Chelsea's international break hangover: Worrying stat emerges ahead of Leicester clash

Chelsea's hopes of claiming all three points against Leicester City may be tempered by their recent record following international windows.

The Blues went into the international break off the back of consecutive Premier League draws against Manchester United and Arsenal.

As a result, Enzo Mareca's side have won just one of their previous five top-flight matches, with that win coming from a home game against Newcastle United at the end of October.

Although they have struggled for league victories in recent times, Chelsea will be content to be in third position in the Premier League table, having taken 19 points from their 11 top-flight games.

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Chelsea's worrying record post-international break

The Blues will be the favourites to collect maximum points in Saturday's away clash against newly-promoted Leicester City.

However, claiming all three points against Maresca's former side may be easier said than done due to Chelsea's recent poor record following international windows.

The Blues have mustered just one win in their previous seven Premier League matches directly following an international break (D3, L3).

That solitary victory took place after the September international window when Christopher Nkunku scored a late winner against Bournemouth.

However, Chelsea were unable to enjoy similar success following the October international break as they fell to a 2-1 defeat in their away meeting with Liverpool.

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Encouraging head-to-head record

If Chelsea are searching for inspiration, they may find it in their recent head-to-head record with Leicester, having won five of their last six games against the Foxes.

Last season, Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea recorded a 4-2 victory at Stamford Bridge to eliminate Maresca's Leicester in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Saturday's visitors can also take encouragement from the fact that Cole Palmer has been directly involved in 10 goals during his five Chelsea appearances against newly-promoted sides.

If Chelsea are to get the better of Leicester, they will have to do without the services of Reece James after it was revealed that he will miss out due to a hamstring issue.