Leicester vs Chelsea Prediction, Odds and Lineups: Cole Palmer in 13/2 fancy

Leicester City host Chelsea in the Premier League at the King Power Stadium in today's lunchtime clash, live on TNT Sports 1 at 12:30pm.

Tom Winch has previewed the match and picked out his best bets below, including a 13/2 fancy on Cole Palmer.

We’re 11 Premier League matches in, and I think most Leicester fans would be relatively content with their current position. Steve Cooper’s side are 15th, having accumulated 10 points. The Foxes have a challenging run of games leading up until 2025 and it could be a Christmas to forget if they fail to earn valuable points. Chelsea are first with Brentford, Brighton, Newcastle, Liverpool and Manchester City before New Year’s Day.

It was always going to take time for Chelsea to get going. Enzo Maresca had a task on his hands. Let’s not forget the ridiculous money spent over the last few years. Many players haven’t even had a chance to show themselves. There’s an improvement, that’s clear. I’m a fan of this Chelsea side, and I’m convinced that performances and results will only get better.

Backing Chelsea is where I’m going with my main selection with the visitors are available on a -1 Asian Handicap at 1.80 (4/5).

I struggle to see how Leicester can contain an exciting forward line. Cole Palmer has racked up 12 goal contributions, a figure only bettered by Mo Salah. Nicolas Jackson has looked sharp and is one to watch as the season progresses. The Senegalese international has six league goals. Noni Madueke impressed for England over the break, whilst Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku, and Joao Felix should all feature.

Leicester could struggle at both ends of the pitch. Facundo Buonanotte has been arguably the best player so far but is suspended. Jordan Ayew, Bobby Reid and Jamie Vardy are doubtful, while Ghanaian international Abdul Fatawu will be out for the remainder of the campaign. That’s an almighty blow for the Foxes. Leicester are ranked 19th for xG; offensive opportunities could be few and far between on Saturday afternoon.

Chelsea have potential absentees of their own. Fofana, Gusto and Reece James may not feature, while Romeo Lavia is unlikely to play a part. Despite those names, it’s a talented squad with plenty of depth. Enzo Fernandez, Renato Veiga and Tosin are all capable replacements.

Cole Palmer is an exceptional talent. He’s a silky individual and is a player who thrives on confidence. I’m expecting the youngster to have his fair share of attempts against what should be a defensive Leicester side. Steve Cooper is likely to set up in a low block, aiming to allow little space in behind. We saw United take 13 shots when they hosted Leicester, with seven arriving from outside the box.

The Englishman has taken 36 shots in the Premier League this season. Palmer has unleashed 17 shots from outside the penalty area. Seven of those have come from a free kick. He hit the back of the net with a sublime strike against Brighton. Cole scored from a similar distance in Chelsea’s emphatic victory at Wolves.

Our man is priced no bigger than 11/10 to score in this encounter. Let’s take a larger price at 13/2 for Cole Palmer to score from outside the box. He certainly has the capability. Chelsea are likely to dominate proceedings in a goal-heavy affair.

Leicester vs Chelsea Lineups

Cole Palmer is expected to return to the visitors after missing the international break, while Levi Colwill is also believed to have recovered in time for Saturday's game.

Abdul Fatawu is out for the hosts.

The official starting lineups for Leicester vs Chelsea will be displayed in the graphic below once the team news has been announced.