Chelsea lose to Leicester - reaction

1. Vardy volleys in 15th goal of season
2. Mahrez adds second with superb curled finish
3. Sub Remy replies with close-range header
4. Leicester go top; Chelsea point above bottom three

The Italian job

"Perfect!" is what I'd imagine Claudio Ranieri is saying in this wonderful image below.

Who'd have thought a year ago that Ranieri's Leicester would be top of the Premier League and Mourinho's Chelsea scrapping around at the bottom.

Not me. And probably not these two blokes. Leicester go to Everton next weekend aiming to stay top at Christmas, while Chelsea host Sunderland in a *cough cough* relegation battle.

Until then...arrivederci!

Reuters

Stats you need to know

• Leicester have scored in every Premier League game this season
• Jamie Vardy has now scored or assisted in 14 consecutive Premier League games
• No team with 35+ points after the first 16 games of a Premier League season has finished outside the top four

Foxes powering on

Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri said his team played with "electricity" and, wired to a treadmill, they could have powered a small village tonight. 

They clocked up 114km between them compared to Chelsea's 110km, and performed 488 sprints to their opponent's 487.

As our graphic below shows they lit up almost the whole field.

Opta

Not for sale

Any clubs eyeing up Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy had better think again. Why? Because Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri says so,

"No-one can buy Vardy or Mahrez in January," says the Italian. "They don't have the money and they don't have a price."

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Matthew Vins: Not that long ago Aston Villa completely outplayed Leicester, led 2-0 but ended up losing 3-2. Look at what has happened since.

I want to stay - Mourinho

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at King Power Stadium

Does this latest defeat - Chelsea's ninth in the Premier League this season - spell trouble for Jose Mourinho's future. He doesn't think so.

"The last question (about my future) is always the same," says the Portuguese. 

"The only thing I can say is that I want to be the manager. I have no doubts and I think you know me well enough to know that I am not afraid of a big challenge and in this moment it is a really big challenge.

"I want to stay and I hope Mr Abramovich and the board want me to stay because I want to stay."

Ashamed Mourinho targets top six

With Chelsea already 14 points behind fourth-placed Manchester United, Jose Mourinho has been forced to adjust his expectations.

"We can't finish top four, but we can still finish top six because so many teams are dropping points," he tells BBC Sport. "But at the moment we're in a zone where I feel ashamed." 

Mourinho 'can't understand defensive errors'

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Jose Mourinho says he can't fathom how Chelsea allowed Leicester to score their two goals. Practice hasn't made perfect for the Blues this week.

"Today we made two defensive mistakes and we pay. They were goals that I cannot accept. They are goals that were studied and we have practiced for three days. I feel bad because I don't understand how we can concede these goals."

On his misfiring attack: "At the moment it costs us a lot to score goals. Look through our numbers and it is clear it is difficult to score goals. Why? Because the players whose job it is to score goals aren't."

FULL-TIME

Leicester have been working on their shooting practice more than Chelsea - at least on the evidence of this game. The Foxes had nine shots, five on target, with those two crucially finding the onion bag.

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We're not in a relegation battle - Mourinho

Phil McNulty - our man at King Power Stadium - has been listening to what else Jose Mourinho has been saying in his post-match news conference.

"I accept we are in the relegation zone but I don't accept we are in a relegation battle," says the Chelsea boss.

"You look at the table and we are there but you think you are in a relegation battle if you think you are there for three or four months. I don't think that."

'I don't want to wake up'

Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri on Sky Sports: "There was a lot of electricity tonight, without that we are a normal team but with the fans pushing us we are very happy. They continue to dream but we must continue to keep our feet on the ground.,

"I told my players, five more points and we are safe. I think like this I put that target at the beginning of the season, when we achieve 40 points, we will change our goal.

"It's magical time we must continue to work hard because I don't want to wake up, I want to continue to dream with our fans." 

Manager reaction - Ranieri

EPA

Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri speaking to Sky Sports: "We made a fantastic one hour and the last 30 minutes we suffered a lot but they are the champions. I'm very pleased with our performance, we played compact and tried to do our best until the end and that is good. 

"When we play with pace and one or two touches and coordinate the movements they know very well, this is our strength. All the players believe in each other and help each other and only in this way can you win against big champions."

FULL-TIME

Chelsea huffed and puffed, but they lacked quality in the final third to hurt Leicester. Eleven attempts but only two (in green) found the target.

Opta

Ranieri still targeting survival

Earlier, we assumed/hoped Riyad Mahrez was joking about Leicester still being focused on accruing enough points to beat the drop. Turns out he wasn't.

Mahrez was just repeating the mantra of his boss Claudio Ranieri, who says he is still focusing on reaching 40 points. Seriously...

Manager reaction - Hazard

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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho on Eden Hazard's first-half injury: "He made the decision to come off. So it must be a serious injury. His first reaction was 'I can't continue', his second reaction was 'I want to try', but after his first step back on the pitch he said he couldn't. He's injured clearly." 

Top four has gone - Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has caved in. He's finally admitted the top four is beyond his Chelsea side. The Blues boss only said six words in answer to the 'top four question' - but those six words were a huge admission.

"The top four is gone - clearly," he tells Sky Sports.

Manager reaction - Mourinho

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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho: "We were the best team for 20-25 minutes, maybe for a maximum of 30 minutes. They were best team for an hour.  

"When some of your players don't hit the levels they are capable of it is hard to see. This season we are doing so bad for some reason, not all of them.

"To turn things around, I know only one way - working at the top level. Day by day in training I have no complaints with them. But is it frustrating to see what they are doing in training and what they do in matches? Clearly yes."

FULL-TIME

Stand for Jose Mourinho's reaction - he's in the tunnel. And he's looking suitably grumpy.

FULL-TIME

*Footballer trots out cliche alert*

Leicester hero Riyad Mahrez says his table-topping side aren't safe from relegation yet. We think he was joking....

'We are not safe yet'

Leicester goalscorer Riyad Mahrez speaking to Sky Sports: "I don't know if no-one can stop me but I need to do my best for the team, but the most important thing is the performance of the team, we did a great game and deserved the win. I have a lot of confidence, when you keep scoring and making assists it's normal to have confidence."

Asked if Leicester were safe, he added: "We are not definitely safe, we need 40 or 42 points for that." 

FULL-TIME

If you won games on possession stats then Chelsea would have strolled this one. But they aren't and they didn't. Both teams had five shots on target and Leicester were more clinical. Only one statistic counts...

Opta

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Keith Micallef: Only a special one full of himself can turn the Champions to relegation candidates in weeks 

Kudzai Makopa: At the end of the day it's just a team at the top of the table beating a team down the bottom

Have your say

The 5 live Social is getting under way in a few minutes with Mark Chapman and Robbie Savage.

They will be discussing:

Is it beyond the realms of possibility that Leicester could win the league?Is Riyad Mahrez the best player in the league this season?And Robbie said that Liverpool's post-match actions yesterday were a "nonsense" - what do you make of it?

Have you say on 0500 909 693 or @5liveSport on social media.

Robbie Savage

Former Leicester midfielder on Radio 5 live at King Power Stadium

"Unbelievable. Riyad Mahrez's goal world class, Chelsea had a right go and had numerous opportunities to get back in it but the work-rate, desire and spirit from Leicester was magnificent." 

FULL-TIME

Keep that up Jamie and you're assured a place on next year's Ballon d'Or shortlist...

FULL-TIME

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Chelsea's players slope off the pitch as Jose Mourinho sportingly embraces his former nemesis Claudio Ranieri. The reigning champions are 16th in the top-flight - just ONE point above the relegation zone. Remarkable.

FULL-TIME

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All over! The Leicester crowd erupts, their jubilant players hug each other enthusiastically. They are top of the Premier League!

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Seconds left. Ranieri cajoles his team from the touchline, Mourinho goes ballistic at his players. Willian sees an opportunity run away from him. And that should be almost that....

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Leicester fans up the noise level as they aim to carry their men home. Nemanja Matic looks perplexed as he gives away a free-kick inside the Foxes half.

Leicester try to seal it with a third. Leonardo Ulloa tries to bend it like Mahrez - but finds the stand behind the goal. That'll do.

Leicester survive one of the added five. Largely because Wes Morgan digs Diego Costa to break down a Chelsea move.

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I need some oxygen - it is breathless stuff. Five minutes of injury-time for Leicester to hang on, or for Chelsea to nab a dramatic leveller. Which way is it going to go?

Robbie Savage

Former Leicester midfielder on Radio 5 live at King Power Stadium

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"I think we are going to get a grandstand finish." 

SUBSTITUTION

Another time-sapping technique from the home side - and why not! Leicester make their third and final change. Jamie Vardy gets a breather and receives a standing ovation - possibly for providing a bag of crisps to Foxes fans before kick-off, but more likely for his goalscoring display. On comes Shinji Okazaki.

Leicester ease the tension by slowing things down the right flank. Danny Simpson wins a throw then takes his time before flinging the ball back into play.

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EPA

Viv: I believe Remy should be given his chance to lead the line a bit. Costa has had his time but has done little

stu: What has Marc Albrighton got to do to be picked for England squad He has been brilliant this season

Chances are arriving quicker than Tube trains at Oxford Circus. Loic Remy's 25-yard effort harmlessly drifts wide as Chelsea search for that equaliser.

The best form of defence for Leicester? Scoring a third. The ball drops nicely to Marc Albrighton just outside the Chelsea box, flashing a low drive inches past the left-hand post.

Robbie Savage

Former Leicester midfielder on Radio 5 live at King Power Stadium

Reuters

Jose Mourinho is moaning about the time Riyad Mahrez is taking to go off the pitch but as far as I know there are no rules about needing to sprint. He can take his time.  

SUBSTITUTION

Leicester need to shore up - and that's what Claudio Ranieri decides too. Off comes Riyad Mahrez, on comes the more defensive-minded Gokhan Inler

Chelsea win a free-kick in a dangerous position on the right. Willian swings it in, Kasper Schmeichel punches clear (rather unconvincingly), but is helped by his defence who boot clear.

Ten minutes plus stoppages. Plenty of time for more drama....

Right then, let's see if Leicester have the stomach to hold out. Chelsea are back on the attack...

Robbie Savage

Former Leicester midfielder on Radio 5 live at King Power Stadium

Reuters

"What a ball from Pedro. Jose Mourinho has been positive since they went 2-0 down and they are right back in this game." 

GOAL - Leicester 2-1 Chelsea

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Game on?! Chelsea think so. Loic Remy escapes his marker to nod in Pedro's cross from the left flank. The Frenchman grabs the ball and legs it to the halfway line. 

Chances are flowing as the game swings from end-to-end. Supporters down the two sides are getting neckache. It's like watching a tennis match.

Hit it! Chelsea substitute Loic Remy showboats when he receives a cutback from Willian inside the Leicester box. Why didn't he smash it first time instead of trying to flick the ball past the sliding challenge? Chance gone.

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Matt King: And we thought LVG had it tough. A penny for Mourinho's thoughts?

One would imagine they will be dark thoughts. Very dark.

Chelsea continue to hog possession, Leicester content to sit back and let the Blues play in front of them. Robert Huth hoofs the ball clear from a left-wing cross - to great cheers from the vocal home fans.

Asked by Radio 5 live commentator Guy Mowbray whether Chelsea can be relegated, Robbie Savage replies: "Come on Guy!"

I think that's a 'no'...

Wide open now. Chelsea are going for broke - as they have to - allowing Leicester to pick them off on the counter.

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Francis Edwards: I'm still not sure how anyone can justify José is still the man. The players are clearly not with him, something isn't right

Abdullah: Although I'm a Chelsea fan, I think maybe Chelsea deserve to get relegated to teach the team a lesson 

Surely Chelsea can't get relegated can they??

PENALTY APPEAL

Let off for Chelsea? Possibly. Diego Costa's arms are flailing around as he helps defend a corner, the ball hitting some part of the Chelsea striker's anatomy. Worth another glance, is that. Ref Mark Clattenburg isn't convinced it was a deliberate handball.

SUBSTITUTION

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Last throw of the tactical dice by Jose Mourinho. And the Portuguese can only come up with Loic Remy. The Frenchman, who replaces Oscar, hasn't scored a Premier League goal this season...

Robbie Savage

Former Leicester midfielder on Radio 5 live at King Power Stadium

"Credit to Chelsea, they are having a go at getting back into this by going with three up front. Diego Costa could have scored, but what an opportunity for Branislav Ivanovic, he was two yards out with an empty net. This is a game now!"

Chelsea are not going to score tonight.

Here's why...Diego Costa is clean through but hits the legs of the onrushing Peter, sorry Kasper, Schmeichel.

Then Branislav Ivanovic can't tap in Willian's corner from one yard. One yard! His legs turned to jelly.

Chance! The ball pings around the Leicester box after Oscar's lofted pass is headed straight to Chelsea forward Pedro by home defender Danny Simpson. But Simpson recovers to crowd out the Spaniard before the Foxes blast clear.

Chelsea's best bet of clawing their way back into this game looks to be a set-piece. They're winning plenty around the Leicester goal, but are lacking quality in the penalty area. Willian - again the Blues' brightest spark - slaps a weak 20-yard free-kick into the palms of Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel. Then, the Brazilian's corner is headed clear at the near post.

Party time at Leicester

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at The King Power Stadium

PA

A deafening roar has just swept around The King Power Stadium as Chelsea were once more pressed into submission by Leicester City.

Team and players are at one here, with "The Tinkerman" Claudio Ranieri urging his men on from the technical area. What a story this is turning into.

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Alex Store: Premier League football, defying logic once again. There is no explanation for what has happened to either of these sides

Matt Wass: If Leicester can get through this difficult run without dropping that many points they could genuinely win the title

Dan Wade Vard-rez strikes again

The away end remains defiant in the face of yet more adversity. Chelsea fans are chanting loudly as their team try to get behind Leicester's defence. Robert Huth boots a Willian cross clear.

Robbie Savage

Former Leicester midfielder on Radio 5 live at King Power Stadium

"Am I allowed an opinion on this one? Will Chelsea go with three centre halves, or will Nemanja Matic drop into the back four?

"It looks like they will play with three centre-halves with Branislav Ivanovic, Kurt Zouma and Cesar Azpilicueta."

SUBSTITUTION

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"Come in number 26, your time is up." Chelsea skipper John Terry is hooked by Jose Mourinho as the Portuguese plots a way back into this match. On comes Cesc Fabregas. Clearly he won't be playing centre-half, the Blues instead going to a three-man defence.

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YELLOW CARD

Robbie Savage

Former Leicester midfielder on Radio 5 live at King Power Stadium

"That was a good foul for Robert Huth to commit. Diego Costa was away, and to be fair to the Chelsea striker he didn't react."

YELLOW CARD

What response have Chelsea got? A positive one to be fair. Diego Costa chased down the right channel, gets smacked down by Robert Huth. Booking.

Robbie Savage

Former Leicester midfielder on Radio 5 live at King Power Stadium

EPA

"Go and get me a cup of tea Cesar Azpilicueta, you haven't come out since half-time! What a goal from Riyad Mahrez, what a performance from Leicester."

GOAL - Leicester 2-0 Chelsea

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Top drawer! Leicester double their lead through some more Riyad Mahrez magic. Up there for thinking, down there for dancing. The Algerian international shows quicker feet than Danny Zuko, waltzing past Cesar Azpilicueta before bending in a delicious curler from the right side of the Chelsea box.

YELLOW CARD

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Fuse. Lit. As Robbie alluded to there, Jamie Vardy causes a bit of a stir as he crashes into Diego Costa within seconds of the restart. Explosive. Vardy is yellow carded.

Robbie Savage

Former Leicester midfielder on Radio 5 live at King Power Stadium

"Diego Costa rolled around and then got straight up to his feet and he was head to head with Jamie Vardy. Mark Clattenburg was right to book Vardy but the reaction of Costa, he was lucky there. 

"The Chelsea striker should show more of that sort of energy in the final third."

KICK-OFF

Leicester are 45 minutes away from their sixth win in seven league matches - and claiming top spot in the Premier League. The home side restart the action.

The players are heading back out of the tunnel - Leicester's players with a spring in their step.

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Richards Maiwada: This game is evident that passion supersedes talent 

Abdul - ig: You're not the Chelsea I used to know... You're a shadow of yourself. So-so possession, no shot! This is painful to watch.

BHWardak: If I were one of the worlds top players, I would go to Leicester. An honour to play with Vardy and Mahrez

Chelsea on the back foot again

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at The King Power Stadium

Leicester's lead is fully deserved - sharper and more fluent than the fading champions.

Where is the spark for Chelsea? Diego Costa has looked clumsy and off the pace while Eden Hazard is off injured - so it has been left to Willian to fight a lone battle.

Once again Jose Mourinho is left with the task of lifting his players, How has it come to this for a team that was so impressive last season?

HALF-TIME

Here's how that lethal Mahrez and Vardy combination as proved fruitful for Leicester tonight. Mahrez (26) cross + Jamie Vardy (9) volley = goal. It's the perfect equation for the Foxes.

Opta

HALF-TIME

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Our friends at Opta tell us that Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez are now joint top in terms of Premier League goal involvements this season - both 17.    

HALF-TIME

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Imagine the contrasting scenes in the two dressing rooms. Claudio Ranieri smirking away as he tells his Leicester players to keep doing what they are doing, while Jose Mourinho boots the kitbag with his buffed leather shoes while reading the riot act. Possibly.

Robbie Savage

Former Leicester midfielder on Radio 5 live at King Power Stadium

"Whether it be counter attacking, pressing, Leicester always seem to make the right decision, and they do it so quickly. The partnership between Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez is great.

"Top players take chances but the Chelsea team look like they are scared to make a mistake." 

HALF-TIME

Referee Mark Clattenburg toots his whistle right on cue - to huge cheers from the bubbly home fans. Leicester looking like a top-four side, Chelsea looking like - well - a bottom-six side.

INJURY TIME

Whistles from the home fans as Chelsea ping the ball around near the halfway line. No danger.

INJURY TIME

All eyes turn to the fourth official who trots forward to the touchline. Four minutes of stoppage time until Jose Mourinho gets the chance to blast his players. If he wants to, of course.

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lfcway: Brilliant goal by Leicester. Vardy's Goal drought over

Jacob Poole: This season isn't going to plan

Stevey Gee Sings: So glad Vardy has scored again. I had forgotten what it was like for him to score

Marwan Nawaz: Could Ranieri be putting the nail in the coffin for Mourinho's Chelsea rein? - oh the irony!

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Robbie Savage

Former Leicester midfielder on Radio 5 live at King Power Stadium

"Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic doesn't know what day of the week it is." 

Leicester cope with that gentle wave of Chelsea pressure, then burst forward themselves. Foxes winger Marc Albrighton spins off Branislav Ivanovic before ambitiously trying to beat Thibaut Courtois at his near post from 20 yards. The Chelsea keeper is too wise for that... 

No sign of a Leicester second, I'm afraid Mr Savage. But no sign of a Chelsea equaliser either. Branislav Ivanovic bombs a long throw into the Leicester area as the Blues enjoy plenty of possession without slicing open the home defence. 

Robbie Savage

Former Leicester midfielder on Radio 5 live at King Power Stadium

"If Leicester can get another goal before half-time, it will be very hard for Chelsea to get back into this."

Chelsea are winning....the corner count. And that's it really. The Blues earn their fourth corner of the evening, but Willian's weak set-piece is cleared at the near post.

Five minutes for Leicester to hold on to their lead until half-time.

No stopping Vardy

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at The King Power Stadium

Trademark Leicester City. Superb ball from Riyad Mahrez and that brilliant run from Jamie Vardy - you've seen it before but it was still too good for Chelsea.

The King Power is absolutely rocking and the fading champions are on the back foot once more.

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Ajaya Neupane: Leicester - A Title Threat !! It's time we say it.

David Ljunggren: I see the Chelsea defence paid close attention to the bit in the pre-match briefing that went "Above all, watch out for Vardy".

Robbie Savage

Former Leicester midfielder on Radio 5 live at King Power Stadium

"Listen to the atmosphere, it's rocking here. I've almost lost my voice. The Chelsea back four are all over the place. I love commentating on the radio!"  

"We are top of the league!" chant the Leicester fans. That you are. But not if Chelsea equalise. The Blues win a corner as they look to instantly hit back. Nemanja Matic climbs highest to meet Willian's corner, but can't keep his effort down.

Robbie Savage

Former Leicester midfielder on Radio 5 live at King Power Stadium

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"The Chelsea back were woeful. John Terry had his back to Jamie Vardy and he's the most dangerous forward in the league."

GOAL - Leicester 1-0 Chelsea

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Jamie Vardy is having a party! After that one-game goal drought, the Leicester striker has found his scoring boots. Again, his sharp movement causes havoc, dashing across the Chelsea line to volley in Riyad Mahrez's delicious right-wing cross. That's 15 goals for Vardy this season, seven assists for Mahrez.

Little goal mouth action to report. Maybe Pedro can inspire Chelsea.

SUBSTITUTION

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Will he, won't he?? Eden Hazard seems to suggest that he will go back on (or maybe it was Mourinho suggesting that) before deciding he can't continue. Spain winger Pedro comes on. He needs to justify his hefty price tag following his summer move from Barcelona. Tonight would be a good start from a Chelsea point of view.

Robbie Savage

Former Leicester midfielder on Radio 5 live at King Power Stadium

"It looked an innocuous fall, Eden Hazard seemed to fall on his hip. That was a bizarre one." 

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When it rains, it pours. Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho does that 'rolling-of-the-hands' gesture - Eden Hazard is coming off.

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Leicester are trying to rough Chelsea up good and proper. Jamie Vardy crashes into Eden Hazard and the Belgian is sent sprawling. Didn't look that heavy but there is a long delay as Hazard grimaces on the deck.

Diego Costa doesn't like to stay inside the penalty area though, that's part of Chelsea's problem. They have been whipping in plenty of crosses but no-one is there to finish them. Costa drifts out to the left again, with good reason this time, to chase a forward ball. But he is outmuscled by Wes Morgan as Leicester win a goal kick.

Robbie Savage

Former Leicester midfielder on Radio 5 live at King Power Stadium

Reuters

"The best opportunity for Chelsea in attack so far looks like getting the ball out wide right and then crossing to Diego Costa. Maybe Eden Hazard should move into the number 10 position?

"Lots of possession from Chelsea but the final ball has been poor."

Leicester appear to have seamlessly coped with Andy King's introduction for the injured Danny Drinkwater in their midfield. The home side are organised - two solid banks of four behind the ball -  as Chelsea probe to no avail.

Leicester making pace count

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at The King Power Stadium

The hallmark of this Leicester City side has been the pace and trickery of Riyad Mahrez allied to the history-making goal feats of Jamie Vardy.

And both have been prominent early on as the wonderful unpredictability of Mahrez, accomplished in front of goal himself, really troubles Chelsea.

This is a Leicester team flying high on confidence and neat adrenalin and Chelsea are having to fight for everything here.

Close him down! Which is what I would be shouting if I was a Chelsea fan. Again Leicester midfielder Riyad Mahrez is allowed time to control and shoot, again Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois is perfectly positioned.

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Ranjit: Mahrez looks better every time I see him. Great decision making, full of tricks and neat little touches, and so direct 

Shohidur Rahman: Love the way Leicester play. Always looking forward at first opportunity. Very similar to us in the Fergie days.

Robbie Savage

Former Leicester midfielder on Radio 5 live at King Power Stadium

"The pace of Jamie Vardy petrified the Chelsea defence, there. No-one wanted to take responsibility. Vardy has moved onto John Terry now."

Heart-in-mouth stuff for Thibaut Courtois. The Chelsea keeper charges off his line to clear a long ball outside his area. The problem is that Leicester have a livewire called Jamie Vardy who chases more lost causes than St Jude.

Courtois just about does enough, hacking into touch like a rugby league player.

Robbie Savage

Former Leicester midfielder on Radio 5 live at King Power Stadium

"Andy King will make runs forward, he has great energy. What a great opportunity for him now." 

SUBSTITUTION

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Nope, Danny Drinkwater's evening is over. The Leicester midfielder trudges off to be replaced by Andy King. A tactical curveball that Claudio Ranieri could have done without.

Rex Features

Two moments of concern for Leicester. Firstly, when Eden Hazard peels off unmarked to the back post. But they are let of the hook when the Belgian takes an extra touch and is hustled out of space by Danny Simpson.

The second? Danny Drinkwater pinging his hamstring. Doesn't look like Leicester will survive this one....

Brief moment of concern for Chelsea from the resulting free-kick. Christian Fuchs lifts one into the box, Thibaut Courtois collects, drops, then regathers before a Leicester foot can touch the ball.

Robbie Savage

Former Leicester midfielder on Radio 5 live at King Power Stadium

"Riyad Mahrez left John Terry flat-footed there, it should have been a yellow card." 

Riyad Mahrez and John Terry might share the same number on their backs (26) - but they don't share the same amount of pace. Terry looks like a rabbit caught in headlights as Mahrez tears towards him, clattering him about 35 yards out.

Diego Costa pulls out to the left channel to make something happen, settling for a throw-in. But the attack breaks down when Oscar's cross flies over everybody in the box.

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All fast and furious so far. Leicester's defence - and supporters - are trying to get under Diego Costa's skin. Talk about being a pantomime villain - Costa might has well have turned up dressed as Captain Hook.

Robbie Savage

Former Leicester midfielder on Radio 5 live at King Power Stadium

"Diego Costa is full of desire tonight, he's making the runs and wants the ball."

Get Involved

After Jose Mourinho revealed he likes to watch a movie or boxed set while his players warmed up, we asked for your suggestions of what the Chelsea boss likes to watch. Tweet using #mourinhomovie or text 81111.

Dave Payn: Given Chelsea's league campaign this season maybe Mourinho's been watching The Nightmare Before Christmas

Aidan Williams: Here's one he wont be watching: The Italian Job

The King Power pitch looks like a crown green bowls surface. Beautiful. Chelsea try to keep leather on grass, stroking the ball about without making much progress.

Boos from the home crowd, predictably, for Diego Costa every time he touches the ball. The Blues striker helps his side go on the attack, forcing a couple of early corners in succession. The home defence are organised and alert, heading clear the danger.

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Riyad Mahrez's ability is well known to the whole country now. Apart from, it seems, the Chelsea defence. The visitors allow the Leicester magician to run straight at them, swaying into space about 20 yards out, only to shoot low straight at Thibaut Courtois.

KICK-OFF

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Claudio Ranieri and Jose Mourinho shake hands as they emerge out of the tunnel - then it is down to the serious stuff. Chelsea, decked out in their changed strip, kick off. Will it be, er, all white on the night for Chelsea??

Line-ups

One final check of the two teams before we get down to business? Go on then...

Leicester: Schmeichel, Simpson, Morgan, Huth, Fuchs, Mahrez, Drinkwater, Kante, Albrighton, Ulloa, Vardy. Subs: King, Okazaki, Dyer, Wasilewski, Benalouane, Schwarzer, Inler. 

Chelsea: Courtois, Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Azpilicueta, Ramires, Matic, Willian, Oscar, Hazard, Costa. Subs: Begovic, Fabregas, Mikel, Kenedy, Pedro, Remy, Cahill. 

Referee: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear)

Foxes building the atmosphere

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at The King Power Stadium

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Always a great atmosphere in the moments before kick-off at the King Power Stadium with flags everywhere and the home supporters creating a racket with their clappers - and that is even before the teams emerge to the sound of a hunting horn.

The incredible success of Leicester City this season has given this fine arena an added edge - and it is certainly here tonight.

View from the commentary box

Guy Mowbray

BBC Match of the Day commentator at King Power Stadium

"Leicester are favourites. Aren't they? From the betting markets to the hugely contrasting yet career-intertwining managers,  this is a clash of glorious fascinations in so many ways.

"Many expect Leicester's very real title challenge to fall apart at some point, whilst feeling that Chelsea will shake themselves into a run that the team's quality demands.

"Neither have shown much sign of happening yet, but could this game be the one that tips the see-saw?

"Monday night football meets Monday night melodrama."

Five-minute warning

Stick on that kettle, put the kids to bed, whatever...this is your five-minute countdown to kick-off. Both sets of players are lined up in the tunnel, Chelsea skipper John Terry staring straight ahead, Leicester counterpart Wes Morgan glancing over to his rival. No acknowledgement from Terry - he's in the zone. 

Get Involved

After Jose Mourinho revealed he likes to watch a movie or boxed set while his players warmed up, we asked for your suggestions of what the Chelsea boss likes to watch. Tweet using #mourinhomovie or text 81111.

Derek: If Chelsea lose tonight he may well face the sack THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW.

Brocky: X-Files as he cant quite put his finger on the answers... but the truth is out there......

Jason Robinson: Jose's favourite movie must be The Blues Brothers.

Lawro's prediction

BBC

This week, our expert Mark Lawrenson has been pitting his wits against indie band Mumford & Son - and he has already nailed four correct scores.

Check out how they have fared.

Play our Premier League Predictor game

Is this just real life? Or is this just fantasy? Legendary Queen frontman Freddie Mercury thought the lines were blurred between the two states - he might well have been looking at our Premier League Predictor table.

Leicester fans, like their team, are flying high as their Chelsea counterparts scrabble about near the bottom.

You can help change that by having your say before kick-off....

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'We need the points'

Will failure to beat Leicester tonight end Chelsea's hopes of finishing above their hosts? Blues boss Jose Mourinho thinks so.

"They are full of confidence and in the position we are in, we must treat every opponent the same," a sullen-looking Mourinho tells Sky Sports.

"We are not worried about relegation, that's not the point, we have places where we want to finish and it's a considerable distance so we need points and we must treat this game as important."

Turning point?

'My focus is on Leicester'

Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri is his usual effervescent self as he speaks to Sky Sports. Here's what he has to say: "There is a pressure for the three points, we want to win, in front of us are the champions, it's a difficult battle but we will try. 

"It's important to see if my players play with the same intensity, and help each other - that is my target. 

"Playing Chelsea means it's not the same game as others, but my focus is on Leicester."

Ranieri omen for Leicester?

What Chelsea need to dig themselves out of this hole is a trip to Leicester. Says who? Says history. The Blues have won their last eight league and cup games against the Foxes, scoring a total of 25 goals.

But there is a potential omen for Leicester - Claudio Ranieri was sat on the bench when they last won. The wrong one but still....

#bbcfootball

Both sets of players have been limbering up on the slick, sodden King Power pitch. Jose Mourinho has his feet up somewhere (see 19:00 entry). And Leicester fans are chomping through a free bag of 'Vardy Salted' crisps which have been left on their seats. Like Vardy, they didn't cost a packet...

Leicester's uncharted territory

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at The King Power Stadium

Leicester City have been top of other divisions after 16 games in their history but never the top flight - the goal in sight tonight.

What a different story it was when these teams last met here at the end of April, when a 3-1 Chelsea victory put them one win away from the title and left Leicester to continue what was an ultimately successful attemtp to avoid relegation.

The game is actually best remembered for an ungracious outburst from then Leicester manager Nigel Pearson, who branded a reporter "an ostrich" after being asked about criticism his team had faced last season.

Get Involved

After Jose Mourinho revealed he likes to watch a movie or boxed set while his players warmed up, we asked for your suggestions of what the Chelsea boss likes to watch. Tweet using #mourinhomovie or text 81111.

Gary: Favorite movie, GhostBUSters. Favorite actor Steve BUSchemi

Shortimer: Chelsea are hoping for the Great Escape but so far it's looking like Chicken Run

The Tinkerman v the Special One

The Tinkerman v the Special One

Reuters/PA

It sounds like a WWE match-up, but The Tinkerman v The Special One has been more like a playground scuffle over the years. 

Claudio Ranieri and Jose Mourinho have enjoyed a frosty relationship, jibing and sniping ever since Mourinho replaced Ranieri at Chelsea in 2004.

Perhaps that's not surprising if Mourinho was hankering for Ranieri's job - while he was in the Chelsea job. And also Mourinho has bristled at suggestions that Ranieri deserves credit for identifying the core of his dominant Chelsea side of the mid-2000s.

The pair also clashed during their time together in Italy's Serie A. But now they have kissed and made up, according to this interesting Daily Mail piece about the pair's relationship.

Leicester hit the right note

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at The King Power Stadium

"Let It Snow" echoes around the King Power Stadium in a seasonal touch - but "Let It Pour" would be more appropriate as Leicester City and Chelsea's players came out to warm up in pouring rain.

The Foxes' dream season could continue here as a victory will put them back on top of the Premier League - and will also weaken Jose Mourinho's hold on his job as Chelsea manager.

Get involved

After Jose Mourinho revealed he likes to watch a movie or boxed set while his players warmed up, we asked for your suggestions of what the Chelsea boss likes to watch. Tweet using #mourinhomovie or text 81111.

Ayooluwapo Jesuyode: Jose will definitely enjoy watching Tom Cruise's Mission Impossible! Enough moves to inspire his mind.

Team news

As you were then for the two teams after convincing victories in their last outings. 

Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri names the same side that beat Swansea 3-0  on 5 December with Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez having scored 24 Premier League goals between them, seven more than the whole of the Chelsea team.

Opta

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho sticks with the side that beat Porto 2-0 in the Champions League last week. 

Diego Costa is up top and looking for his fourth Premier League goal this season, at this stage last term he had 12.

Opta

Among Europe's elite

Talking of the Champions League, it would be rude not to dissect today's big footballing story. The draw for the last 16.

And it was a case of deja vu for Chelsea, having been picked out to face French champions Paris St-Germain in the knockout phase. Zlatan, David Luiz et al - as Blues fans know full well - were Chelsea's conquerors in last season's quarter-finals.

Confident? Or quaking? 

And maybe Leicester fans reckon that they will be getting excited about the Champions League draw in the summer...

'It ain't all sunshine and rainbows'

Chelsea's hopes of finishing in the top four have taken a bigger battering than Rocky Balboa. But, like the fictional boxer, the Blues can stagger off the ropes and win their fight, according to Leicester's very own Italian Stallion.

"Their record does not mean anything as Chelsea are Chelsea and Mourinho is Mourinho. I'm sure at the end of the season they will be in the top four," insists Foxes manager Claudio Ranieri.

Life is sweet for Leicester

"Just passed this inspirational little place."

Get involved

After Jose Mourinho revealed he likes to watch a movie or boxed set while his players warmed up, we asked for your suggestions of what the Chelsea boss likes to watch. Tweet using #mourinhomovie or text 81111.

Matt Price: I could see Jose watching 24 actually. and wishing Jack Bauer could try and help him.

Top four for the Foxes?

Jason Roberts

Former West Brom striker on BBC Radio 5 live

Reuters

"The question is can Leicester make the top four? There’s a perfect storm for them at the moment. They seem to have this momentum and belief.

"Credit to Claudio Ranieri for not changing everything when he took over in the summer. We’ll have to start talking about them as contenders for the top four. I don’t see why they can’t stay unbeaten. I think Leicester will win this game."

Top four for the Foxes?

Only one team has already accrued 32 points at this stage of this season and gone on to miss out on a top-four finish. That was Newcastle in the early 1990s. How many points have Leicester got? 32....

Chelsea starting XI

Just heard a couple of snippets from Jose Mourinho in the King Power tunnel. The Chelsea manager says he thought about making a couple of changes from the 2-0 win against Porto - but decided to reward his men for a decent display instead. So that means that Blues too are unchanged.

Chelsea XI: Courtois; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Azpilicueta; Ramires, Matic; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Diego Costa.  

Leicester starting XI

Simple selection for Claudio Ranieri - Leicester are unchanged from the 3-0 win at Swansea.

Leicester XI: Schmeichel, Simpson, Morgan, Huth, Fuchs, Mahrez, Drinkwater, Kante, Albrighton, Ulloa, Vardy.

Get involved

Ever wondered what Premier League managers get up to while their players are warming up? Jose Mourinho has revealed his surprise pre-match routine...

"I like to be in my little office at Stamford Bridge, lying there, watching a movie or boxed set on my iPad," the Portuguese boss tells Daily Mail. Chilled. 

In the BBC Sport office, we immediately speculated what film or TV series Jose would choose to watch. Scandinavian police drama The Bridge, for example. Then we had a great idea - why don't you tell us your suggestions?!

3-2-1...ACTION! Tweet using #mourinhomovie or text 81111.

Vardy thanks Foxes fans

The Leicester fans arriving at the King Power will find a special surprise tucked into their seats...

Spot the footballer without massive sound cans hugging their ears? Nope, they aren't any. We've just seen glimpses of both sets of players trudging through the front door at Stamford Bridge. 

Diego Costa snarls at the security staff like he snarls at Premier League defenders. I doubt that's a clue whether he'll start or not. We'll find out for sure in about five minutes.

Who are the favourites?

Chelsea, Chelsea, Chelsea...what is happening? They've turned from Premier League champions to Premier League chumps inside a matter of months. It's the sort of fall from grace that only a scandal-hit MP can relate to.

The Blues are already 18 points adrift of the leaders, having lost eight Premier League matches - and we've not even reached Christmas.

Nevertheless - sticking with the betting theme - Jose Mourinho's men remain favourites with the bookies to nab the three points at King Power Stadium.

EPA

The table is upside down?

If anyone actually had the vision to go into their local bookies and place a bet on Leicester topping the table and Chelsea being in the bottom three on Christmas Day, or either leg of it, then I'll give you the money myself. Unless you're Mystic Meg. Or Derek Acorah.

But, remarkably, it could happen. Leicester, who scraped out of relegation bother last season, host the defending champions knowing a victory tonight will lift them back above Arsenal and Manchester City to the summit.

Getty

Picture the scene. Summer 2015. In a town centre near you.

Punter walks into a bookies: "What are the odds on Leicester topping the Premier League at Christmas?"

Bookie: "Hahaha! You must be mad. I'll give you 500/1."

Punter: "I'll have a tenner on it. In fact, make it a double. The other? Chelsea being in the bottom three."

Bookie: "What?! Now you're taking the...."

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