Leicester vs Chelsea - Premier League RECAP: Blues go just a point behind Man City as Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez get on scoresheet

Well then, the Premier League is now back in full flow.

It's fair to say that it wasn't the most electrifying return to action, but at least we got to see a few goals.

Two of them were from Chelsea as they took a 2-0 lead away at Leicester going into stoppage time.

But then, bums started twitching.

A late penalty from Jordan Ayew made it a little nervy for the Blues, but in the end, they just proved too strong for the Foxes.

Now it's time for me to wave goodbye, but don't worry, I will be back to cover tonight's big game between Manchester City and Tottenham very soon.

I'm sure I'll see you all there, right?

I mean, I better. If not, then you don't deserve a goodbye. Just kidding, I hope you all have a lovely afternoon regardless.

Before I go, I think it is only right for me to leave you with this gem of a match story from the King Power Stadium.

Mail Sport's Tom Collomosse bore witness to Enzo Maresca's winning return to his old club Leicester.

You have heard a lot of Tom's thoughts throughout the afternoon, but if you want to read more, this is the story for you.

It was one hell of an afternoon in the East Midlands.

Read more:

Wesley Fofana, Chelsea defender, speaking to the BBC:

After the international break it is a bit harder. Some players only came back yesterday. We played well and we won the game which is the most important thing. The job is done. We have the three points.

We like this pressure, we play for this and to finish at the top. We try to win every game to stay high. It felt great to come back here, two incredible years here.

Steve Cooper, Leicester boss, speaking to TNT Sports:

We’ve had some terrible luck with this referee. That’s continued today. There’s also the game to talk about. Tough first half in terms of Chelsea territory and dominance with the ball. We gave away a poor goal. It should have been 0-0. We had two good chances ourselves in the first half.

Defensively we were generally OK. We need to be showing good courage and belief. If we do that we can create chances and be a threat. We’ll always be disappointed with the goals we conceded.

The big moment is the first penalty [not given], it’s clear what happened there. The second one was offside [before VAR] and you see how onside he was. That was the story of the officials’ game. You can [speak to them] after 30 minutes. I’m not sure if I will or won’t.

I have to say, I am uber-impressed by Nicolas Jackson this season.

Many likened him to Darwin Nunez. he was clearly talented but just couldn't consistently take his chances.

There were calls for Enzo Maresca to sign a new striker and offload Jackson, despite a half-decent first campaign.

Those calls are now long in the past.

Jackson looks every bit of the goalscorer that Chelsea have been screaming out for these past few years.

He already has seven goals this season and just looks so confident in front of goal.

It looks like the Blues are in safe hands.

Nicolas Jackson, Chelsea goalscorer, speaking on TNT Sports:

The most important thing is that we won the game. We know that the month of December and November there are a lot of games, so we try to recover and prepare for the next one coming.

On his goal:

I saw the danger and then I went. The ball went to Enzo [Fernandez], he gave it to me and I finished quickly. I'm just working every game to try and score and help the team as always.

We simply have to watch this video back...

For those of you who haven't seen what Noni Madueke managed to do in that second half, here is your chance to.

I mean, it is extremely unlucky from the winger, he did actually try to jump and avoided Cole Palmer's shot.

But still, it's one of the finest blocks I have seen from a player on the same team as the person who took the shot.

Thankfully for both of them, Chelsea went on to win.

It only took two years, eh?

With the £105million price stage looming over Enzo Fernandez's head, the fans have been waiting for him to turn up with a performance like today.

I mean, he has been largely underwhelming for them.

But today he bagged both a goal and an assist in a Premier League game for the very first time.

He can leave Leicester with a smile on his face.

This turned out to be a very important goal from Enzo Fernandez.

The second half was pretty pants until the ball left the boot of Marc Cucurella and found Nicolas Jackson.

Luckily for Chelsea, that bit of quality led to Enzo Fernandez being able to head home the second.

A big moment for the Argentine after a tough start to the season for him.

Scoreline made this game look much closer than it was. The second half was largely a non-event, despite Leicester’s flurry at the end of the first. Chelsea were in control for at least 90 per cent of the game.

Nope, they could not...

Chelsea hold on for a very valuable three points in the East Midlands to go third in the table.

I mean, it was hardly convincing from Enzo Maresca's side but a win is a win, I guess.

Levi Colwill is down as the whistle goes, though, and Chelsea will be hoping it's nothing serious.

Leicester have a free-kick in the final moments here.

They just have to lump it up into the mixer, surely this is the last chance saloon.

They couldn't could they?

Jordan Ayew gets the job done.

The substitute just about squeezes the ball past Robert Sanchez and races straight back to his own half.

I feel this may be a little late for a comeback, though. But you just never know.

VAR overturns the decision and Leicester do indeed have a penalty.

With Jamie Vardy off the pitch, it will be Jordan Ayew who will step up.

Is it too little too late, though?

Oh, hang on...

VAR is taking a look at this, it looks like Bobby De-Cordova Reid is actually onside.

If he is, surely this will be given.

It just has not been Leicester's day...

They think they have a penalty as Bobby De-Cordova Reid goes down under the challenge of Romeo Lavia.

But the flag goes up for offside...

The fourth official shares that there will be four minutes of stoppage time.

There is then applause from the home fans as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall enters the action for his homecoming.

He replaces Nicolas Jackson to feature against his old team for the first time.

That was a lovely reaction.

The Leicester fans have well and truly seen enough.

They are all flooding for the exits as the Chelsea fans 'ole' every single time their team makes a pass.

It's been another pants day for the Foxes.

As the boos continue to echo around the ground, Jadon Sancho returns to action.,

The Chelsea winger replaces Noni Madueke for the final few minutes of this one.

Can he help them see it out?

The Leicester fans are not a happy bunch.

A replay of the challenge has just been shown on the big screens and there is now a chorus of boos from the stands.

They, like me, are in disbelief.

Oooooo...

Stephy Mavididi is screaming for a penalty as he is clattered in the area by Wesley Fofana.

It looks like a certain penalty but the referee waves it away and VAR agrees with him.

That decision is a bit mental...

Now Enzo Maresca is the one who turns to the bench.

He makes his first substitutions as Joao Felix and Moises Caicedo's afternoons are over.

Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia are entrusted to close the game.

One last throw of the dice from Steve Cooper?

The Leicester boss turns to both Patson Daka and Bobby De-Cordova Reid to pull them out of this hole.

Jamie Vardy and Bilal El Khannouss are the players that make way.

The King Power has fallen pretty flat now, that goal has sapped all hope from within this place.

The players now don't look like they believe either and Wout Faes has his hands on his hips after being given a yellow card.

This is all but over.

What did I say again?

Just after I slated the quality in this second half, Marc Cucurella produces a delightful cross which brings Chelsea's second goal.

The Spaniard finds Nicolas Jackson who forces Mads Hermansen into a superb stop.

However, it falls straight to Enzo Fernandez to head home into an empty net.

Game. Set. Match.

I think the lack of action posts in this match tells you everything you need to know.

Bar that bizarre, but hilarious, mess-up between Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke, not much has happened in this second half.

It's all bark no bite. Come on lads, entertain us.

Steve Cooper turns to the bench.

Kasey McAteer's Premier League full debut is now over as he is replaced by Stephy Mavididi.

Jordan Ayew is also on in place of the booked Wilfried Ndidi - a very attacking change.

Will they pay off?

Oh dear, Robert...

Chelsea's goalkeeper is now in the book for time-wasting and the Leicester fans are loving it.

Some of the loudest cheers I have heard all day.

Noni Maduek seems to be involved in everything Chelsea do, whether it's good or bad.

I mean, he must be desperate to wipe that block from his memory.

He was like Paulo Maldini in his prime as he rushed to make sure Cole Palmer didn't add to his tally.

Anyway, he is giving Kristiansen a torrid time down the right and cuts inside to set up Enzo Fernandez.

But the latter bends an effort miles wide of the mark.

This is the Catch-22 for Leicester. The more they edge out of their defensive bunker, the more inviting the spaces are for Chelsea to exploit. That Palmer/Madueke mix-up for the home team was a huge let-off for the home team.

Leiecsters flurry at the end of the first half and the start of the second has now faded.

The visitors are having all the ball and trying to make sure that Noni Madueke's block does not come back to haunt them.

I mean, whatever happens, that moment is not being forgotten... ever.

Blimey. Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke saw the funny side to the former missing an open goal because the ball was blasted into the latter, but Enzo Maresca didn't.

He had his head in his hands on the touchline. Chelsea need to take these chances if they want to put this game to bed once and for all.

I'm still sitting here with my mouth aghast.

I had started typing goal as the ball was rolling to Cole Palmer, it seemed certain he would score.

I bet Noni Madueke never expected to be clearing his own teammate's effort off the line.

He needs to change his position to centre-back!

What have I just witnessed??

Noni Madueke manages to block Cole Palmer's effort from just two yards out when it was destined for the net.

I am in disbelief, I am not sure I have ever seen something like that before.

Enzo Maresca has his head in his hands...

Wilfried Ndidi needs to remember he is on a yellow card...

The midfielder shoves Benoit Badiashile to the floor while chasing the ball on the attack.

If there are any more challenges like that, maybe he could be sent for an early bath.

Leicester's momentum from the end of the first half seems to have carried into this one.

The King Power is up and alive after being deadly quiet for the majority of the first half.

How games can change, eh?

That break went quickly, didn't it?

The players are back out and there have been no changes to the two teams.

However, there has been on the touchline as the assistant referee and fourth official have now switched.

I'm guessing there was an injury...

El Khannouss is part of a very exciting Moroccan generation and was one of the best in Belgium last year. He’s growing into this game, too. Leicester look for him whenever they can.

Nicolas Jackosn really has been impressive this season.

for somebody who has been criticised endlessly since he arrived in England, he just keeps on proving people wrong.

That goal means that he now has 10 goal involvements in the Premier League this season, with seven of them goals.

In fact, no player in the top flight has scored more than his five goals in away games this campaign.

Only Erling Haaland has scored more Premier League goals since the beginning of May than Jackson, who has 11.

A few boos at half time from Leicester fans. There would have been more had they not at least shown some attacking intent from the 38th minute onward.

Chelsea should have put this match out of sight long before that, given the chances they created.

If tenacity could be described by showing a video, this is it.

Nicolas Jackson just would not stop bothering Wout Faes until Chelsea won the ball back.

It was his relentless pressing that created the chance and my word did he finish it off.

A brilliant goal.

There goes the half-time whistle.

Chelsea lead at the break and you would say they deserve it based on the first 35 minutes of that half.

But my word did they nearly mess it up before the break, allowing Leicester to build up a head of steam.

However, it's just Nicolas Jackson's strike that separates the sides for now.

These last passages of play may prove I was wrong, it is time for a break.

Two corners go into the box and both times the referee blows for pushing.

What a waste, eh?

There will be four minutes of stoppage time.

I simply don't want this half to end, the last 10 or so minutes have been non-stop action.

What a game this is turning into!

It's end-to-end stuff and Chelsea very nearly double their lead on the break from a Leicester free-kick.

Nicolas Jackson races down the left and floats the ball to Noni Madueke inside the area.

It's a perfect height for Madueke to head but he goes with his foot and volleys the ball wide.

How has there only been one goal in this half??

Oh, Leicester really should be level...

Chelsea really have taken their foot off the gas and Wilfried Ndidi nearly makes them pay.

The ball falls his way in acres of space inside the area but he shanks it well wide of the post.

He should do better there.

The worry for Chelea is they have a habit of playing terrific football but not putting themselves out of sight. They're now the ones under pressure before half-time after dominating this match and Leicester's fans have woken up as a result.

Chelsea love to make problems for themselves, especially when Robert Sanchez tries to pass his way out of the back.

What are you doing Robert Sanchez?

The Chelsea goalkeeper has another brain fart as he plays a hosip[tal pass to Moises Caicedo.

He is closed down and then Leicester earn themselves a corner, which does not go to plan.

The hosts are suddenly getting back into this game.

So close to an equaliser from Kasey McAteer.

All of a sudden Leicester have decided that they need to actually attack.

Oliver Skipps leads a breakaway and slides the ball to McAteer on the edge of the area.

The debutant then cuts inside and bends the ball toward the far corner but it flies just wide of the post.

For a second, I thought that was in.

Storm Bert is having its say now...

The wind gets hold of a Leicester free-kick and causes Robert Sanchez all sorts of problems.

Luckily for the Chelsea man, it floats harmlessly over his head.

I bet the Blues fans in the corner got nervous then though - Sanchez has a reputation.

Leicester are roughing Chelsea up here, but I suspect it's out of frustration more than a game plan. The home side haven't been in this contest, at all.

The visitors have dominated but still their lead is only 1-0. Leicester fans briefly stopped voicing their frustration to show their love for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall as he came out to warm up.

Oh, Noni Madueke thought he'd made it two...

Cole Palmer plays a superb pass through to Marc Cucurella who goes slightly early.

Cucurella then squares it for Madueke to finish off, but the flag then goes up.

VAR checks but the decision stands - it was tight though.

Boubakary Soumare was booked amid that chance for a high challenge on Joao Felix.

I mean, it's a challenge that reeks of desperation.

Not long after, Oliver Skipp is also booked for the hosts which means all the Leicester midfielders now have a yellow card.

Chelsea are all over Leicester like a rash.

The hosts try and get out of their own half but Moises Caicedo puts in a brilliant challenge to start a break for Chelsea.

A couple of huge tackles come flying in but the Blues get advantage as Noni Madueke cuts inside in the area.

He unleashes a curling strike toward the far corner but Mads Hermansen palms it away well.

A chaotic few moments.

Chelsea fans are now cheering whenever Leicester complete a pass...

I mean, that is taking the Michael to a whole new level, it has only been 27 minutes.

If you are a Leicester player, that must feel embarrassing.

Not all boos for the ex-Leicester representatives. Dewsbury-Hall just came out to warm up and was given very generous applause.

Ahhh, Moises Caicedo...

We know that the Ecuadorian can hit them, he showed that at Manchester United, but not today.

The ball falls his way and he decides to have a crack. It's a terrible one and the ball heads closer to the corner flag than the goal.

Ooooohh... Wilfried Ndid, that is a terrible challenge.

The Leicester midfielder scrapes his boot down the achilles of Cole Palmer and the Chelsea man is down in pain.

That really was a nasty one.

Ndidi is lucky as he gets away with a yellow card. Another day, that could be red.

Benoit Badiashile, I was not familiar with your game.

The Chelsea defender whips in a delightful ball to the back post, but Noni Madueke can't finish it off.

Leicester then counter but Marc Cucurella shuts down any real hope of an attack with a brilliant tackle on Kasey McAteer.

It's all too easy for the visitors.

Chelsea have much better players than Leicester, of course. But Leicester are sitting so deep and when they do get it, they’re clearing it aimlessly, so it keeps coming back. And the crowd is *so* quiet.

This has the potential to be a cricket score.

Leicester's defence looks shot of any confidence and Chelsea are just taking the ball from them at will.

The home crowd are not happy and it's clear to see why.

I mean, I have seen Sunday League sides defend better than after a night on the town.

That is a lovely finish from Nicolas Jackson!

Chelsea's main man is at it again as he fires the ball past Mads Hermansen on the half-volley in lovely fashion.

Jackson keeps harrying Wout Faes as he the defender back pedals with the ball in the air.

The Blues then win it and Jackson makes the Belgian pay.

Come on, Joao...

I feel like I have just had de ja vu as Joao Felix finds the ball at his feet from a corner again.

This time he blazes it miles over the bar - a pants effort.

Now that is what you call lovely football.

Chelsea play some lovely one-touch stuff until Enzo Fernandez finds himself free on the right of the area.

He wins a corner and then the ball is cleared out to Joao Felix on the edge of the area.

His eyes light up and he has a crack, but it's a terrible effort and brings ironic cheers from the crowd.

That's a sign that Premier League footie is well and truly back.

Yep, Steve Cooper is making the change.

Harry Winks wanders off rather gingerly with Oliver Skipp coming on in his place.

One for Tottenham star for another.

Oh dear...

Harry Winks is down holding his groin and this does not look good.

It looks a though Leicester are already going to have to make a change with liver Skipp getting ready.

This is a huge blow.

For all Chelsea's possession, they aren't doing too much with it as of yet.

I mean, bar that one Joao Felix cross, they've done nothing.

Leicester's low block will mean they will have to be very patient this afternoon.

Leicester just can't get a foot on the ball.

Chelsea are just shifting it about under no pressure and waiting for their moment to strike.

It's one-way traffic.

Chelsea had a little look at Leicester keeper Mads Hermansen last summer but did not fancy the £40m valuation at the time. The Dane, signed under Maresca, has been the Foxes’ best player this term and is destined for bigger things.

It's all Chelsea in the early moments, as expected.

Joao Felix skips away from his man on the left and drives a low cross into the area.

It's an inviting ball but Mads Hermansen hoovers it up with relative ease.

A bright start from the Blues.

Chelsea look like they are playing three at the back.

Marc Cucurella and Noni Maduek are playing as wing-backs in a different system for the visitors.

I bet Steve Cooper didn't plan for that.

The crowd are well up for this one.

There is a roar as the ball gets moving and both sets of supporters seem to be in fine voice.

This could be a cracker.

OK, now the music is good.

House music is played over the speakers to hype up the crowd and players too.

I have found myself bobbing along in my seat, I love tunes like these.

The waiting is over!

It's felt like a very long two weeks but now the Premier League is back on all of our screens.

It is reintroduced with some interesting tunes played on the trumpet...

While I'm not sure what that was, it was much better than the Premier League anthem that is on now.

You know how much I dislike that track.

Now that Kieran has given his prediction, it's about time you give yours.

I did my prediction for the Christmas period earlier this week and I guessed that Chelsea would win 3-1 today.

I've not been very bold, though... I put that Cole Plamer would be on the scoresheet.

I mean, it is more than likely that he will.

What do you reckon?

'Tis rather damp at the King Power Stadium, weather more fitting for a team called Noah. Suspect we'll see Joao Felix on the left, Cole Palmer in the centre and Noni Madueke on the right behind Nicolas Jackson as striker, as that's the shape in which they've just been warming up in front of me. My prediction is 2-1 to Chelsea...

It seems to be the day of the snood at the King Power.

You always know the temperature has dipped when the players bring these bad boys out.

Do you remember when they used to be able to play in them?

Well, I do. Maxi Rodriguez is the player who sticks out in my mind for always wearing a snood. He loved them, as did Carlos Tevez.

Sadly for players, they can't wear them when playing anymore.

We’ve touched on the crowd’s apathy towards Cooper already but I feel Leicester’s best chance today is if they can harness any anger the crowd might have towards Maresca and Fofana. It could get pretty grumpy here if Chelsea go one up early though.

Cole Palmer is cold... nothing's new then.

It has been absolutely freezing of late, yesterday I was wearing four layers, a scarf, hat, and gloves.

So today there really is a need to warm up, even if the temperature is slightly higher than it has been in the week.

Anyway, we are now just over 15 minutes from kick-off, it's time to get excited.

I assume many of you were confused not to see Malo Gusto lining up for Chelsea this afternoon.

I mean, I certainly was.

The Blues even used Gusto's photo for their matchday post this morning, he seemed like a shoo-in.

Well, Enzo Maresca has now confirmed that the Frenchman is missing out through illness.

With Reece James also out, it's a major blow.

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea manager, speaking on Thursday:

I'm excited and thankful. It was a fantastic season. The owner, his family are fantastic people. They care for players, staff, all of the people that work in the club. You can see that. I'm still in contact with them.

I don't know if I'm better or worse, but I'm always curious to see things and study. That's the only thing I focus on.

On Joao Felix:

Joao did fantastic. He is doing well but needs to find that balance. Today, 48 hours before the game, is the first time we get to work with 12, 13, 14 players. It's not easy, but we are trying.

It's time for the weekly stat pack!

Our good friends at Squawka have once again provided us with some statistics ahead of kick-off at the King Power Stadium.

Upon first viewing, they don't look that positive for Leicester.

The hosts have only managed six wins in 34 Premier League matches against Chelsea.

It's fair to say, that not exactly many.

Enzo Maresca looks happy to be in his old habitat, doesn't he?

He made that walk into the stadium every two weeks while in charge of the Foxes. I hope he remembered to go into the right dressing room today.

If he didn't, that would have been awkward.

It will be interesting to see if he still has that smile on his face in just over two hours.

Speaking of Harry Winks, I have the perfect thing for you to read.

Mail Sport's Ian Ladyman recently sat down with the Leicester man to reflect on his decision to join the club last season.

It's fair to say, he believes he made the right call.

It was not a straightforward one, though, that's for sure. Leaving your boyhood side is never easy.

However, Harry is a happy man now - just look at that smile.

Join Mail+ to read Ian Ladyman's unmissable column every week, plus more of your favourite writers, exclusive stories and in-depth sports reporting

Harry Winks, Leicester City midfielder, speaking to TNT Sports:

I have started to grow into the season and play regular minutes and find some good form. The most important thing is to find some good results, get some winning form, and get ourselves up the table.

I have said from the first day of the season with the group of players we have got we should be aspiring a lot higher than a relegation battle.

Of course, the Premier League is a tough league, trying to find a win is important. As players, we believe a lot in ourselves, but we have got to deliver it on the pitch.

It could be a landmark day for Leicester...

The Foxes have currently won 499 matches in top flight history, which includes the old First Division and the Premier League.

The omens are not looking good for them, though.

The Foxes are winless in their last 13 Premier League games against teams who have started the day in the Champions League spots.

The last time they beat one was Liverpool back in December 2021, with Ademola Lookman getting the goal.

Well, he doesn't exactly play for them anymore, so they will need somebody else to step up.

If they do, number 500 could be coming their way.

Maresca is not the only one in Chelsea colours who may get a frosty reception today. Foxes fans felt Wesley Fofana forced his way out when he joined Chelsea in 2022 and he’s certain to cop it here.

Chelsea usually enjoy their visits to the King Power Stadium.

They have won nine of their 13 visits to the home of Leicester in all competitions, only losing two of them.

It's fair to call it a happy hunting ground for the Blues.

In fact, they have not been beaten by the Foxes since losing the 2021 FA Cup final to them.

Can they extend that un today?

Very tricky start for Steve Cooper at Leicester. He’s had to try to win over a difficult crowd, as a former manager of Leicester’s East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest.

On top of that, some of his squad were wedded to Enzo Maresca’s sub-Guardiola playing style and seem reluctant or unable to adjust.

Big piece on that here:

There were rumours circulating before KO that Pedro Neto was injured and, while the club didn't back up that speculation, the line-ups confirms they were true.

Joao Felix comes in to start with Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke. No Romeo Lavia in midfield, either, as Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez start together.

It's a big day for Joao Felix.

The forward has not been given many chances to impress since arriving back in west London on a permanent deal.

In fact, this is the first time Enzo Maresca had trusted starting him in the Premier League.

Chelsea fans have been left pretty underwhelmed by his performances so far, and that's being kind.

However, today he has a chance to prove what he is all about.

There was a reason Atletico Madrid forked out over £100million for him in 2019, he is a special talent.

Can he prove it today?

Interesting...

Enzo Maresca has decided to bring Benoit Badiashile into the fold alongside Levi Colwill at the back.

It seems as though Wesley Fofana is being deployed at right-back after the news that Reece James has picked up a knock and there is no Malo Gusto to be seen.

Joao Felix makes his first Premier League start since returning to the club in August, while Enzo Fernandez partners Moises Caicedo in the middle.

Jamie Vardy is back in business.

The Leicester captain returns to the line-up after missing out on the Foxes trip to Manchester United before the international break.

Bilal El Khannouss and Kasey McAteer are on either side of him in a completely changed front three.

Caleb Okoli also comes back in.

You have to say this is a relatively lukewarm welcome from Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha for Enzo Maresca, who left the Foxes for Chelsea after winning promotion last season.

‘Welcome to our guests from Chelsea, including Enzo Maresca and his staff on their first return to King Power Stadium. Each of them is deserving of great respect for what they helped us to achieve last season.’

I wonder how Enzo Maresca is feeling today?

Just six months ago he was on the King Power turf celebrating guiding Leicester City to the Premier League as manager.

Today he will be in the opposition dugout for the first time since leaving for Chelsea in the summer.

I'm sure there will be lots of hugs and chit-chats before kick-off, but as soon as that whistle is blown it will be a different ball game.

Chelsea have been looking really strong under the Italian, they sit in the top four and have only lost to Manchester City and Liverpool.

Meanwhile, his replacement at the Foxes Steve Cooper is not having the best time of it at the moment.

Yes, Leicester are sitting in 15th, but they have failed to win in their last three Premier League games.

It could be another tough afternoon today.

Oh, it feels good to be back!

I hear sleigh bells ringing. The packed Christmas calendar begins here, and it's going to be one hell of a ride.

We now have four uninterrupted months of domestic football with games coming thick and fast as the temperature continues to drop.

I adore this time of year, I really do.

Leicester and Chelsea are the two teams being handed the responsibility of getting it all underway.

The Blues travel to the East Midlands, looking to leapfrog Arsenal into third place before the Gunners play later today.

It's also the return of Enzo Maresca to the club he guided to this league last season.

It's going to be tasty, just like mulled wine.