PREM: Chelsea v Leicester preview

Chelsea v Leicester preview

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri is contemplating deploying Eden Hazard as a 'false nine' for a third straight Premier League game in order to "let him free".

The Blues play Leicester at Stamford Bridge on Saturday after beating Manchester City and Brighton without fielding a recognised striker.

Olivier Giroud played the full game as Chelsea beat Bournemouth 1-0 in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, when Hazard came off the bench to score the decisive goal, while Alvaro Morata returned to training on Thursday following a knee injury.

"There isn't the best position for Hazard," Sarri said. "Hazard is a wonderful player, with a very high level of imagination. He needs to be let free on the pitch.

"I think there isn't the right position for him. We need to have a very high level of organisation based on his movements."

Meanwhile, Jamie Vardy is set to return for Leicester after he was rested for the Carabao Cup penalty-shootout defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday.

The striker had returned from a groin injury in last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace and Foxes boss Claude Puel did not want to rush him back into action again.

But the former England international and Leicester's five-goal top scorer should be available for the trip to west London.

"I hope [Vardy] can be fit for this match and can find his qualities," Puel said.

"With his quality and his aggressiveness, he is a very good player for us. We need Jamie - with his ability, capacity and character - to give his best.

"Of course, it has been difficult for him with injuries and suspensions this season, but he is a valuable player for us and we need Jamie to be at his best for us."

Chelsea centre-back Andreas Christensen is out with a minor hamstring problem.

As for the visitors, left-back Ben Chilwell could also return following his knee injury after missing the last two games, but midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is struggling after suffering a knee injury against Manchester City.