As far as managerial debuts go, Frank Lampard's first Premier League in charge of Chelsea could have hardly gone any worse.
The Blues were thrashed 4-0 by Manchester United at Old Trafford in their first game of the season, imploding in the second half after being the better side in the first 45 minutes
Tammy Abraham and Emerson hit the woodwork in opening 45, but Chelsea was repeatedly picked apart on the counter after the break. The defeat illustrated the size of the task facing Lampard in his first season as a manager in the Premier League.
Chelsea was forced to deal with a transfer embargo that kicked in after the arrivals of Mateo Kovacic and Christian Pulisic, meaning it hasn't properly filled the gap left by Eden Hazard's departure to Real Madrid.
There were more positive signs on Wednesday night though, when Chelsea drew 2-2 with Liverpool in the European Super Cup final before losing on penalties.
Pulisic, N'Golo Kante and Olivier Giroud came into the side and Chelsea looked a lot more solid and threatening that at any point against United.
Lampard will also have been heartened by his side's response after going behind in extra time, as Chelsea rallied and drew level through Jorginho to force the game to a shootout.
"If that is a sign of what we can do this season then that is a good sign and I'm happy," he said in a post-match press conference.
"It's very clear that it's a really good performance from us against a team that has been building for years. I'm a new manager who has been here for six weeks."
Next up for Chelsea is Leicester City, who visits Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The Foxes drew 0-0 in their opening game of the season against Wolverhampton Wanderers but are unbeaten against Chelsea in the last three Premier League meetings, during which time they have not conceded a goal.
Leicester was the last team to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League, winning 1-0 in December last year.
Here's everything you need to know ahead of Sunday.
When and where is the game?
Chelsea hosts Leicester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, August 18, with kick-off scheduled for 4:30 p.m. local time (11:30 a.m. ET).
The Blues have failed to beat Leicester at home in the last two seasons in the Premier League, with the Foxes keeping a clean sheet in both games.
TV coverage
The game will be broadcast live on NBCSN.
Live stream
A live stream will be available via NBC Sports website, NBC Sports Gold and the NBC Sports app. Live stream for selected games will also be available via fuboTV.
Form
Chelsea was trounced in the opening weekend of the season, losing 4-0 at Old Trafford. The Blues were the better side in the first half but fell behind to a Marcus Rashford penalty and were blown away in the second half.
Leicester, meanwhile, began its campaign with a 0-0 draw at home against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Team news
Chelsea will be without long-term absentees Antonio Rudiger, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, while Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers has a full squad available.
Odds
According to Oddschecker, Chelsea is an 83/100 favorite (-120 in moneyline terms), while the draw is at 17/5 and Leicester is at 23/4.
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About the writer
Dan Cancian is currently a reporter for Newsweek based in London, England. Prior to joining Newsweek in January 2018, he ... Read more
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