Leicester City, under Ruud van Nistelrooy, are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with a tactical approach centred around a deep defensive structure and quick counter-attacks. Their style of play relies on long balls, fast transitions, and defensive compactness, but their performances on both ends of the pitch have been inconsistent this season.
In possession, Leicester prioritize direct play, often bypassing midfield with long passes towards wide players or Jamie Vardy. They have one of the highest launch rates in the league, with Jordan Ayew frequently targeted in aerial duels. While their goal-kick routines sometimes invite opposition pressure to create space in midfield, their overall attacking numbers are poor. They rank among the lowest in expected goals, shots per game, and attacking third touches, indicating a lack of efficiency in converting possession into quality chances.
In the final third, Leicester rely heavily on wide attacks and crosses into the box, particularly from left-back Victor Kristiansen. Their attacking midfielders make underlapping runs to create cut-back opportunities, but their finishing remains a weakness. Statistically, they generate the fewest shots per game and have one of the lowest xG per shot values, highlighting their struggle to create and convert high-quality chances.
Defensively, Leicester operate in a low-block structure, transitioning from a mid-block when the opposition builds from the back. Their pressing intensity is low, with few tackles in advanced areas, but they remain compact in deeper zones. This approach limits central progression but leaves them vulnerable to wide attacks, as they face a high number of crosses. Despite their compactness, they have one of the worst defensive records in the league, conceding a high volume of shots and high-quality chances.
In transition, Leicester seek to exploit space behind the opposition’s defensive line, often targeting Vardy with quick through balls or direct passes. However, their defensive transitions have been problematic, with slow recoveries from their holding midfielders leaving them exposed to counter-attacks. They have conceded multiple goals from transition situations, ranking among the worst in the league in this aspect.
For Chelsea, the key to unlocking Leicester’s defense lies in patient build-up play. By drawing Leicester’s midfield forward before quickly progressing into the space behind them, Chelsea’s creative midfielders, such as Enzo Fernández and Cole Palmer, could exploit gaps and create goal-scoring opportunities. Additionally, Leicester ’s vulnerability in defensive transitions presents an opportunity for Chelsea to capitalise on fast breaks.