Chelsea v Leicester LIVE: FA Cup result and final score after Chukwuemeka and Madueke save Blue blushes
Chelsea beat Leicester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals this afternoon to join the final four.
Substitutes Carney Chukwuemeka and Noni Madueke scored in added time to save the Blues after they had let a two-goal lead slip during the second half.
Marc Cucurella and Cole Palmer gave Chelsea the lead at half-time – after Raheem Sterling had also missed a penalty – before Axel Disasi scored an incredible own goal to give Leicester a lifeline. The Foxes equalised but they had a player sent off, before finally folding in the final moments to let Chelsea off the hook.
Follow reaction from Chelsea v Leicester in the FA Cup quarter-finals below, and get the latest match odds and FA Cup tips here.
Chelsea v Leicester - FA Cup quarter-finals
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FA Cup draw to follow Man Utd v Liverpool at around 6pm GMT
GOAL! Cucurella taps in after good work from Jackson (Chelsea 1-0 Leicester, Cucurella 13’)
PENALTY MISS! Sterling misses from the spot after he’s fouled
GOAL! Sterling makes amends for miss with an assist for Palmer (Chelsea 2-0 Leicester, Palmer 45 +1’)
GOAL! Freak Disasi own goal gives Leicester hope (Chelsea 2-1 Leicester, Disasi OG 50’)
GOAL! Mavididi equalises with a curled effort (Chelsea 2-2 Leicester, Mavididi 62’)
RED CARD! Doyle is sent off for a last-man challenge on Jackson
GOAL! Chukwuemeka slips in in injury time (Chelsea 3-2 Leicester, Chukwuemeka, 90 +2’)
GOAL! Madueke settles the match with a fine solo effort (Chelsea 4-2 Leicester, 90 +7’)
Chelsea FC 4 - 2 Leicester City FC
FULL-TIME: Chelsea 4-2 Leicester
15:09 , Chris Wilson
With the first tie of the day done, we move to Manchester United vs Liverpool to decide the final team in the draw for the semi-finals. You can follow updates from that game on our live blog.
Man Utd vs Liverpool LIVE: FA Cup team news and line-ups
FULL-TIME: Chelsea 4-2 Leicester
15:01 , Chris Wilson
Palmer and Chukwuemeka are first to speak to the media.
Palmer says that the game was “hard work”, but Chelsea are “glad to get back to Wembley”.
Chukwuemeka adds that “Cole said to me before the game, if I come on, he will assist me and fair play. His IQ is amazing, I knew as soon as I played it, he would find me”.
“We wanted to win a trophy this season, now we’re in the last four, so hopefully we can still do that.”
FULL-TIME: Chelsea 4-2 Leicester
14:57 , Chris Wilson
A mixed game from Chelsea overall, who were so comfortable at half-time and then again after the red card.
They made their own problems with the Disasi own goal, and things briefly looked like they might have got worse, but their big players performed well.
Excellent game from Gusto in particular, while Gallagher and Palmer were their usually reliable selves. Chukwuemeka was excellent when he came on too.
Not a great afternoon for Sterling, but he certainly remains one of England’s most reliable talents. He just needs to keep his head up, as he’ll be at the centre of things if Chelsea are to have a good end to the season.
14:50 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME: Chelsea 4-2 Leicester
14:46 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! That goal was almost the final kick of the game, and Chelsea are in yet another cup semi-final.
Comiserations for Leicester, who’ll feel like they could have got something before the red, but they pay the price for poor defending. They’ve shown the quality that the Championship possesses though.
GOAL! Chelsea 4-2 Leicester
14:44 , Chris Wilson
97 mins: GOAL! Madueke puts it to bed with a fantastic solo effort.
He picks it up midway into the Leicester half, skips past two challenges and gets the shot away. It is slightly deflected off Justin, and loops past the ‘keeper into the far corner.
Chelsea 2-2 Leicester
14:42 , Chris Wilson
96 mins: A Chelsea free-kick is hit into the wall. They win a corner after some good work from Chilwell, but they’re in no rush to take it.
Chelsea 2-2 Leicester
14:41 , Chris Wilson
94 mins: Chelsea are looking to put the game to bed, with another nice interchange between Palmer and Chukwuemeka, but it’s blocked. Leicester can’t really get out of their half.
Gusto is awarded man-of-the-match.
GOAL! Chelsea 3-2 Leicester
14:39 , Chris Wilson
92 mins: GOAL! Chukwuemeka surely wins it!
The Englishman initiates a give-and-go with Palmer in the box, and Palmer flicks it into his path on the one-two. Chukwuemeka slips it past the keeper with an accomplished finish into the far corner.
14:37 , Chris Wilson
91 mins: We’re into the eight minutes of added time. Chilwell has replaced Cucurella.
Chelsea 2-2 Leicester
14:36 , Chris Wilson
90 mins: CLOSE! More good work from Gusto, who delivers another cross. It’s deflected to Jackson, about eight yards out, but he’s leaning back and his shot goes over the bar.
Chelsea 2-2 Leicester
14:35 , Chris Wilson
89 mins: CLOSE! Palmer works the ball wide to Gusto, who fizzes in a cross to Madueke. The Englishman connects well, but it’s a good save down the keeper’s right.
Chelsea 2-2 Leicester
14:34 , Chris Wilson
87 mins: Leicester playing with five at the back now, unsurprisingly. It sounds like there’ll be eight minutes of stoppage time.
Leicester will be sitting back, but surely they can’t survive the remainder of normal time plus 30 minutes extra?
Gusto does well to dispossess Dewsbury-Hall with a sliding tackle. Chelsea are knocking it around the Leicester area, but are just lacking that final touch.
Chelsea 2-2 Leicester
14:32 , Chris Wilson
85 mins: Sterling is replaced by Noni Madueke. It sounds like there were a few boos there, but Madueke is certainly applauded on.
Sterling has done nothing for his England hopes here, although he probably deserves a place in the squad more than Jordan Henderson.
Chelsea 2-2 Leicester
14:31 , Chris Wilson
84 mins: Palmer threatens to create something as he unleashes a shot from just outside the box. It was goal-bound but is blocked by Faes, who stays down.
Chelsea 2-2 Leicester
14:29 , Chris Wilson
83 mins: Sterling lays it off to Chukwuemeka in the box, but his curled shot goes over. The home side not able to make anything of their numerical advantage yet, but Leicester are beginning to struggle.
Chelsea 2-2 Leicester
14:27 , Chris Wilson
80 mins: Leicester attempt to counter with Dewsbury-Hall, but he’s crowded out.
Chelsea having most of the ball now, with Leicester defending deep and compact.
Chelsea 2-2 Leicester
14:24 , Chris Wilson
77 mins: Mudryk comes off for Carney Chukwuemeka. That decision is greeted with boos, and some singing of ‘you don’t know what you’re doing’.
Chelsea 2-2 Leicester
14:23 , Chris Wilson
76 mins: Chelsea will be firm favourites now but this has been a ridiculous performance overall. How have we ended up here?
Nevertheless, surely they can’t lose this tie from here?
Conor Coady comes on for Ndidi.
Chelsea 2-2 Leicester
14:21 , Chris Wilson
75 mins: Palmer is sizing up the free-kick but Sterling takes a long run-up and sends it into row Z. That was far from on target, and it’s greeted by boos from his own fans.
RED CARD! Chelsea 2-2 Leicester
14:19 , Chris Wilson
72 mins: RED CARD! Doyle’s yellow is rescinded and he’s sent off as VAR shows that contact was outside of the box. As Doyle was the last man, it’s a clear red card. Chelsea have a dangerous free-kick here.
James Justin comes on for Mavididi.
PENALTY! Chelsea 2-2 Leicester
14:18 , Chris Wilson
70 mins: Chelsea go right down the other end and Jackson breaks free. He’s one-on-one, bearing down on goal, but is clipped by Doyle.
A penalty is given along with a yellow card, but it looks like contact was outside of the box.
Chelsea 2-2 Leicester
14:16 , Chris Wilson
70 mins: Chelsea were split open there as Mavididi sent Dewsbury-Hall through, but his cross was wasteful.
Chelsea 2-2 Leicester
14:15 , Chris Wilson
69 mins: Sterling surges into the box from the right but his pass is cleared. A second later, Disasi delivers a decent ball in but Mudryk can’t make anything of it.
Chelsea 2-2 Leicester
14:13 , Chris Wilson
68 mins: A Leicester counter is wasted by Dewsbury-Hall, who overhits the pass to Mavididi. Gallagher is lucky, as he loses possession but was fouled in the process.
Chelsea 2-2 Leicester
14:12 , Chris Wilson
66 mins: Another Chelsea chance as Jackson collects the ball near the edge of the box. He slips through Mudryk, who squares to Sterling, but his shot is blocked. Mudryk fires the rebound over.
Chelsea 2-2 Leicester
14:11 , Chris Wilson
65 mins: In the celebrations, Fatawu was replaced by Yunus Akgun.
Chelsea look to find another goal as Palmer collects on the edge of the box, but his curled effort goes wide.
GOAL! Chelsea 2-2 Leicester
14:09 , Chris Wilson
61 mins: GOAL! Oh my word! Mavididi levels it!
The Englishman receives the ball on the right. He runs at Gusto, stands him up and cuts back onto the outside.
He opens his body up and curls an effort past Sanchez into the far corner!
Chelsea 2-1 Leicester
14:07 , Chris Wilson
61 mins: Chelsea’s first threat since conceding sees Mudryk break down the wing, but his cross is blocked and it’s a corner. It comes to nothing, and Leicester counter once more.
Chelsea 2-1 Leicester
14:06 , Chris Wilson
60 mins: Sounds like the Leicester fans are shouting ‘shoot’ whenever Disasi gets the ball now. They’re certainly whistling whenever Sanchez gets it.
Play is briefly stopped for a pitch invader.
Chelsea 2-1 Leicester
14:04 , Chris Wilson
58 mins: Another half chance for Leicester as Ndidi hits in a cross from the byline but Daka heads it wide.
Sanchez clears it long but it’s straight to the Leicester defenders, and the away side have the ball again.
Chelsea 2-1 Leicester
14:02 , Chris Wilson
55 mins: CLOSE! Ndidi does well to turn away from Gallagher and Mudryk. Winks spreads it to Fatawu on the wing and his early in-swinging cross nearly finds Daka in the box, but it just runs to Sanchez!
Chelsea 2-1 Leicester
14:01 , Chris Wilson
54 mins: That goal was harsh on Disasi, who has played well, but there was no need to put that kind of power on the pass. Sanchez was in no man’s land but was probably expecting a calmer pass along the ground rather than a lofted ball.
Leicester fans are up for this now.
Chelsea 2-1 Leicester
13:59 , Chris Wilson
51 mins: Chelsea went up the other end and tried to make immediate amends, but Jackson blasted his shot into the side netting.
Shortly after, the home side have another opportunity, but Caicedo hits it straight at the goalkeeper.
GOAL! Chelsea 2-1 Leicester
13:58 , Chris Wilson
50 mins: What on Earth has happened there? Chelsea have a throw near their own half, and Gusto throws it towards Disasi. The Frenchman lets it run across him and attempts the pass back to Sanchez, but the ‘keeper is far out of the goal and the ball sails into the net!
Chelsea 2-0 Leicester
13:56 , Chris Wilson
50 mins: Disasi does well to slide in and stop a Leicester counter. Chelsea look to create as Palmer sends it wide to Gusto, but his cross is headed out.
Chelsea 2-0 Leicester
13:54 , Chris Wilson
48 mins: Dewsbury-Hall does really well to take Leicester out of their half, but he just misses the chance for a through ball to Daka. He’s fouled midway through the Chelsea half, but Leicester lose the ball too easily with a sloppy pass that goes out for a throw.
Chelsea 2-0 Leicester
13:53 , Chris Wilson
47 mins: First chance of the half as Mavidid sends in the cross, but it’s cleared. Chelsea counter, Jackson squares to Palmer at the edge of the box, but nothing comes of it and the home side rebuild.
KICK-OFF: Chelsea 2-0 Leicester
13:51 , Chris Wilson
Chelsea begin the second half. No changes for either side at half-time.
Almost immediately, Jackson is down holding his side. Again, it looks like he’ll be okay.
HALF-TIME! Chelsea 2-0 Leicester
13:47 , Chris Wilson
Quite a good game in most respects for a neutral, but Chelsea have been far superior and look like they’re sailing through to another FA Cup semi-final. It’s worth remembering that the club have an impressive record of winning trophies even if they aren’t faring well in the league, with both Champions League wins coming when the club was otherwise struggling a little.
For Leicester, a disappointing afternoon so far. They aren’t out of it yet – their attacking play was fairly dangerous – but their defending was poor in parts, especially for the first goal.
13:41 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Chelsea 2-0 Leicester
13:36 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME: The whistle goes after three minutes of added time. Chelsea go in at 2-0, and it’s hard to see them losing from here.
Leicester haven’t been awful, but Chelsea’s quality has shown and Leicester’s defending has been questionably open.
Chelsea 2-0 Leicester
13:35 , Chris Wilson
46 mins: Chelsea do look to extend their lead, but Gallagher curls an effort wide from outside the box. Leicester try and launch a counter but it’s dealt with easily.
GOAL! Chelsea 2-0 Leicester
13:33 , Chris Wilson
45 mins: GOAL! Much better from Sterling, and Chelsea will go into the break with a two-goal lead.
Sterling collects it from a throw-in and heads it on. He drives into the right0hand side of the box and squares an inch-perfect ball to Cole Palmer, who tucks away first time at the near post.
Chelsea 1-0 Leicester
13:32 , Chris Wilson
43 mins: CLOSE! Oh dear, it isn’t happening for Sterling today.
Caicedo collects the ball and slips Sterling in behind the Leicester defence. He’s timed his run perfectly and is one-on-one, but he puts his effort wide!
13:29 , Chris Wilson
41 mins: Leicester do fashion a decent opportunity, as Fatawu slips in Daka down the right, but the striker’s cross is a poor one and straight to Sanchez.
Down the other end, Chelsea look to play it long to Mudryk but it just runs too long.
Chelsea 1-0 Leicester
13:28 , Chris Wilson
40 mins: Leicester haven’t really threatened in the last 10 or so minutes, with Chelsea looking fairly comfortable despite the game’s hectic nature.
Dewsbuy-Hall fouls Caicedo and Chelsea look to create something., but Dewsbury-Hall makes the tackle once more. He’s definitely been Leicester’s most impressive player, and on this evidence should be getting a Premier League move soon (if not promotion).
Chelsea 1-0 Leicester
13:26 , Chris Wilson
37 mins: We have a brief break as Faes brings down Jackson in the Chelsea half. The striker stays down but he’ll be okay. When he gets up, Sanchez tries to find him with the long ball but it’s intercepted.
Chelsea 1-0 Leicester
13:23 , Chris Wilson
35 mins: Sanchez hasn’t looked comfortable all game, and his latest action is a fluffed clearance that goes high and not very far. Jackson has been getting irritated with the ‘keeper and defenders, as he keeps making good runs down the right.
The game’s got a frantic pace now, with each team just lacking that bit of quality in the final third since the goal.
Chelsea 1-0 Leicester
13:21 , Chris Wilson
33 mins: Sanchez is down briefly but it looks like he’ll carry on. Leicester look to counter but they’re wasteful on this occasion.
The away side are certainly having a go, but they look vulnerable whenever Chelsea attack. Mudryk is latest to have a go – he drives into the box and looks to release it to Palmer, but it’s not on so he shoots. It’s powerful, but almost right at the ‘keeper.
Chelsea 1-0 Leicester
13:17 , Chris Wilson
30 mins: A decent chance for Leicester as Dewsbury-Hall surges into the box and puts the ball across. Fatawu is there but can’t get to it and Cucurella clears for a corner.
Sanchez completely misses the ball from the cross, but Faes heads it behind.
Chelsea 1-0 Leicester
13:15 , Chris Wilson
27 mins: That was a penalty from a man who’s clearly low on confidence. It won’t do his England hopes any good either, unfortunately.
Gusto breaks down the right with pace, but his ball in only finds a Leicester man. Leicester break and Fatawu has it on the right, but his cross is also poor and is cleared.
PENALTY MISS! Chelsea 1-0 Leicester
13:13 , Chris Wilson
25 mins: Oh no. After a short VAR check, Sterling steps up to take the penalty.
It’s a terrible effort; the Englishman puts it low and without any real power, almost straight at the keeper. Leicester win a foul from the rebound.
PENALTY! Chelsea 1-0 Leicester
13:12 , Chris Wilson
24 mins: PENALTY! Chelsea break up the other end and the ball falls for Sterling in the box. Just as he’s about to shoot, Fatawu takes out his standing leg and it’s a clear foul.
Chelsea 1-0 Leicester
13:11 , Chris Wilson
23 mins: CLOSE! Daka needs to hit the target there. Fatawu delivers a ball from the right and Daka gets a head to it in the six-yard box, but he heads wide! Probably should have scored.
Chelsea 1-0 Leicester
13:09 , Chris Wilson
22 mins: Dewsbury-Hall does well to carry Leicester into the Chelsea half, and he’s fouled by Disasi.
Leicester work it from the feee-kick, and Dewsbury-Hall manages to whip a ball in from the left. Sanchez can’t get anything to it, and Cucurella knocks it behind for a corner.
Chelsea 1-0 Leicester
13:08 , Chris Wilson
20 mins: Chelsea look pretty comfortable here, as you’d expect. They’re knocking around the back and in midfield fairly easily.
Gallagher looks to play it long to Cucurella, but it ends up a Chelsea throw-in. It’s played cross-field to Gusto, but he can’t get enough on the cross and Chelsea build again.
Chelsea 1-0 Leicester
13:05 , Chris Wilson
16 mins: Sanchez takes his time on the ball and is closed down by Daka. He’s unlucky to not win a corner.
Chelsea break down the other end. Sterling heads down the long ball to Jackson, who then squares for the Englishman in the box. Sterling passes on to Mudryk, whose shot is blocked and out for a corner.
Chelsea 1-0 Leicester
13:02 , Chris Wilson
15 mins: Chelsea look for a second as Mudryk drives towards the box, but his pass is slightly overhit.
GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Leicester
13:01 , Chris Wilson
13 mins: GOAL! The curse of the ‘commentator’. The difference between the two sides is made clear in an instant.
Jackson receives the ball down the right-hand channel and runs at Vestergaard. His burst of paces easily takes him past the defender, and he squares to Cucurella who is unmarked and taps in to a near-empty net.
Chelsea 0-0 Leicester
12:59 , Chris Wilson
11 mins: Worth remembering that a few of these Leicester players have a good amount of experience in top European leagues, with Winks, Dewsbury-Hall and Ndidi all playing extensively in the Premier League.
Mavididi - himself a signing from Ligue 1 side Montpellier – is fouled on the edge of his own box by Mudryk.
Chelsea 0-0 Leicester
12:56 , Chris Wilson
9 mins: Caicedo plays a clipped ball over the top, but Jackson can’t quite get there. On the counter, Winks is fouled near halfway. Dewbury-Hall has a chance to cross, but the ball across is overhit and it runs out for a throw.
Chelsea 0-0 Leicester
12:54 , Chris Wilson
7 mins: Disasi tries to release Mudryk with a long diagonal pass, but it’s intercepted by Choudhury. Chelsea are just settling in now, keeping the ball well. Note that Gallagher is playing deeper in the absence of Fernandez, with Palmer in the ‘10’ role.
Chelsea 0-0 Leicester
12:52 , Chris Wilson
4 mins: A good challenge from Cucurella on the edge of the box stops a Leicester counter. The away side have started brightly.
Chelsea 0-0 Leicester
12:51 , Chris Wilson
3 mins: Now Chelsea win their first corner as Palmer is tackled in the box. His ball in is deep to the far post, and it’s turned behind for another corner. Mudryk’s corner finds Palmer at the near post, and he flicks it on and nearly hits the base of the post!
Chelsea 0-0 Leicester
12:49 , Chris Wilson
1 min: Mavidid wins the first corner of the game for Leicester. It looks like a training ground routine, as Mavidid passes backwards to Dewbury-Hall, who plays a diagonal to Winks. The former Spurs man hits a half-volley wide.
KICK-OFF! Chelsea 0-0 Leicester
12:47 , Chris Wilson
The away side get us underway here, with Patson Daka taking kick-off.
Chelsea v Leicester LIVE: FA Cup quarter-final updates
12:44 , Chris Wilson
The teams are in the tunnel and the ground is full, with 6,000 Leicester fans hoping to emulate the performance of Coventry City yesterday.
The usual fire and lights show greets the players, as does ‘The Liquidator’.
Pochettino speaks to BBC One
12:40 , Chris Wilson
Speaking to the BBC before the match, Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino said that he “always need to provide the team the best to perform”.
“We are going to be very offensive, four offensive players with Mudryk. It’s hard to find this balance but we have ambitions to win and get through.
“It’s very exciting for us. We need to improve our league position, we’ve had one final already this season and it’s a great chance for us.
“We know we’re Chelsea, we’re one of the biggest clubs in the world. I think we’re starting to evolve really quick.”
12:35 , Chris Wilson
Chelsea v Leicester LIVE: FA Cup quarter-final updates
12:30 , Chris Wilson
The FA Cup represents Chelsea’s last chance at silverware this season, with a narrow loss to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup in February marking another difficult point in what has been a hard first season for Mauricio Pochettino.
Winning the cup would certainly make the season a lot more successful, but it is unknown whether Pochettino would be sacked if his team were to finish around 10th, where they currently lie in the league.
Conversely, Leicester City have had an exceptional season so far in the league, sitting first in the Championship on 82 points (and with a game in hand on second-placed Ipswich, who are a point below them). Fonseca’s men could still break the league’s points record, which was set in 2005-06 when Reading accumulated 106 points.
Chelsea vs Leicester predictions: FA Cup tips, betting odds & free bets
12:22 , Chris Wilson
A quick reminder of the betting odds and tips before kick-off.
Chelsea are heavy favourites this afternoon, priced at 40/85 for the win. A draw is offered at 4/1, while a Leicester win is given at odds of 6/1.
Chelseaare third favourites to win the tournament, and are priced at 6/1 behind Manchester City (10/11) and Liverpool (10/3).
Chelsea vs Leicester predictions: FA Cup tips, betting odds & free bets
When is the FA Cup semi-final draw
12:15 , Chris Wilson
With Manchester City and Coventry City already in the hat, the winner of today’s early kick-off will be excited to see who they draw in the semi-finals at Wembley.
The draw will take place today, shortly after the conclusion of Manchester United vs Liverpool. Ties will take place on the weekend of 20 April.
You can follow all the relevant updates for the draw here.
What time is the FA Cup semi-final draw today?
How the teams are faring
12:05 , Chris Wilson
Leicester and Chelsea last played each other just over a year ago, when Chelsea came out 3-1 winners in a season that saw Leicester relegated to the Championship.
The most famous recent meeting between these two sides came in the FA Cup in 2021, when Leicester won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Youri Tielemans. Chelsea haven’t lost to Leicester in any of the five games since then.
The home side come into this match in mixed form, having beaten Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Leeds in recent weeks. They drew to Manchester City at the Etihad and Brentford at the Gtech, and agonisingly lost the Carabao Cup final 1-0 on 26 February.
Leicester’s form is similarly mixed despite an amazing start to their Championship season. The Foxes sit first and have already accumulated 82 points, but they have lost three of their last five league games, to Leeds, Middlesbrough and QPR. They drew 2-2 away at Hull in their last game.
Team news
11:57 , Chris Wilson
So Chelsea make two changes to the side that beat Newcastle on Monday. Sanchez comes in for Petrovic in goal, while Mudryk starts as Fernandez is suspended.
Leicester make four changes from the draw at Hull. Stolarczyk comes in for Hermansen in goal, while Doyle replaces Justin at left-back. Daka replaces Vardy upfront, while Ndidi comes in for Yunus Akgun in midfield.
Line-ups
11:48 , Chris Wilson
And here are the respective XIs.
CHELSEA XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Disasi, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Gallagher; Palmer, Mudryk, Sterling; Jackson.
Chelsea's starting XI: confirmed. ✅@ParimatchUK | #CFC | #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/yTRvM6zUMD
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 17, 2024
LEICESTER CITY XI: Stolarczyk; Choudhury, Faes, Vestergaard, Doyle; Ndidi, Dewsbury-Hall, Winks; Fatawu, Mavididi, Daka.
Our @EmiratesFACup Quarter-Final XI! ✊#CHELEI pic.twitter.com/SW3OEK94gy
— Leicester City (@LCFC) March 17, 2024
Team news
11:40 , Chris Wilson
A reminder of the relevant team news just before the line-ups are due to be announced.
Ben Chilwell (knee), called up by England, and Benoit Badiashile (groin) could be available for the Blues. But Wesley Fofana (knee), Reece James (thigh), Lesley Ugochukwu (hamstring), Levi Colwill (toe), Romeo Lavia (thigh) and Christopher Nkunku (thigh) are out.
Enzo Fernandez is suspended, while Cesare Casadei is unavailable after featuring for Leicester earlier in the tournament.
For Leicester, Ricardo Pereira and Dennis Praet are out with hamstring injuries, while winger Kasey McAteer is also out.
Is Chelsea v Leicester on TV? Channel, kick-off time and how to watch FA Cup fixture today
11:26 , Chris Wilson
A reminder of how you can watch today’s earlier kick-off.
The Blues reached this stage with an entertaining 3-2 win over Leeds United in the fifth round, while the Foxes beat Bournemouth 1-0 after extra time. This is a repeat of the 2021 final, which Leicester won 1-0 thanks to a Youri Tielemans strike and an inspired Kasper Schmeichel display between the sticks.
You can watch the game on free-to-air television in the UK with BBC One. Coverage starts at 12.20pm GMT.
The BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer (both free with a subscription) will offer fans the option of a live stream on laptops and mobile devices.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Is Chelsea v Leicester on TV? Channel, time and how to watch
Adam Sandler cheers on Chelsea during win over Newcastle at Stamford Bridge
10:45 , Jack Rathborn
Inside Chelsea’s experiment and the problem holding Mauricio Pochettino back
10:30 , Jack Rathborn
If this year’s January’s market seemed quiet, it was in part because there were very active discussions behind the scenes at the biggest spenders of the last three windows.
Chelsea are trying to figure out how they can still meet the Premier League’s profit and sustainability (P&S) requirements and bolster the squad.
They want a major striker, above all Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. The club owners’ recent purchase of 1,000 shares for £140m isn’t viewed as an indication of budget, though.
Mauricio Pochettino has publicly said he has been told they don’t need to sell to buy. This Chelsea hierarchy has generally attempted different methods, constantly looking at angles others haven’t thought of yet.
Some in football would go further, though. One description is that Chelsea are undertaking a huge experiment never before seen in football.
Inside Chelsea’s experiment and the problem holding Pochettino back
Chelsea v Leicester: Enzo Maresca gives injury update for Foxes
10:15 , Jack Rathborn
“Kasey’s injured, Ricky’s injured and Jamie’s injured,” the Italian told the media in Seagrave on Friday.
“As I said to you at the last press conference, when we played Sunderland away, [Vardy] didn’t train. He just did something before the game. Then he played the last game. Fortunately for us, he scored twice, but then he got injured again.
“It’s a small problem. I said many times, we all love Jamie Vardy, but at the same time he’s 37 and we cannot forget that. It’s not a big issue. We also have the international break so hopefully we can have all our players back after that.”
Mauricio Pochettino issues Chelsea warning after Newcastle win
10:00 , Jack Rathborn
Mauricio Pochettino has warned there will be more problems for Chelsea if they fail to build on their 3-2 victory over Newcastle at Stamford Bridge as he praised the impact of match-winning substitute Mykhailo Mudryk.
The Ukrainian came off the bench to score with a superb individual goal to make it 3-1 in the 76th minute on Monday night (11 March).
“It was a very good goal and that is what we expect from a player from the bench – impact,” said Pochettino.
“Then it is about competing with different players in his position. Then he will deserve to (start).”
Chelsea’s parent company announces massive losses for previous financial year
09:45 , Jack Rathborn
Chelsea’s parent company BlueCo 22 announced net losses of 653 million pounds ($832.71 million) after tax for the March 2022 to June 2023 period, while the Premier League club suffered 90.1 million pounds in losses before tax, company filings showed.
The consortium BlueCo, led by American Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, purchased west London outfit Chelsea in 2022 while in 2023 they also reached an agreement to become shareholders of French club Racing Strasbourg.
The loss for Chelsea in the 12-month period was lower than the 121.4 million pounds for the previous year.
The club also had increased matchday and commercial revenue after they operated without the government restrictions placed on them after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, when former Chelsea owner and Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich was sanctioned.
Chelsea’s parent company announces massive losses
Mauricio Pochettino makes Carabao Cup final admission as Chelsea eye Wembley return
09:30 , Jack Rathborn
Mauricio Pochettino revealed “some Chelsea players did not sleep” before their Carabao Cup final defeat to Liverpool in February.
The Blues boss said the high expectations of the occasion impacted individuals in the squad prior to their late 1-0 defeat to Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Pochettino believes the experience of playing at Wembley will help prevent a repeat of such problems if his team advance into the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final clash with Leicester, Pochettino said: “The expectations can be so high and low and the mood (of the players) depends on the day.
“For us to beat Leicester will be massive for us because there is a possibility for this team to play at Wembley again.
Mauricio Pochettino makes Carabao Cup final admission as Chelsea eye Wembley return
Lauren James leads Chelsea’s stroll around Arsenal to take control of WSL title race
09:15 , Jack Rathborn
Perhaps Arsenal needed to spend longer browsing the Chelsea club shop. A collection of black Chelsea away socks, complete with blue trim and a white lion on the calf, may have been acquired at the last moment to prevent a kit-clash, but what Arsenal needed most was an answer to Lauren James. A half-hour delay to kick-off did not give Jonas Eidevall enough time to come up with a solution, either, though the rest of the Women’s Super League would have struggled on this form.
James was unstopped, unplayable, as she once again turned Stamford Bridge into her personal playground and Chelsea moved a step closer to a fifth consecutive title with a 3-1 thrashing of their rivals. For Arsenal, being sent to the Chelsea megastore could have been put down as a minor embarrassment had they turned up for the delayed kick-off. Instead, Arsenal arrived for their biggest game of the season and ambled to a disorganised, incoherent display. But, really, enough about the kit.
Instead, yet another dispiriting defeat in the WSL raises more questions about Arsenal’s ability to perform consistently over the season and match the standards set by Emma Hayes’s champions. Granted another chance in the WSL title race by Manchester City’s win at Kingmeadow last month, Arsenal finally look like they are out of opportunities. The Gunners may yet affect the outcome of the title race when they face City over the run-in, but six points behind Chelsea now, with six games remaining, already appears to be too great a gap. Arsenal thought they had closed that when they thrashed Chelsea 4-1 at the Emirates.
Lauren James leads Chelsea’s stroll around Arsenal to take control of WSL title race
Cole Palmer elevates Chelsea to his own level and gives Mauricio Pochettino some relief
09:00 , Jack Rathborn
In fairness, the numbers had the appearance of a forward whose team was at the top of the table. Cole Palmer led Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, Ollie Watkins and Heung-min Son. And for Chelsea, an end-to-end 3-2 win over Newcastle cemented their position at the top of the Premier League’s bottom half. Though the most important result, as Chelsea moved one point behind Eddie Howe’s side, was for Mauricio Pochettino. As the Chelsea manager returned to Stamford Bridge under pressure, the home fans were rather more forgiving than the away supporters were at Brentford last week.
With Pochettino desperately needing a win, it was no surprise who stood up and delivered at Stamford Bridge. Under the eye of England manager Gareth Southgate, Palmer scored for the fifth home game in a row in the Premier League, elevating a mid-table clash to take his total to 11 for the season. A typically cutting run from the right brought a thumping finish into the bottom corner, after Nicolas Jackson’s smart flick guided a trickling shot from Palmer past Martin Dubravka to give Chelsea a first-half lead.
When Palmer scores, he often creates as well. And vice-versa. The 21-year-old has now scored and assisted in the same game five times this season, more than any other player.
And in a fixture between two teams with billionaire owners, seemingly endless reserves of either finance or capital, it was the £40m bargain from Manchester City who once again looked a level above.
That said, Mykhailo Mudryk offered a much-needed reminder of his own potential after a devastating flicker of feet brought Chelsea’s third. It gave Chelsea enough of a cushion to withstand Jacob Murphy’s late consolation.
Cole Palmer elevates Chelsea to his own level and gives Pochettino relief
Mauricio Pochettino admits he does not feel loved by Chelsea fans
08:45 , Jack Rathborn
“I’ve been told, I didn’t hear to be honest, it’s difficult for me to understand,” he said.
“But it’s normal, we were losing the game 2-1 and they expressed their frustration. I am one of the ones responsible, I’m the coach.
“I was asked before if I feel the love from the fans. No. I’m not worried – we need to accept this relationship. You win your relationship through winning games.
“I will continue to work and try to change this perception. We need to manage some reality. We are working really hard to try to win games, the team is fighting.
“If it doesn’t work and the fans are disappointed I need to respect their opinion. I think the relationship is good. If they did what they did, fans are emotional.
“I am fighting with all my sense to try to provide a team to play in the best way to score goals and win games. Today is my 52nd birthday, I know this business, but I’m going to fight.”
Mauricio Pochettino admits he does not feel loved by Chelsea fans
Chelsea v Leicester - FA Cup quarter-finals
08:30 , Jack Rathborn
Good morning and welcome to the Independent’s coverage of Chelsea v Leicester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
This should be a cracking tie with the Blues vulnerable this season and Leicester eager to impress while they try to push home their advantage in the Championship’s race for promotion back to the Premier League.
The Foxes will eye more FA Cup joy too, having won the competition just three years ago with victory over today’s opposition in the final.
Stay with us for build-up and team news before kick-off at Stamford Bridge.
When is the FA Cup semi-final draw?
Saturday 16 March 2024 15:36 , Jack Rathborn
The draw is set to take place on Sunday 17 March.
It will take place approximately 15 minutes after the final whistle in ITV1’s post-match coverage of Manchester United against Liverpool.
When is the FA Cup semi-final draw?
Is Chelsea v Leicester on TV? Channel, kick-off time and how to watch FA Cup fixture
Saturday 16 March 2024 15:35 , Jack Rathborn
Chelsea face Leicester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals with both sides eager to retain hopes of ending the season with silverware.
The Blues reached this stage with an entertaining 3-2 win over Leeds United in the fifth round, while the Foxes beat Bournemouth 1-0 after extra time.
Leicester beat the Blues 1-0 in the 2021 FA Cup final, thanks to a Youri Tielemans strike and an inspired Kasper Schmeichel display between the sticks.
Is Chelsea v Leicester on TV? Channel, time and how to watch
Chelsea vs Leicester predictions: FA Cup tips, betting odds & free bets
Saturday 16 March 2024 15:30 , Jack Rathborn
The FA Cup is Chelsea’s best shot at salvaging what has so far been an underwhelming season but a quarter-final meeting with Leicester City may have the Stamford Bridge faithful squirming in their seats on Sunday (12.45pm, BBC One).
It wasn’t all that long ago these two were contesting the FA Cup final, the Foxes denying the Blues a Champions League and cup double with a 1-0 win at Wembley at the end of the 2020/21 campaign.
That loss forms part of a string of domestic cup final defeats for Chelsea, which was recently extended to six straight final losses when bested by Liverpool in the EFL Cup decider.
Following that disappointment and with Champions League qualification out of reach, it’s full steam ahead in the FA Cup for Mauricio Pochettino’s men with football betting sites making them third favourites to lift the trophy for a ninth time.
Chelsea vs Leicester predictions: FA Cup tips, betting odds & free bets