Leicester City return to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon, hosting Chelsea in a crucial encounter at the King Power Stadium.
The Foxes approach this clash in poor form, their latest setback coming in a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United.
Currently sitting 15th in the Premier League table with just 10 points from 11 matches, Leicester are perilously close to the relegation zone.
A loss to Chelsea, coupled with a Crystal Palace victory, could see them slip into the bottom three.
Adding extra spice to the fixture is the return of former Leicester boss Enzo Maresca. The Italian, who departed the Midlands in the summer, has revitalised Chelsea.
Under his guidance, the Blues are playing an exciting brand of football and sit third in the league ahead of Saturday’s game.
Match Officials Announced
The Premier League has confirmed the officiating team for Leicester’s showdown with Chelsea.
Andy Madley will take charge, with Nick Hopton and Mark Scholes as his assistants. Leigh Doughty is the fourth official, while Paul Tierney and Dan Cook will oversee VAR duties.
Leicester boss Steve Cooper may have mixed feelings about Madley’s appointment. Back in September, Madley was at the centre of controversy when he overturned an on-field decision to award Jean-Philippe Mateta a goal for Crystal Palace. Reflecting on that incident, Cooper was visibly frustrated.
“It feels like a loss,” he said post-match.
“We looked a real Premier League team in the first half. We’ve had a perfect start to the second half and then not so perfect straight after it. We’re really frustrated [with the goal]. There was a real momentum change.”
Madley’s Record with Leicester
Madley has officiated 18 Leicester games to date, during which he’s handed out 16 yellow cards and one red, while awarding a single penalty against the Foxes.
That solitary red card came earlier this year when Callum Doyle was dismissed in the FA Cup quarter-final against Chelsea.
With Leicester desperate for three points to halt their slide down the table, Cooper will hope Madley keeps his cards tucked away this time. The Foxes cannot afford any further setbacks, especially in such a pivotal game.