Thiago Silva risked, Mateo Kovacic replacement decided – Predicted Chelsea side vs Leicester

There have been very few occasions this season – if any – that Thomas Tuchel has been able to sit back and relax prior to a Chelsea game. Yet ahead of this evening's Premier League clash against Leicester City at Stamford Bridge, the Blues head coach should be able to do just that.

That is because there is very little riding on the contest. Leicester are firmly ensconced in mid-table, while the Blues' place in the top four was secured on Monday night when Newcastle United defeated Arsenal. Admittedly, there is third spot up for grabs, and Tuchel has stated he wants that wrapped up.

"My feeling was that the whole season we were in position in one, two, or three – somebody told me for one week we were place number four, I thought we were not. So it's not a good moment to start now to be fourth," he said. "We still have to play for us, our demands, and our fans.

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"Most importantly, though, for our expectations and what we demand. We are very happy we secured a top-four place, this is what the first target when we start the season, what we play for, but still it is two home games, and we will do everything to win them for our feeling, our supporters and for a positive end of the season."

There are selection decisions for the Chelsea head coach to make. Ben Chilwell (knee) returned to first-team training this week but will not feature, while Callum Hudson-Odoi (achilles) is not expected to play again this season. Timo Werner (hamstring) and Mateo Kovacic (ankle) are ruled out too.

Kai Havertz (hamstring) may also be missing, and Andreas Christensen's place in the squad is uncertain after the Dane pulled out of Sunday's FA Cup