FT: Leicester City 1-3 Chelsea

1. Chelsea a whopping 13 pts clear
2. Mourinho's team can win title on Sunday
3. Win v Palace will see them champions
4. Leicester remain 17th in the table

That's all from the Premier League for the night then - see you all on Saturday!

Branislav Ivanovic's assist for Dider Drogba's goal is well worth seeing tonight - great awareness and positioning to get his body across Matty James as he recieved the ball. The Leicester man could do nothing to prevent him from putting the cross in.

Drogba's first goal since December.

Costa back?

Jose Mourinho says that Diego Costa may be fit to play on Sunday against Crystal Palace.

Costa has only played for 12 minutes in April.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Terry Mahoney: Don't like to say this as a Liverpool fan but Brendan Rogers could learn some savvy from Jose Mourinho

Matty: Chelsea's style of play is efficient. They've conceded the second least goals and are the second highest scorers in the league.

'Chelsea worthy champions'

Leicester manager Nigel Pearson: "Before the game starts we knew it was a case of when, rather than if, Chelsea win the title.

"It is difficult when you have to make a couple of substitutions in the game which are not really tactical, that is difficult to deal with but we gave a good account of ourselves. I think 3-1 does not necessarily reflect the balance of game but we played against a very good side who will be worthy winners of the Premier League title.

"The depth we have within the squad and the confidence I have with the players that are going to be available for Saturday is there.

"There is a feeling we are capable and have given ourselves a better chance of avoiding relegation, tonight is a setback because when you go ahead you expect to push on but we came up against a side able to take advantage of their quality in second half."

'Chelsea are worthy champions'

Leicester manager Nigel Pearson: "I've heard criticisms of Chelsea recently and I find it bemusing to be honest. The best sides are able to win games in different ways - and Chelsea illustrated that tonight. They are worthy champions."

'We didn't deserve a 3-1 defeat'

Leicester manager Nigel Pearson: "It was difficult tonight because we had to make substitutions in not normal circumstances. It was a tough game, we took the lead and showed a decent account of ourselves.

Reuters

"To be fair to Chelsea they showed more intent and quality at the times that was needed. I rue the fact we had to make decisions in changing players - but that is life.

"Having taken the lead we showed positive intent but in the second half with them equalising so early, it gives a different complexion and the way the game developed suited their gameplan.

"The players didn't deserve to be on the end of a 3-1 defeat."

Censored Jose

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho on his half-time team-talk: "If I tell you on television what I said it will be 'peep peep peep'. Too many peeps!"

On the possibility of winning the title at home to Crystal Palace this weekend: "Stamford Bridge is ready to celebrate but if I can ask something from them it is to not celebrate. We all want to win on Sunday but it will be a difficult game. Stamford Bridge must be ready to push us. I hope they want to play the game with us. We need them to help us win the title on Sunday."

On the road again

Chelsea have picked up at least eight more points away from home than any other Premier League team this season.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Adedokun Veryfly: Kudos to Leicester for the spirit they been showing over the past weeks

Dee Evans: A goal from a striker, from a midfielder and a defender. Spread of goals, sign of a good team. Still I wouldn't pay to see them.

Tim Arstall: Chelsea don't exist to please everyone but they're definitely pleasing their fans and board right now. What more is needed?

'We destroyed opponents this month'

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho: "Tonight was not boring for me. To be losing at half-time is not boring - it is pressure. The way we played in the second half, against probably the best team we have played in the last month, was fantastic.

"In April everyone expected us to drop points against Arsenal and Man Utd, but April was the month that we destroyed opponents.

"We won every game except the draw against Arsenal so I'm very pleased. Now we just need three more points."

Jose Mourinho is a proud man. He calls for the Chelsea fans to be ready to roar his side on to victory at the weekend.

'We are what every team would like to be'

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho: "It is phenomenal what they are doing, top of the league since day one is not easy. They play against a team on a fantastic run, playing at home with big enthusiasm.

Reuters

"My experience in football teaches me to just worry about my own feelings. I know what I feel in relation to my work in the past two years, I don't need other people to recognise what we are.

"I know exactly what we are. We are what every team would like to be."

Chelsea ended the night with 11 shots in total. Cesc Fabregas has 17 Premier League assists - the most in any one season is Thierry Henry with 20.

Player reaction

Getty Images

Leicester goalscorer Marc Albrighton: "We gave ourselves a good foothold in the first half and we couldn't see it through. So it is difficult to take heart from the game to be honest.

"They scored the early goal and it got them back in the game. We will look to redeem ourselves in a couple of days against Newcastle.

"You can take a little bit from the performance but we have put ourselves in a position where we need points. Performances aren't important - we just need the points and obviously we haven't taken any tonight.

"Staying up is still in our hands, we have got a massive game against Newcastle here at the King Power and the fans will be behind us."

'We deserve more credit'

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba: "We are maybe scared to win the league! Two wins and we get the trophy but this one was very difficult. In the second half we came back and made sure that we won it. We scored fantastic goals.

"We don't get enough credit. We are top of the league, we have the most points and people find us boring because we've been top since day one."

Getty Images

Chelsea captain John Terry: "We are almost there. They were a tough side and they kept fighting. We got a telling off at half-time and we came out and played excellently in the second half. It wasn't good enough in the first half but listen, we got the three points.

"We've been the best side all season. We deserve a lot of respect, we've been very good all year. Let's hope we win it on Sunday."

So Chelsea can win the title at Palace on Sunday, and Leicester remain a solitary point clear of the relegation zone with four games remaining. To the wire...

FULL-TIME

All over at the first leg of the Conference play-offs and Bristol Rovers take a lead into the second leg. Back in the Football League by August?

John Hartson

BBC Radio 5 live

"This is a big win for Chelsea at a King Power Stadium that's been rocking recently. They won comfortably in the end. Nigel Pearson would have wanted his side to keep it at 1-0 for a bit longer."

John Terry has scored in each of the last 15 Premier League seasons. That Ryan Giggs record could come under threat after all!

Entertaining? 2.1%

BBC

Our vote is now closed, with most of you summing up this Chelsea side as 'efficient'.

Just 2.1% say entertaining...

FULL-TIME

PA

Chelsea are three points away from winning the Premier League. Huge, rich applause from all around the ground. Leicester were excellent for the first period but the home fans are also sporting enough to applaud the champions after a strong second-half showing.

SUBSTITUTION

Jon Mikel Obi comes on for Cesc Fabregas, who is now potentially a few days away from winning the Premier League after plenty of years trying. Jose Mourinho is beaming in the dugout. He's seen a really smart second-half display from his side.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Gully: Willian has been absolutely unbelievable tonight. Most underrated in the Chelsea team and one of the most in the league.

Iheanyi Uwa: Three shots on target, three goals. Chelsea only shoot to score. Our season in one word? Effective.

David McNaught: A champion turnaround.

Reuters

Eden Hazard made 88 passes tonight, Cesc Fabregas has 84 so far. Leicester's most prolific passer is Danny Drinkwater on 58.

SUBSTITUTION

Getty Images

'Are you watching Arsenal?' is the chant from the away end as Eden Hazard is replaced by Juan Cuadrado.

Getty Images

John Terry joins David Unsworth as the top scoring defender in Premier League history with 38 goals. What a back two they would be. Units.

Jose Mourinho was cleaning his brown suede shoes with Lucozade as Ramires battered that third goal into the net. Other fizzy sports drinks are available - but none of them should be used to clean suede shoes! Definitely not.

RED CARD

Can Bristol Rovers protect their slender lead in the first leg of this Conference play-off semi-final? If they do then the visitors will have to do it with 10 men. Rovers forward Ellis Harrison sees red for kicking out at the home keeper Steve Arnold. Two yellows equal red for Harrison, who boots the corner flag in frustration on his way back to the changing room.

BBC Radio 5 live

Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic at the King Power Stadium: "Fabregas gets into a great position on the byline and showed fantastic composure to place it right into the path of Ramires, who slotted it home beautifully. It's been a fantastic performance all round from Chelsea."

GOAL

Reuters

Pick. That. One. Out!

An absolute belter. Cesc Fabregas finds a pocket of space on the right-hand-side of the box and it's another assist for Cesc, sliding the ball back to the edge of the box, Ramires arrives on it and left-footed just caresses the ball home first time, right into the corner. A brilliant goal.

Chelsea ready Kurt Zouma. See it out and win the league on Sunday.

'Boring, Boring Chelsea' sing the away fans...

BBC Radio 5 live

Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic at the King Power Stadium: "Great delivery from the corner. The lack of tracking of Terry's run cost Leicester, but this is the killer instinct that Chelsea have and this is what makes them champions. John Terry has been faultless tonight, he hasn't put a foot wrong."

Into the last 10 minutes at the King Power. Chelsea were very poor in the first half but have slowly cranked up the dial and now lead into the final 10 minutes.

GOAL

Getty Images

A captain's goal! Ramires wins a corner after another neat move and Chelsea score from it. Gary Cahill's header is hard and low, Kasper Schmeichel claws it out and John Terry bundles it in with his knee. Ugly, but effective. Their season in a nutshell?

John Murray

BBC Radio 5 live commentator at the King Power Stadium

"Mahrez has been one of Leicester's bright sparks in a season that was dribbling away until the last four or five games."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

James D Phiri: I still think Drogba should be substituted for Cuadrado or Oscar to add some more pace.

Mathew Brown: Chelsea play 4 defenders and 2 holding midfielders vs Leicester and Mourinho moans about being taunted for being boring?

SUBSTITUTION

Riyad Mahrez has been excellent for Leicester at times this season and now he is on for the final 15 minutes, replacing Jamie Vardy up front. He won't work as hard as Vardy - not many do.

Reuters

As it stands Chelsea would not be able to win the title on Sunday. They may not be able to win tonight but Eden Hazard has started to bring his bag of tricks to the party. What a touch to instigate a neat one-two with Cesc Fabregas but the blue wall stands firm and shuts him out.

Another lull now as the game ticks along. Perhaps both sides would be happy with a point from here?

A flurry of stoppages as Nemanja Matic and Leo Ulloa both complain about late tackles. Foul, foul, foul - and then Chelsea come alive. Willian is again the catalyst, tremendous pace through the middle, game-changing run. He finds Eden Hazard on the right, it's three on three but Didier Drogba can't meet his cross. Willian has been superb in this second half.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Terryfic Otobong: I really need Chelsea to lose this match. I want the Premier League title to go to the wire...let the champions emerge on the last day.

Feroze Hussain: About time now for the opposition goalkeeper to make a mistake and gift a winning goal to Chelsea.

Eden Hazard at his best, brave down the left wing to take three defenders deep down the line and backheel it to Cesar Azpilicueta. He finds Willian who instantly curls over from 20 yards. At the other end Matty James shoots and it deflects wide.

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

Getty Images

"Chelsea are going through the gears here but Leicester City's work rate is immense and they are hanging in, backed by magnificent support. Didier Drogba looked every one of his 37 years in the first half but has come to life and could have had a hat-trick."

BBC Radio 5 live

Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic at the King Power Stadium: "Chelsea are aware of the pace of Jamie Vardy on the break. They are making sure they always have one more than Leicester at the back."

CLOSE!

Reuters

Lovely from Cesc Fabregas as he slides in Didier Drogba down the channel, Drogba times his run perfectly but he's wide out on an angle, he gets a low shot away and it misses the far corner by not very much. Still the Foxes fans make a great noise.

Mark Clattenburg calls John Terry over for a mid-game conference. Not sure what that was all about but it's resolved without any further action. The early bombardment from Chelsea has subsided somewhat, though Wes Morgan has to do well to clear from in front of Didier Drogba.

PA

Didier Drogba was anonymous in the first half but he's had four shots on goal and only Branislav Ivanovic has had another one for the Blues. Eden Hazard has been barely involved at all.

Leicester ended the first half so strongly but now it's a complete role reversal. Chelsea in the ascendancy, Leicester now hanging on. Can they shut out an on-song Chelsea for 35 minutes?

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Jeremiah Kariuki: Looks like there was a "hair dryer" moment! That explains the Chelsea goal in the first two minutes of the second half.

Femi John Atoyebi: Drogba turns back the clock brilliantly.

Getty Images

Willian with real pace. Genuine pace. Burning pace! It's a hell of a run down the right and he puts over a teasing cross on the run, betwixt and between the keeper and the back four, Richie De Laet swings at it and misses it and Cesc Fabregas, arriving at full tilt, can't adjust his feet to sweep it home. Great play from Willian who has been the star turn so far.

BBC Radio 5 live

Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic at the King Power Stadium: "A goal of huge quality by Chelsea. It was a little bit sloppy by Leicester, but great skill from Hazard and great composure by Ivanovic to pick Drogba out. You'd expect a reaction from Chelsea and they've come out firing."

CLOSE!

Chelsea a totally different side! They come down their right again, Willian into the box, Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas swap passes inside the area and lay it back to Didier Drogba for two - but he's way over the bar.

GOAL

Reuters

The response of champions. Chelsea were ordinary in the first half but start the second half brightly and score within three minutes of the restart. Branislav Ivanovic gets away on the right of the box, looks up and picks out Didier Drogba in the middle. He has a defender on his back but still manages to crunch a first-time shot under and past Kasper Schmeichel. Wonderful finish. Predatory.

Didier Drogba gets a stud right through his calf as he challenges for an early ball forwards. Ouch.

Chelsea look better in the first minute of this half, Willian out wide, Ramires adding energy through the middle.

KICK-OFF

Here we go then, back in play at the King Power.

One favourite crashes out, another falls behind at the halfway stage. Can Chelsea find a way back?

Defeat tonight would not put their championship under any serious threat, mind.

Screw back for the yellow, green, brown, blue pink and black...

A rare snooker update in these pages for you - Ronnie O'Sullivan is OUT of the World Championship in Sheffield.

Watch the fallout from that one here.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

QPR defender Rio Ferdinand

"If you can get any of the Chelsea defenders & or Nemanja Matic out of the centre & down the sides you will get chances - The trick is actually making that happen."

GOAL

Real Madrid cruising to a win now as former Liverpool full-back Alvaro Arbeloa scores.

Follow the European live page here.

Another assist for Jamie Vardy - that's three goals and three assists in his last six games. The former non-league man continues to hit his mark.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Conchur Moore: Chelsea defence too lazy and overconfident! Leicester fully deserve that.

Daddy Bella: The best way to play Chelsea as an underdog; Park the bus and catch them on the counter!

Sho: About time someone sucker punched Chelsea for a change.

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

"The atmosphere inside The King Power Stadium is thunderous. Real belief on and off the pitch. Leicester City have been forced into two crucial substitutions and yet they have stood toe-to-toe with champions-elect Chelsea, worked tirelessly and deserve that lead. The unlikely escape act continues."

BBC Radio 5 live

Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic at the King Power Stadium: "It's a dream way to end the half, they'll go into the second half with real confidence. Chelsea controlled the game before the last five minutes of the half but never created any chances. The immobility of Didier Drogba isn't posing any threat, maybe they should consider bringing on Juan Cuadrado for his pace."

Leicester are up to 16th as it stands, above Aston Villa and within a point of Newcastle. What an April they have had!

HALF-TIME

Getty Images

So far, so good for Rovers in the first leg of their Conference play-off semi-final tie at The New Lawn.

BBC Radio 5 live

Reuters

Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic at the King Power Stadium: "It's a great counter-attack by Leicester. Matty James plays a good ball down the side of the centre-half and it's a very confident finish by Albrighton. It was an unfortunate slip from Azpilicueta, which was a big part of the goal."

Leicester have prevented Chelsea having a shot on target in the first half in both their Premier League games against them this season.

It's also the first time Chelsea have conceded first in the league since December 28 vs Southampton.

HALF-TIME

Huge reception as the half-time whistle blows. 'We are staying up!' rings out in deafening style. Leicester on it.

GOAL

Getty Images

A deserved lead for Leicester! Jamie Vardy has the pace to get away down the left after Nemanja Matic gave the ball cheaply away. Vardy cuts the ball back, Cesar Azpilicueta loses his footing on the wet turf and Marc Albrighton keeps his head and sidefoots powerfully home.

Chelsea's season in one word

James Phteven Lacey: Autonomous. Set out to do what is needed. Nothing fancy, nothing spectacular. Job done.

Kyle Murfet: Dynamic. Mourinho tactically adept, players work together very well.

Paul Harris: Chelsea's season in a word: workmanlike.

It's Chelsea who are hoping for half-time. The champions elect have had six shots on target in the last three-and-a-half games. None so far tonight.

BBC Radio 5 live

Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given on Radio 5 live: "It's a big chance for Leicester. Cambiasso's first touch just took him away from goal."

GREAT SAVE!

SCRAMBLE! STRAMASH! BAGATELLE!

What a scramble! Not seen anything like that in the Premier League for many a year. Paul Konchesky lands on a cross at the back post and his shot is well saved by Petr Cech at the base of his post.

Chelsea can't clear though, it's headed back in and Esteban Cambiasso gets there. He could shoot but instead lays it back, but Marc Albrighton's effort is blocked, another swing and a miss, and it's just about hacked out. All over the place.

Not another one! Leo Ulloa now has a problem for Leicester. They've already had two men leave us with an injury, can Ulloa make it a full house? He's being treated and limps gingerly away.

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

"Some serious micro-management from Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson in his technical area - ordering his players just to move a few yards from where they have taken up position. And judging from what we have seen so far this is a very-well drilled and disciplined Leicester side."

Chelsea's season in one word

Chxr: Gritty. Took a commanding lead during 1st half of season and grinded out results 2nd half.

Si Hawkes: One word for Chelsea? 'Undeserving'. And not in a good way.

Is there ever a good way of describing someone as 'undeserving', Si?

Danny Drinkwater collects a neat lay-off from Esteban Cambiasso, not much on so he drills a rasper of a drive from 25 yards. It's over but a good effort. Not much rhythm to the game, it's bitty.

YELLOW CARD

Paul Konchesky with a textbook late challenge, you saw it coming a mile off. In the book. He clatters Ramires and Chelsea have a free-kick on the right wing. Cesc Fabregas curls it in but that's easy for Kasper Schmeichel.

Chelsea's season in one word

Tris Miller: Chelsea's season in one word: zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Graeme Hunt: Chelsea in one word. Enviable. Sunderland fan. It figures.

Kumar: Strategic. They attacked when needed to and defended well when they had to.

Operation: Get the ball to Eden Hazard commences. First the Belgian cuts in from the right and almost threads a deft pass through, and then he beats his man easily and forces Wes Morgan to cut out a low cross. From the corner Cesc Fabregas bullets over a cross which just needed a touch.

Again a good Chelsea move breaks down at the feet of Didier Drogba. Drogba's final touch for Chelsea was once the kick which won the Champions League. Now it's likely to be a block tackle against Sunderland. Sometimes it's best not to go back...

Chelsea's season in one word

Giannina Caraceni: Predictable.

Huzaifah Vali: Robotic.

Mohammed Rizwan: Chelsea in one word? Practical. Mourinho has been practical with his tactics and this is why they are champions.

Lest we forget, as we skirt around the topic of this Chelsea side being 'boring', that lots of people profess to finding Barcelona boring at times. Front three-scoring-100-goals Barcelona at that.

You can vote on your description of Chelsea above.

They put together their first real move of any quality but it ends with an off-balance Didier Drogba screwing a shot wide. If Didier departs this summer Chelsea will be in the market for a third-choice striker. A tricky market that.

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty at The King Power Stadium

"Leicester City started with some real rhythm and tempo but have had to deal with two disruptive injuries to key figures Andy King and Robert Huth. Chelsea will be looking to take advantage of Leicester's reshuffle but absolutely nothing between the sides at present."

BBC Radio 5 live

Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic at the King Power Stadium: "Ritchie De Laet's come on and he's a full-back, not a centre-back, so I think they'll go to 4-4-2. But it's a difficult one, because who moves to wide midfield? I don't think Cambiasso's got the legs for it. It's not ideal."

No change in system from Leicester, no change in pattern of play from Chelsea. It's not been great so far. Sleepwalking to the title.

SUBSTITUTION

Robert Huth has had it. He twisted his knee at a corner and now he's coming off. Leicester down to their last sub already. Richie De Laet is on. Change of system or will he play in a back three?

GOAL

That is a great finish from Matthew Taylor to give Bristol Rovers a fine start to their Conference play-off. He rounds the keeper and from a tough angle squeezes it in.

Now another former Chelsea man, Robert Huth, has an injury problem for Leicester.

There was a time in Jose Mourinho's first spell when chucking Huth up top in the last 10 minutes was his Plan B.

John Murray

BBC Radio 5 live commentator at the King Power Stadium

"Andy King looked crestfallen as he came off. It's his 300th game for Leicester, and on top of that he also began his career as a youngster at Chelsea."

BBC Radio 5 live

Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic on Radio 5 live: "Leicester started quite well and settled into the system. You never want to to have to make a change at this stage of the game, that could disrupt them a bit."

Chelsea's season in one word

Dee Evans: Hypnotizing. Take it either way you want.

SUBSTITUTION

Eden Hazard, take a bow. What a pass, wonderful stuff over the top of a packed defence, bent with the outside of a foot, minimal backlift, dead weight, it had the lot. Cesc Fabregas puts the volleyed cross across goal and Wes Morgan has to clear his lines.

Leicester make an early change as Matty James replaces the injured Andy King.

Mark Pougatch

BBC Radio 5 live

"Nigel Pearson is no stranger to great escapes. He was managing Carlisle when goalkeeper Jimmy Glass scored to save them from relegation to the Conference, and he was assistant to Bryan Robson during West Brom's great escape from relegation from the Premier League."

Brilliant pass, horrible shot! Chelsea counter in lovely fashion, Willian going through the gearbox on the left before getting his head up and finding Didier Drogba in all sorts of space in the 'D'. He has to take it first time but he can only side-foot an effort well, well wide. Deserved better.

Text us on 81111

Dave in Ealing: Chelsea are boring to watch. It doesn't mean they aren't deserved champions or a bad team, they just simply play boring football. Both the club and media have blown it way out of proportion.

Keep them coming in on Twitter at #bbcfootball, on the BBC Sport Facebook page, or via text on 81111.

I'd go along with that Girish. I can only think of Spurs away - when Harry Kane had John Terry on toast - and spells against PSG where I saw Chelsea rocking this season.

Other than that, plain sailing. Apologies if I've forgotten a shocker of a display here or there.

Chelsea's season in one word

Steven F Galloway: Chelsea in one word? Hazardous.

Girish Santosh: Leadership. They have leaders all over the pitch who have the knack of keeping things under control all the time.

Keep them coming in on Twitter at #bbcfootball, on the BBC Sport Facebook page, or via text on 81111.

If you were wondering, we tried to get John Burridge on 5 live tonight too but he was unavailable.

Eseteban Cambiasso swings a magnificent first-time pass over the top. Leo Ulloa is on it but his touch is not good enough and it spins off a shinpad. Bring that down and you've got a clear strike on goal...

BBC Radio 5 live

Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given on Radio 5 live: "Leicester's confidence is sky-high and they have started with real purpose. I fancy them to get something from this game."

BBC Radio 5 live

Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic on Radio 5 live: "I think Cesc Fabregas has been quality the whole season round and the numbers don't always do him justice."

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty at The King Power Stadium

"Some early influence for Leicester City from Esteban Cambiasso here at The King Power. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho will know all about him as he was in his Inter Milan team that won the Champions League with victory over Bayern Munich in 2010. The 34-year-old Argentine has seen it all and will be vital tonight."

Not there! Leicester try to play from the back but it's too much. Cesc Fabregas whips the ball from Wes Morgan and Eden Hazard soon flicks it on one more to Cesar Azpilicueta. He doesn't fancy the host on his left foot though and his cross is easily blocked.

Leicester attack with verve down the left and when Andy King's cross is blocked, Jamie Vardy shoots over.

BBC Radio 5 live

Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic on Radio 5 live: "What has impressed me about Chelsea the most this season is that they're strong all over the pitch and they're so solid that you don't know where to attack them. If you put men behind the ball they have the talent to break you down."

Text us on 81111

Michael Eskowitz, Manchester: Thing is with Chelsea is they are only attacking in games when Costa is playing. Without him they go defensive and hope Hazard does some magic.

Shomik, Thornbury: Chelsea have been the best team in the league by far this season. But they will never be remembered as fondly as Arsenal's invincibles/the 1998/2008 Man Utd teams because of the way they play. With that money/talent they should be far better to watch, especially vs the other top teams.

Adam, London: They certainly didn't blow the big teams like Man United and City away, the played the same negative football as always, anyone could do it against the smaller teams.

Chelsea will be delighted to see Leicester engage in a spot of head tennis - unfortunately 'The Finisher' Jon Mikel Obi isn't playing and the ball goes dead.

If you haven't seen Didier Drogba's video [see 19:14] that entry will mean nothing to you whatsoever.

KICK-OFF

The first leg of this play-off tie has started. Tense.

The rain is absolutely lashing down now as the home fans give us an extended chant to the tune of Slade's 'Cum on Feel the Noize.' No bad thing.

Chelsea's season in one word

Andy Blewden: Ruthless. Epitomised by Diego Costa.

Ed: I would describe Chelsea as plucky... No real contenders for the PL this season.

Don Bellucci Jibola: Durability.

Keep them coming in on Twitter at #bbcfootball, on the BBC Sport Facebook page, or via text on 81111.

Spanish La Liga

Real finally have the lead and it's Colombian playmaker James who has bagged.

Find out more here.

Player of the year Eden Hazard's first touch is an overhit pass out of play! Can we have the trophy back?

Jamie Vardy shows his pace on the break for Leicester but Branislav Ivanovic does really well to stay on him and shut the door.

BBC Radio 5 live

Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic on Radio 5 live: "I expect Leicester to give Chelsea a heck of a battle tonight. They'll be a huge threat on the counter-attack with the pace of Jamie Vardy."

KICK-OFF

Under way!

BBC Radio 5 live

Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given on Radio 5 live: "John Terry has been phenomenal for Chelsea this season, he's had a fantastic season and some would argue he should still be playing in the England team."

The rain has arrived bang on cue for kick-off. Nemanja Matic barks a few orders at Ramires as the Brazilian shuffles from foot to foot, looking for some warmth. Leicester fans in great voice, Leicester in great form. All set?

John Hartson

BBC Radio 5 live

"I think it's rankled with Jose Mourinho that he's had to defend his team. There's no argument to be had.

"Isn't it about accumulating the most points and defending properly and hitting teams on the break? They're going to win the Premier League, he should just laugh it off."

We think Petr Cech has already played enough games for a medal this season. He will be a brilliant signing for someone this summer, no doubt about it.

The players are in the tunnel, Chelsea in yellow this evening.

BBC Radio 5 live

Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given on BBC Radio 5 live: "Petr Cech is one of the best keepers in world football and there will be no doubts whatsoever about him coming in tonight. Maybe Mourinho is trying to keep him happy with a few games to go to get him a Premier League winner's medal."

Text us on 81111

Lewis, Leicester: People calling Chelsea boring seem to have a short term memory. They certainly weren't boring in the first half of the season when they were blowing teams away. Phenomenal for the first half of the season. Ruthless for the second.

Keep them coming in on Twitter at #bbcfootball, on the BBC Sport Facebook page, or via text on 81111.

Spanish La Liga

Still goalless at Real Madrid - who have 16-year-old wunderkind Martin Odegaard on the bench tonight.

Follow the action here.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

BBC

BBC Radio 5 live on Twitter: A big welcome to @asmir1 to 5 Live - he's alongside John Murray at #LCFC v #CFC.

That's Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic on the mic. Multi-skilled.

Is there a ground in the Football League that doesn't play 'Uptown Funk' 10 minutes prior to kick-off?

Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson trouser themselves a few more quid as we get ready for the big game. Round up the horn blower, it's game time...

Stat of the day

From Opta: In an all-time league table, Chelsea (P4027) are seven points clear of Leicester, despite the Foxes having played 486 more games.

We all want to see the full table, right?

Text us on 81111

Shaun: Chelsea in one word "underachieved"

Shaun, I'm going to have to ask for a little more detail on that one.

Bill, fife: Chelsea in one word....winners...

Keep them coming in on Twitter at #bbcfootball, on the BBC Sport Facebook page, or via text on 81111.

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty at The King Power Stadium

"Leicester City have been handed thousands of what are apparently known as "clapper sticks". They are what they say they are - sticks that make a clapping noise. And quite a racket it is too."

The King Power filling up nicely as we tick toward kick-off. Just a month ago the home fans would have been forgiven for looking at this forthcoming fixture with a sense of real dread. Not now though.

Esteban Cambiasso won the Champions League with Jose Mourinho five years ago when they were both at Internazionale. I bet a move to Leicester wasn't on either of their radars as they popped the Champagne at the Bernabeu but it's a funny old game.

The Argentine veteran has been impressive for the Foxes this term, weighing in with four goals to boot.

Chelsea's season in one word

Darren Bates: Utilitarian.

Pinol Janula Fernando: Consistent.

Gift Ngesa: Phenomenal!

Keep them coming in on Twitter at #bbcfootball, on the BBC Sport Facebook page, or via text on 81111.

Chelsea have won their last five league games against Leicester with the likes of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Adrian Mutu on the scoresheet in years gone by. Who will get in on the act this evening?

Or can Leicester continue their superb recent touch?

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty at The King Power Stadium

"Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson and Chelsea counterpart Jose Mourinho are in very animated and amiable conversation in the tunnel here at The King Power. Chelsea's bench can get a little fiery - especially Rui Faria - but we have seen this season that Mr. Pearson is also a formidable presence in the technical area. Play nicely chaps."

Leicester City

Leicester manager Nigel Pearson: "We don't have any room for manoeuvre. We have five games to go and this is the first one. We have had an extra day to prepare than Chelsea but it's important to go into it with a positive mindset.

"We have to make life difficult for Chelsea tonight. They will be champions. We want to make sure their wait is prolonged."

Petr Cech has kept 162 clean sheets in the Premier League. Only David James (169) has more. That's the sort of pedigree Chelsea are drafting in, but where will Cech be playing next season?

Bin it and win it

DidierDrogba

Ever wondered why John Mikel Obi is still at Chelsea?

They call him 'the finisher' at the dinner table.

Do modern day footballers know how to party or what?

My one word to describe Jose Mourinho tonight is 'fatigued.'

He looks tired of it as he prowls the King Power pitch. It'll soon be over Jose, you'll be on holiday soon enough.

Boring, efficient, ruthless, whatever - what you can't deny is that Chelsea are by the far the best side in the Premier League this season and deserve to win the title.

Right?

Feel free to disagree but you can't argue with the numbers. Chelsea have taken 77 points from 33 games, scored 65 goals, conceded 26 and haven't lost since New Year's Day.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

We're asking you to describe Chelsea's season in one word...

Hashim: Chelsea's line-up seems unadventurous tonight. Perhaps then 'unadventurous' is the most apt word to describe their season.

Josh Barnes: The consummate winner Mourinho has done it again, and in more infuriating fashion than ever. Chelsea in a word? Goading.

Dinesh Persaud: Chelsea in one word...tactical.

Get in touch with your suggestions on Twitter at #bbcfootball, on the BBC Sport Facebook page, or via text on 81111.

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty at The King Power Stadium

"Big night in prospect at The King Power Stadium. The priorities of Leicester City and Chelsea could not be more contrasting - The Foxes aiming for a fifth successive win as they attempt to avoid relegation while three points for Jose Mourinho's team will leave them needing victory at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday to secure the Premier League title.

"Mourinho has been defending his team from accusations from Arsenal fans that their style is "boring" - it is highly unlikely Chelsea's fans will be bored by another title.

"Leicester, meanwhile, have been revived and are now in position to pull off an escape that looked highly unlikely just a few weeks ago."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

BBC

BBC Radio 5 live on Twitter: #LCFC fans, you're in better form than the champions elect! Regular updates from #lcfc v #cfc from the King Power.

'The best in the world?'

Alan Shearer

BBC Sport

"I don't think anyone can argue that Eden Hazard is not a worthy winner of the PFA player of the year award.

EPA

"The bad news for Chelsea's rivals is that at 24, Hazard is only going to get better.

"In three or four years, I think we could be talking about the Belgian being the best player in the world - he has the potential to be that good."

Read more from Alan Shearer here.

Spanish La Liga

Over in Spain Real Madrid have just kicked off against Almeria. Can they close the gap on leaders Barcelona?

Find out in our European live page here.

Player of the year

Awards dos can often throw up the unexpected - Oliver! winning the Oscar for best film ahead of 2001, Kevin Costner winning best director ahead of Martin Scorsese for Goodfellas - but there was no such upset on Sunday as Eden Hazard won PFA player of the year.

Getty Images

'Dances With Wolves? A good film but come on...'

The Belgian has been brilliant all season and thoroughly deserved the gong - in my opinion at least.

Can Hazard add to his tally of 18 goals for the season tonight?

AP

Hazard has created the most goalscoring chances (88) and embarked on the most dribbles (254) in the Premier League this season. Decent.

Text us on 81111

Stuart, Wimbledon: There's no doubt that Chelsea know how to entertain - they have played some great football this season and have several world class players. So do Man City and Arsenal, but the difference is the Blues under Mourinho have the resilience to grind out results when necessary. They know how to win, and for that, they deserve to be champions.

Martyn, Eastbourne: Chelsea in one word this season "Hazard" - pure class.

Get in touch with your one-word suggestions at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - don't forget to say who you are and where you are texting from.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Tonight we're asking you to sum up Chelsea's season in one word...

Sam Stringer: Comfortable.

Jason Mannon: Adept.

Imran Maqbool: Surely the only word which describes Chelsea's premier league season is 'efficient'.

Get in touch with your one-word suggestions at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - don't forget to say who you are and where you are texting from.

Brothers at war...

Forest Green midfielder Rob Sinclair says he would "rather not" face brother Stuart when they play Bristol Rovers in the Conference play-offs semi-finals.

Tonight's first leg at The New Lawn could see the brothers line up against each other for the first time, though Stuart, 27, is an injury doubt.

"Whoever wins, one of us is going to be at Wembley," said 25-year-old Rob.

"I'll be there regardless, whether I'm playing or watching my brother. But I'd much rather be playing." Obviously.

The Pirates, who hammered relegated Alfreton Town 7-0 on the final day of the regular season, were pipped to the Conference title by Barnet despite losing just once in the league since Christmas.

Forest Green are in the play-offs for the first time having secured the club's best-ever position of fifth.

BBC

Tonight also sees a key game in the race for promotion to the Football League. And it's got a nice sibling rivalry twist...

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho reveals that Thibaut Courtois is not 100% fit so Petr Cech starts in goal, and Oscar is fully fit after his head injury at the weekend.

He also says that Didier Drogba will be key against Leicester's three centre-backs.

LINE-UPS

Petr Cech gets his first Premier League start for Chelsea since the 1-0 win over Everton on 11 February. Thibaut Courtois and Oscar drop out of the XI that started Sunday's draw with Arsenal.

Leicester: Schmeichel; Wasilewski, Huth, Morgan (c), Konchesky; King, Cambiasso, Drinkwater, Albrighton; Vardy, Ulloa.

Subs: Schwarzer, De Laet, Hammond, James, Mahrez, Wood, Kramaric.

Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry (c), Azpilicueta; Ramires, Matic; Willian, Fabregas, Hazard; Drogba.

Subs: Courtois, Filipe Luis, Zouma, Ake, Mikel, Oscar, Cuadrado.

Text us on 81111

Greg, Bushey: Mourinho has never cared what anyone thought of his style and never will. His job is to win and that's what he does. Chelsea are the best team in the league this season. Case closed.

But Greg - what about the all-important word?

Keep it tight!

Leicester have conceded more goals in the first half of Premier League games this season (27) than Chelsea have overall in 2014-15 (26).

Getty Images

Darren Fletcher scored for West Brom after eight minutes against Leicester recently - but the Foxes came back to win

Keep it tight early doors lads...

5 live tonight

BBC Radio 5 live

Mark Pougatch is the man in the chair for tonight's 5 live sport from 19:00 BST.

Tune in online, on your radio or listen in this page as Pougatch and guests chew the fat on the day's sporting issues before Robbie Savage joins him from 19:30 for the Wednesday Night Club.

BreakingBREAKING TEAM NEWS

Chelsea

Chelsea make two changes as veterans Petr Cech and Didier Drogba get a start.

BreakingBREAKING TEAM NEWS

Leicester City

Leicester are unchanged from the side which beat Burnley last time out. In form, why change it?

What do you think of Chelsea? VOTE NOW

Can you sum up this Chelsea side in one word? Careful.

Jose Mourinho's men tend to divide opinion, and we want to know what you have made of them this season.

Getty Images

From annoying to ruthless; successful to boring, have your say by voting at the top of this page, or on the 'vote' tab on mobile devices.

You can also let us know in more erudite fashion by getting in touch at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

If you admire them, why? If you can't stand them, why?

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - don't forget to say who you are and where you are texting from.

Oscar - who went off with concussion at the weekend - has just stepped off the Chelsea team bus. Diego Costa is there too, wearing a baseball cap backwards. Very 1993.

Foxes on form

Leicester City are looking to win five successive top-flight games for the first time since January 1964.

Getty Images

Just your average day in 1964 - the Beatles shadowbox with Muhammad Ali. While discussing Leicester's rampant form no doubt.

To put that into context, Glad All Over by the Dave Clark Five was at number one - Crystal Palace fans will be all over that one - Match of the Day had not yet been invented, The Beatles' first album in America was being pressed and the Great Train Robbery trial was under way.

What a time to be alive...

A big month

A lot can happen in a month.

On the evening of 21 March, Leicester City had just been beaten by a Harry Kane-inspired Spurs and were stuck to the bottom of the league on 19 points.

Reuters

What's the score? - Jamie Vardy has scored three times in his last five games

They were seven points adrift of safety. All looked grim.

At the other end, Chelsea were two points clear of Manchester City - albeit with games in hand - and could have been facing a nervy run-in.

Since then Chelsea have beaten Hull, Stoke, QPR and Manchester United and drawn at Arsenal to turn the title race into a fun run.

Leicester have won four games in a row and now sit clear of the drop zone with five games left. What a month...

Do the maths

Chelsea can win the title this weekend. IF they beat Leicester tonight then a win against Palace on Sunday would do the job.

Closing in...

Seven wins and a draw from their last four games each. No defeats.

Getty Images

Two sides bang in form, moving ever closer to their respective targets at both ends of the Premier League.

Chelsea are two wins away from securing their first title in five years. Leicester could well be two wins away from securing Premier League safety.

Reuters

Tonight they meet. It's a big one alright. Who's your money on?