Good evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for Monday night football as Leicester City host Chelsea at the King Power Stadium. It is third against 16th tonight, but you would have got long odds on the two teams being this way round after 15 games each. It is Leicester who are flying high, while champions Chelsea continue to struggle at the wrong end of the table. Let's start with a look at the two teams tonight...

LEICESTER STARTING XI: Schmeichel; Simpson, Morgan, Huth, Fuchs; Mahrez, Drinkwater, Kante, Albrighton; Ulloa, Vardy

LEICESTER SUBS: King, Okazaki, Dyer, Wasilewski, Benalouane, Schwarzer, Inler

CHELSEA STARTING XI: Courtois; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Azpilicueta; Ramires, Matic; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Diego Costa

CHELSEA SUBS: Begovic, Cahill, Mikel, Fabregas, Kenedy, Pedro, Remy

What can we make of those two sides, then? Well, the Tinkerman Claudio Ranieri has opted not to tinker at all with the side that beat Swansea comfortably last weekend, naming the same XI as the one that won in South Wales. That, of course, means another start for hat-trick hero Riyad Mahrez, who has been one of many standout performers for the Foxes this season. Considering how Chelsea have defended at times this season, he will fancy his chances to adding to his tally again tonight.

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The same will be true of Jamie Vardy, who saw his Premier League record of scoring in 11 consecutive games ended at the Liberty Stadium. He did, however, pick up an assist in that match, which means that he has now directly contributed to a goal in 13 consecutive Premier League outings. It really is incredible the form he has shown so far this season, and it doesn't show many signs of stopping. He has a league-high 14 goals to his name already and has won back-to-back Player of the Month awards too.

Those have been the two star performers for Leicester this season, but they have been ably supported by those around them. Marc Albrighton has developed into a dangerous wide player with his pace and energy, while in central midfield Kante has established himself as a key figure for the side. He has made more interceptions than any other player in the Premier League this season, which has been a vital part of why the Foxes have been so devastating on the counter-attack.

The one area that Leicester do need to improve is defensively, but Ranieri seems to have a settled back five now and he sticks with the same personnel for tonight's game. Morgan and Huth will certainly be up for the battle against Diego Costa, but Chelsea's tricky midfielders may fancy their chances against the pair - it is fair to say that they are not the most dynamic duo the Premier League has ever seen!

That would require those Chelsea players to be on form, though, which is no guarantee this season. Costa was recently dropped to the bench by Jose Mourinho but returned for the win over Porto in midweek and put in a good performance, albeit mainly with his runs off the ball to create space for teammates. He still only has three league goals to his name all season, and that will be a figure he is desperate to improve upon against what has been a fairly leaky defence.

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Goals have been in even shorter supply for Eden Hazard, whose nomination as the PFA and FWA Player of the Year last season feels a long, long time ago. The Belgian has shown one or two signs of returning to that sort of form, but he is still a million miles away from the level he was consistently providing last season. He is yet to score in any competition this season and has been played by Mourinho in a number of different positions in an attempt to get the best out of him.

In contrast, Willian has been one of the few players to emerge from Chelsea's season with any credit whatsoever so far. He is the club's top scorer this term, although he does only have one goal from open play, and that came in midweek against Porto. Oscar has been fairly hit and miss, while Matic and Fabregas - who once again is only deemed worthy of the bench tonight - have been a far cry from the dominant forces of last season.

Like Leicester, Chelsea have named an unchanged side from their most recent outing, which also means that the likes of Cahill and Pedro remain on the bench alongside Fabregas. It appears that Mourinho has settled again on a back four after some chopping and changing earlier in the season, with Zouma now preferred to Cahill as Terry's partner and Ivanovic - another who has been woefully below expectations - continuing at right-back.

It is a strong side on paper, then, but Chelsea have not shown that on the pitch this season and Leicester will go into this game in the eyes of many as favourites to win. That would have been an unimaginable scenario a few months ago when Chelsea were cruising to the title and Leicester were bottom of the table before their late great escape, but the roles have been reversed this season and it is now the Foxes who look the more likely to lift the trophy come May. And, for that matter, Chelsea who look most likely to be playing Championship football next season.

Claudio Ranieri deserves so much credit for what he has done with Leicester since taking over the summer, with their season so far being beyond even his wildest dreams. They come into tonight's match third in the table after results on Saturday and Sunday, but a sixth victory in seven Premier League games would see them return to the top of the pile with only three games to go until the halfway stage.

They fully deserve to be where they are too. The Foxes have only lost once all season - fewer than any other team in the league - while their only other defeat of any kind in 18 outings this term came on penalties in the League Cup. Their record stretching back to last season is similarly impressive following their incredible end to the 2014-15 campaign, with Leicester having lost just two of their last 27 games.

It is now eight Premier League matches since they were beaten by Arsenal here in September, and nine unbeaten in all competitions. In their last five outings they have scored no fewer than 12 goals, helping them to score a league-high 32 times this season. Indeed, they are the only team to have found the back of the net in all of their matches this campaign, and that applies to all competitions, not just the Premier League.

It is easy to see where their strengths lie, then, but the one area of weakness is their defence. They may have kept a clean sheet last time out, but they have let in 21 goals in their 15 league games this season - no team has conceded more outside the bottom seven. The majority of their goals conceded have actually come at home too - only West Bromwich Albion and Bournemouth have shipped more in front of their fans than Leicester's 12.

Despite that, only the two Manchester clubs and Tottenham Hotspur have picked up more points on home soil than the Foxes this season, with four wins and just one defeat from their six outings at the King Power Stadium this season. They have only lost two of their last 14 Premier League games here, although they have still been better on the road in that period, going 11 games unbeaten away from home. This season they have amassed more points on their travels than in front of their own fans too, but you can be sure that the home crowd will be fully behind the team tonight.

One of the key elements of Leicester this season has been their never-say-die attitude, and once they get a goal back they seem to be an unstoppable wave of momentum. Comebacks have been a feature of their campaign, with a league-high 10 points rescued from losing positions in the opening 15 games of the season. The likes of Vardy never feel like they are beaten, and that has helped the Foxes to pick up points where many would have fallen.

It used to be that once Chelsea took a lead, they wouldn't let it go, but a Leicester comeback should they fall behind today would not be as risky as bet as in might have been a few months ago. Chelsea, like the Foxes, have been almost unrecognisable from the team we saw last season, and you still have to rub your eyes and do a double take when glancing at the Premier League table. The Blues sit in 16th place after the weekend's results, with only one point separating them from the drop zone. ONE POINT!

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The prospect of relegation for Chelsea is still firmly categorised as 'unthinkable', but it may not be too long before it switches to merely 'unlikely' if things carry on like they are. 'Unlikely' would be an increasingly apt way to describe their title chances, meanwhile, with 18 points now separating from the league leaders - a gap that would grow to 20 with defeat tonight. Even a Champions League place looks like a struggle, with a 14-point deficit to make up for that.

This is Chelsea worst start to a Premier League season since 1993-94, long before Abramovich's billions came into play, and while Mourinho continues to have the support of the fans and, by the looks of things, the players as well, surely Abromovich's patience must be wearing thin. The nadir of an already catastrophic season came last weekend when the Blues were beaten at home to Bournemouth - their first defeat by a promoted team at Stamford Bridge in 14 years and a game they never really threatened to win either.

They were able to bounce back in midweek with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Porto, a result that sealed their place in the last 16 of the Champions League. Chelsea got a stroke of luck with the opening goal in that match when the ball deflected off Marcano and over the line, but they fully deserved the win in the end and the performance suggested that the players were still fully behind Mourinho.

There wouldn't have exactly been celebrations in the Chelsea camp when they drew PSG in the last 16 earlier today, though, with the Blues being knocked out by the same opponent on away goals last season. Perhaps the main glimmer of hope for them is that they have looked better in Europe than domestically so far. They have lost just one of their last five outings in all competitions, but in the Premier League it is a much less impressive one win in six, and only one goal in their last four.

There have been improvements defensively from earlier in the season, as proven by Chelsea keeping four clean sheets in their last five outings, but still only five teams have conceded more in the Premier League this season. Those four clean sheets in five games in all competitions is the same number as they have managed to keep in the Premier League all season, and that is largely to do with having allowed a league-high 57 shots on target from inside the penalty against them this season.

Things are even more worrying when it comes to away form too. Only the league's bottom two have amassed fewer points on the road than Chelsea this season, while the Blues have not even scored in an away Premier League game since October - only Newcastle, Stoke and West Brom have scored fewer all season. They are without a win in their last five league away games and are looking to avoid going six in a row for the first time since 2010-11. In all competitions they have won just one of their last eight games on the road and three all season, with one of those coming against Walsall.

PREDICTION: We're 10 minutes from kickoff at the King Power Stadium, which means that it is time for a prediction! This one really is tough to call - the form book and everything from the season so far points to a Leicester victory, but - and we seem to say this every week - surely Leicester will drop off soon and Chelsea will get going. I would be surprised if Chelsea were to win this one, but I can see them getting a point - I'm going for 2-2.

It has certainly been the most anticipated game of the weekend - find out what we had to say about it in Sports Mole's Premier League preview podcast:

The recent history between these two sides points firmly to a Chelsea victory. They have scored 25 goals on their way to winning each of the last eight meetings between these two sides in all competitions, six of which have come in the Premier League. The last time Leicester beat Chelsea was at Filbert Street in February 2001, when Muzzy Izzet and Gary Rowett were on the scoresheet in a 2-1 win against Claudio Ranieri's Chelsea side.

Chelsea won both meetings last season by a two-goal margin, with the most recent coming in the midst of Leicester end-of-season resurgence. The Foxes lost 3-1 in front of their own fans in April, with Drogba, Terry and Ramires cancelling out Albrighton's strike. In the reverse fixture it was Costa and Hazard on the scoresheet in a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge.

This match also sees Ranieri go up against his former club, of course, with the Italian having spent four years at the helm at Stamford Bridge before being sacked in 2004 to make room for a certain Jose Mourinho. The duo were involved in a long-running feud that spanned time together in Serie A too, but by all accounts they have now buried the hatchet.

KICKOFF: Chelsea get us underway at the King Power Stadium ahead of a mouth-watering clash with more sub-plots than you can shake a stick at. Will Leicester return to the top of the pile, or is this the night that Chelsea finally get their season up and running?

SAVE! Already Mahrez is climbing aboard the showboat. He picks the ball up on the touchline and dances his way inside and to the edge of the box before firing a shot that is comfortable for Courtois to save.

It's been another high-octane start from Leicester, and the atmosphere inside the King Power Stadium is electric, as ever. They are making the most of their team's sensational form, and rightly so.

Chelsea have made a pretty solid start themselves, though. They are not rushing things in possession or getting carried away with the crowd noise, instead just biding their time and waiting for an opening.

Poor from Costa as he takes a heavy touch which moves him from a promising position right into the corner. His initial run to get on the end of Hazard's pass was a good one, but his control was woeful.

Speaking of woeful, Oscar has just sent a cross far too long for anyone in the middle and straight behind for a goal kick, much to the delight of the majority inside the King Power Stadium.

It's worth keeping a close eye on Costa tonight. Leicester have already have a number of little nibbles at the striker, testing his temperament and hoping that he explodes.

Nervy moment for Courtois as Fuchs swings a free kick into the middle that should be easy for the keeper to take. He fumbles it in the middle of a packed area, however, before collecting it at the second attempt.

CHANCE! Chelsea have their first chance of the match as Hazard takes a cross down on his chest, with a bit of room to work with over on the left side of the area. He also manages to get a shot away, but his effort is well blocked.

Drinkwater looks like he may be in a bit of trouble here. He was looking to shepherd the ball out against Oscar but felt his hamstring before going down, and you can't take risks with injuries like that.

LEICESTER SUB: Indeed, there is the change as Andy King comes on to replace the injured Drinkwater.

Another uncomfortable moment for Courtois as he comes out of his area to meet a King long ball upfield. Vardy is in hot pursuit, forcing Courtois to clear it rather hurriedly out for a throw.

SAVE! The throw is only cleared as far as Mahrez, who eventually works space to shoot from the edge of the box only to see his effort roll straight into the arms of Courtois.

The away fans sing the name of Jose Mourinho once again, and it must be said that their support for the manager during what has been the most difficult spell of his illustrious career has been admirable.

Nearly a chance for Leicester as King pings in a lovely cross with the outside of his boot, but it skims just too far in front of Ulloa and Courtois is able to collect it.

A good spell of pressure from Chelsea eventually sees them win a corner, but Willian's delivery swings out before coming back in. Terry got his head to it, but the whistle had already gone.

Still no glaring chances to speak of for either side here, but the match is being played at a decent tempo. Neither team are really on top, despite Chelsea seeing more of the ball so far.

Vardy clashes with Hazard twice in quick succession, the second of which leaves the Belgian in a heap on the floor. It was a foul, but it looked fairly innocuous and it will be a concern that Hazard has stayed down for so long.

CHELSEA SUB: It really didn't look like much at all, but Hazard is being forced off here. He tried to carry on briefly, but then quickly turned to walk down the tunnel and on comes Pedro in his place.

It is fair to say that Kante's best work is not done in the final third, and he shows that here by blazing a long-range effort well off target.

Mahrez to Vardy, what else would it be? Leicester take the lead as Vardy makes it six consecutive home Premier League games in which he has scored, and it is another goal of high quality. Ulloa laid the ball out to Vardy on the right, and the winger's cross is a beauty. He puts so much curl on it to send it between the two defenders, meeting Vardy's equally-impressive run. The England striker still has plenty to do, but he puts a first-time volleyed finish past Courtois.

CLOSE! Almost an immediate response from Chelsea as Matic rises highest at the front post from a corner, but his header goes narrowly over the bar, kissing the top of the woodwork on its way behind.

Leicester respond themselves with a renewed spell of pressure, sending a few crosses into the box that Chelsea have to deal with. Deal with it they do, but Leicester have the wind in their sails now, which is when they are at their most dangerous.

Chelsea have seen plenty of the ball today, but the only time they have really looked like scoring came from the set piece and Matic's header a few minutes ago. They have created next to nothing from open play against a defence that has struggled to keep teams at bay this season.

As things stand, then, Leicester would sit top of the table after 16 games of the season. It is still scarcely believable, but they continue to look more than a match for teams of Chelsea's calibre.

SAVE! Albrighton was on the scoresheet in the corresponding fixture last season, and he looks to repeat that feat here. Kante drops the ball back to the winger, who curls one towards the near post that forces Courtois into a save, albeit a relatively comfortable one.

There will be a minimum of three minutes added time at the end of this first half.

There goes the whistle for the break at the King Power Stadium, with a big cheer coming from the home faithful. Their side are on course to return to the top of the table.

Former Leicester midfielder Robbie Savage has had his say on proceedings over on BBC Sport:

"Whether it be counter-attacking, pressing, Leicester always seem to make the right decision, and they do it so quickly. The partnership between Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez is great. Top players take chances but the Chelsea team look like they are scared to make a mistake."

STAT!

6 - Jamie Vardy has now scored in six consecutive home Premier League appearances for Leicester City. Running. — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 14, 2015

So, how do Chelsea go about getting back into this game? Having a shot would be a start! The visitors have looked so slow in the final third so far, which is making it easy for Leicester to get players behind the ball. Kasper Schmeichel in the home goal has had very little to do. Substitute Cesc Fabregas has been in poor form of late, but perhaps the Spanish playmaker can shake that off to be the saviour.

RESTART! Leicester, who lead 1-0, get proceedings back underway in the East Midlands.

BOOKING! It didn't take goalscorer Vardy too long to make an impression on this second half, albeit a negative one! He's just clattered through the back of Costa, who is less than happy with the challenge. The pair square up to each other, before the Leicester man is rightly booked.

Wow, just wow! Vardy might be Leicester's leading goalscorer, but there is a case for claiming that Mahrez has been their best player this season. The Algerian collects a lofted pass at the back post and then stands up Azpilicueta, before using the Chelsea defender as a shield to bend his curling shot into the far corner of Courtois's net. The Chelsea goalkeeper was helpless. Whatever Mourinho said to his players during the break has gone out of the window. Surely Leicester are heading back to the top of the Premier League!

Not bad...

Jamie Vardy & Riyad Mahrez have scored more goals (26) than 81/98 teams in Europe's top 5 leagues this season. pic.twitter.com/mSUir1nmkg — Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 14, 2015

CHELSEA SUB: A second alteration for Chelsea and it's the captain Terry that trudges off. He's been replaced by Fabregas in a move that could see Matic switch to centre-back.

BOOKING! By the way, there was a booking for Leicester centre-back Huth moments after Mahrez's goal that was easy to miss! The German fouled Costa and will now be suspended for the clash with Everton at the weekend.

Also, the introduction of Fabregas has not pushed Matic into centre-back as I initially suggested. It seems instead that Mourinho has opted to play three at the back, which is likely to leave plenty of gaps for Leicester to exploit.

SAVE! How important could this save from Schmeichel be come the final whistle? Very! Costa is put clean through by Fabregas, but his low effort from six yards out is smartly stopped by the Leicester keeper. Then, from the resultant corner, Ivanovic somehow fails to bundle the ball over the line from close range.

He did indeed Mr Cole!

Schmeichel making himself big there!!! #LEICHE — Andrew Cole (@vancole9) December 14, 2015

CHELSEA SUB: Third and final change for the away side sees the anonymous Oscar replaced by Remy.

CHANCE! Another opening for Chelsea as a Matic shot deflects into the path of Pedro. The Spanish winger is always struggling, though, and all he can do is shoot over the bar.

It's gone a little bit quiet at the King Power. You'd perhaps say that Chelsea are dominate the team out of the two, but Leicester don't look overly worried.

It goes from bad to worse for the Chelsea fans that have made the trip. An announcement over the loudspeaker has just informed them that there are delays M1 Southbound!

Well, that will have cheered the Chelsea supporters up a little bit ahead of their arduous trip home. The goal is created by Pedro, who heads towards the left byline before floating over a teasing cross. It's perfect for the unmarked Remy and the Frenchman is never going to miss his header from there. Game on at the King Power.

LEICESTER SUB: A defensive change from Ranieri and that's understandable. Mahrez is the player that is sacrificed, with Swiss international Gokhan Inler the man coming on.

CHANCE! That was ever so close to being game, set and match for the home team. Albrighton picks up possession on the left wing and drives forward with purpose. He cuts inside Fabregas too easily and then unleashes a skidding shot that goes just wide of the post.

LEICESTER SUB: It's game over for Leicester's other goalscorer Vardy, who is replaced for the final few minutes by the industrious Okazaki.

Chelsea have five minutes of stoppage time to salvage something from this game. Can Leicester hang on?

Right now Chelsea a hoisting high balls into Leicester territory and that is playing right into the home side's hands. The likes of Morgan and Huth are heading the danger away with ease - Chelsea need a plan B and quick.

Less than one minute left...

With his arms aloft in celebration, what a job Ranieri is doing at Leicester! His side are back on top of the Premier League, while Chelsea stay 16th - one point above the drop zone. Extraordinary!

That is all we have time for from the King Power Stadium. Thanks for joining us this evening and until next time, goodbye.