would be a bonus. However, we are getting to a stage in the season where clubs in the battle to avoid relegation can not afford to write games off and with the form they are currently in, Nigel Pearson’s men may fancy their chances of taking something from the champions-elect. It certainly would be a huge boost to their survival hopes and set them up for another massive game against struggling Newcastle on Saturday.
With their 10 point lead, Chelsea can win the league as early as this weekend. Should they beat Leicester then Arsenal would be the only club capable of stopping them, mathematically. The Gunners (who do not play until Monday) would not be able to do anything should Mourinho’s men defeat Crystal Palace on Sunday. Although it looks inevitable and a very much a question of when, rather than if, the Chelsea players will be hoping to clinch the Championship in front of their own supporters at the earliest opportunity.
Unsurprisingly, this is the first time Leicester have won four consecutive top flight games for 18 years. The odds are against them to make it five in-a-row but I expect them to give Chelsea a real test on Wednesday. The away team are likely to be more attack-minded having secured a hard-earned point on Sunday. This fixture has a history of goals with 33 goals in the last nine meetings between the two. Leicester are a team who very much look to take the game to their opponents and play in the front foot. Chelsea’s attacking options are limited at present and they may have to rely on the recently crowned PFA Player of the Year, Eden Hazard, again. The Belgian wide man has scored in three of Chelsea’s last five away games in the league and I fancy him to have a similar impact again.
Eden Hazard to score anytime 13/8 @ Betfair
