Defending champions Chelsea face two early showdowns against title rivals (Man City and Man Utd) amidst three fixtures in which they will be heavy favourites. Complete analysis with predictions.
"Since Leicester’s promotion in 2021, they’ve never taken a point off Chelsea."
Except last season when famously they did take a point off Chelsea at the KP.
While a win at Kings Meadow feels unlikely, I think that Leicester's ability to frustrate Chelsea shouldn't be underestimated. Miquel knows Bompastor very well, playing against her for years when they were at Reims and Lyon respectively.
As mentioned, at home last season Leicester blunted Chelsea's attacks and held them to 1-1, in the midst of probably the worst injury crisis in the team's history. The reverse fixture ended 3-1 to Chelsea but Leicester will well in that game and the better team for much of the second half.
It's not always about star power. With a full compliment of players coming back I wouldn't be so quick to write Leicester off as you have been here.
I should have specified at Kingsmeadow — the 1-1 at the King Power last season was indeed Leicester’s first WSL point against Chelsea. I’ll update that line in the piece so it’s accurate.
You’re right that Miquel has shown she can set up teams to frustrate “bigger” opponents. However, away from home last season, Leicester were well beaten by the top four:
0–4 @ Manchester City
0–2 @ Manchester United
1–3 @ Chelsea
1–5 @ Arsenal
Given that record, I don’t see them taking points at Kingsmeadow this time around. The model still sees a sizeable gap on neutral metrics, and the 80% win probability is driven less by “star power” and more by underlying numbers plus the home advantage factor.
There also haven’t been enough signs in the transfer window that Leicester are significantly improving their squad. If anything, the emergence of London City Lionesses has made their position more precarious. This feels like a pivotal season for Leicester — one where there’s very little margin for complacency.
"Since Leicester’s promotion in 2021, they’ve never taken a point off Chelsea."
Except last season when famously they did take a point off Chelsea at the KP.
While a win at Kings Meadow feels unlikely, I think that Leicester's ability to frustrate Chelsea shouldn't be underestimated. Miquel knows Bompastor very well, playing against her for years when they were at Reims and Lyon respectively.
As mentioned, at home last season Leicester blunted Chelsea's attacks and held them to 1-1, in the midst of probably the worst injury crisis in the team's history. The reverse fixture ended 3-1 to Chelsea but Leicester will well in that game and the better team for much of the second half.
It's not always about star power. With a full compliment of players coming back I wouldn't be so quick to write Leicester off as you have been here.
Thanks for the catch, really appreciate it! ✍️
I should have specified at Kingsmeadow — the 1-1 at the King Power last season was indeed Leicester’s first WSL point against Chelsea. I’ll update that line in the piece so it’s accurate.
You’re right that Miquel has shown she can set up teams to frustrate “bigger” opponents. However, away from home last season, Leicester were well beaten by the top four:
0–4 @ Manchester City
0–2 @ Manchester United
1–3 @ Chelsea
1–5 @ Arsenal
Given that record, I don’t see them taking points at Kingsmeadow this time around. The model still sees a sizeable gap on neutral metrics, and the 80% win probability is driven less by “star power” and more by underlying numbers plus the home advantage factor.
There also haven’t been enough signs in the transfer window that Leicester are significantly improving their squad. If anything, the emergence of London City Lionesses has made their position more precarious. This feels like a pivotal season for Leicester — one where there’s very little margin for complacency.