PL2 Preview: Chelsea Visit Holmes Park
The Foxes sit fourth in PL2 with two wins, one draw and two defeats to their name this season following a 1-0 reverse at Arsenal last time out.
The Under-23s coaching staff have been pleased with the application of the squad so far this term, however, but the visit of Chelsea is likely to pose a stern challenge this week.
Here’s all you need to know…
Last time out
City's strong start to the new PL2 season was dented by a frustrating 1-0 defeat by Arsenal at Meadow Park on Friday evening.
Arsenal U23s 1-0 Leicester City U23s
Watch all the action from the Foxes' Premier League 2 fixture against Arsenal at Meadow Park.
An unfortunate 32nd minute own goal from young defender Darnell Johnson was all that separated the two sides in Hertfordshire during a lively, hotly-contested encounter.
The visitors really tested Arsenal as the clock ticked down with Liandro Martis volleying wide seconds after fellow substitute Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was denied by ‘keeper Matt Macey.
Beaglehole’s thoughts
The boss looked beyond the result and took pride in City’s performance during their defeat at Arsenal.
“I hate losing but I have taken a lot of pleasure out of that performance,” Beaglehole said. "I thought it was a terrific display, we had 17-18 corners and plenty of efforts on goal.
“They [Arsenal] have some good players out there including Calum Chambers. I think we had the best player on the pitch tonight, Hamza [Choudhury]. I thought he was outstanding."
Most recent meeting
Last season, City suffered a 4-0 loss at the hands of an experienced Chelsea side at St George’s Park back in January.
A double from combative forward Mukhtar Ali either side of the interval, an own goal and a late strike by Dominic Solanke handed the Blues all three points in frosty conditions in Burton-upon-Trent.
Beaglehole, the Under-23s manager, made a raft of changes from the starting line-up which succumbed to Cheltenham Town in the Checkatrade Trophy the week beforehand.
Opposition camp
Several of Chelsea’s young stars appeared for the west London club’s senior team during the 5-1 victory over Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.
Charly Musonda, 20, told chelseafc.com: “I was more nervous before the game. I had to wait for so long for the game to start, so when the game started I was at ease and I felt really good.
“I was looking forward to it. I come from the Academy and it was a great experience to be able to play my first game with the first team here at the Bridge, but it’s only the first game and I have to keep on working.”
How to watch
Don’t forget, every Development Squad home fixture in Premier League 2 will be broadcast live on LCFC TV throughout the 2017/18 campaign!
Beaglehole: It's A Great Step Forward By The Club
Steve Beaglehole talks on live coverage of all Under-23s home games during the upcoming season.
With live coverage and analysis of City's league home matches this season, including selected cup ties, the Blue Army will be able to follow the Club's next generation like never before.
Tickets are also available on the door on Friday evening, priced at £3 for Adults and £1 for Concessions.