Kante and Giroud start, Predicted Chelsea XI to face Leicester City

Chelsea will be aiming to secure their first victory of the new season when they entertain Leicester at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The Blues have already succumbed to defeats to Manchester United and Liverpool in the Premier League and UEFA Super Cup respectively, but they did not deserve to be on the losing side with the performance against the latter.

Formation: 4-3-3

Predicted Lineup:

Kepa Arrizabalaga produced a splendid performance between the sticks against Jurgen Klopp's side but that was not sufficient to guide them over the line with Super Cup glory. He is expected to start in goal for the visit of the Foxes.

Blues boss Frank Lampard would preferably go with the same backline as the players were able to redeem themselves against the Reds in midweek. However, they are expected to assess the fitness of Andreas Christensen, who sustained a knock and that may offer Fikayo Tomori with a maiden Premier League start.

In the midfield, the trio of Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and N'Golo Kante worked perfectly in Istanbul and Lampard may not observe changes irrespective of the fitness of the players. Kante, in particular, turned up with one of his best-ever performances and he could prove a key performer this weekend, operating in an advanced central midfield role.

In the frontline, no changes are likely from the recent Cup clash and both Pedro and Christian Pulisic should keep their places on the wings. While Pulisic impressed on his maiden Blues start with an assist, Pedro was likewise a threat from the right side of the attack with a number of scoring attempts.

Upfront, Olivier Giroud should get the nod over Tammy Abraham after bagging the opening goal in Istanbul. Giroud has undoubtedly shown that he can prove a better threat in front of goal compared to the young Abraham and he should be rewarded with a league start after the midweek showing.

Predicted XI: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cesar Azpilicueta, Fikayo Tomori, Kurt Zouma, Emerson, Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho, N'Golo Kante, Pedro, Christian Pulisic, Olivier Giroud