Chelsea returned to winning ways with a brilliant 4-1 win over League One Peterborough United, who did not pose much of a threat for our passage into the fourth round of the FA Cup. Even though the game was against a lower league opposition at home, victory was of paramount importance especially after the 2-0 loss against Tottenham in the midweek. The defeat brought an end to a club-record of 13 successive victories in the Premier League. Now that the Blues have been able to erase the painful memories of this defeat, attention switches towards the away game against Leicester City on 14 January.
A game against the reigning champions will always be tough even if Leicester City are going through a very tough period. Just two league defeats at home this season is not the kind of form you can associate with a team, which is just two places above the relegation zone. Leicester have been badly let down by their away form.
On the other hand, Chelsea’s incredible form is one of the reasons why the Blues are the favourite team to win this season. If you’re interested in how they stack up again the rest from a betting perspective, take a look at CrownBet’s EPL odds.
Antonio Conte chose to rest a number of his first-team regulars against Peterborough United. The likes of Eden Hazard and Diego Costa – two players who have played almost every game – were given a much-needed breather. In their absence, Conte witnessed Pedro shine through with his newfound form and confidence. The Spaniard, who struggled in his early days at Chelsea, scored a brace to take his season’s tally to six goals.
It is highly likely that Willian will be brought in place of Costa, who is not even in the squad after a bust-up with the coach.
A cause for concern may be the significant opportunities that Peterborough United had to score more than one goal. The League One outfit may have certainly given Chelsea a lot of scare if they had been more clinical in finishing. After having been extraordinarily good in the defensive during the 13-game run, the Blues will have to be concerned about letting in five goals in the last three games. Defensive solidarity at the back can go a long way in helping Chelsea get three points in the league against the champions.
