Leicester to get a result at Stamford Bridge
Lampard’s baptism of fire just highlighted the task he has on his hands at Chelsea. They face a Foxes side who are yet to find their identity under Brendan Rodgers. Who will come out on top this Sunday? Have a read of our preview here:
Lampard licking his wounds
Frank Lampard could not have got off to a worse start as Chelsea manager. His side were humbled by United in their opening fixture at Old Trafford against a team that had not been expected to be that strong this season.
The lack of new faces, due to the transfer embargo, has seen Lampard turn to his youth system and, as impressive as the idea is, it is unlikely to see the Blues have a successful campaign in a ruthless Premier League.
Chelsea were the only ‘big-six’ side not to pick up three points on the opening day of the season which has already seen Liverpool and Manchester City produce scintillating attacking displays.
The Chelsea legend is going to be afforded some time, but he will need to bounce back quickly from such a mauling. He can’t even use youth as an excuse given that United actually fielded a side with a younger average age.
Chelsea's starting XI average age was 25 years and 199 days - compared to Manchester United's average age of 24 years and 227 days yet United’s superior quality was clear for all to see.
Brendan Rodger trying to fire up the Foxes
It seems like a long time ago since Leicester shook the football world and won the Premier League. Of that side there are still some players left including Kasper Schmeichel and Jamie Vardy but the number of changes in the dugout since Ranieri’s miracle have left the Foxes in limbo.
This is a side yet to find a clearly defined identity and but in Brendan Rodgers, they have a manager who is perfectly suited to do it. His playing style, his philosophy and his ability to coach young players is exactly what Leicester need and if he is given time, this could be an exciting spell for the supporters.
They have lost a big player in Harry Maguire while Premier League winners Shinji Okazaki and Danny Simpson have moved on but Ayoze Perez, signed from Newcastle, and Youri Tielemans are exciting additions and should fit into a Rodgers system nicely.
Even with Chelsea in transition, it will be a close game but Leicester could well leave Stamford Bridge with a positive result.
Chelsea vs Leicester betting tip
Given Chelsea’s problems, it will likely take a while for Lampard to get his side playing with the confidence and swagger he is looking for. Meanwhile, Rodgers will also be hoping his new player bed in quickly so backing this one to end in a draw at odds of 27/10 appears to be well worth a punt.
