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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

Leicester City's Premier League campaign got off to a rather dull start after a goalless draw against fellow Midlands side Wolves last weekend.

And it's not going to get much easier for the Foxes as they face a trip to Stamford Bridge on Sunday to face a Chelsea side baying for blood after opening their season in humiliating fashion as Manchester United thumped them 4-0.

Boss Brendan Rodgers changed his system for the Wolves game, opting for a slightly more defensive-looking starting XI and with it yielding very little in return, the Northern Irishman was forced to defend his tactics.

Just after the hour mark, changes were made by Rodgers which saw Leicester add more width to the side with Hamza Choudhury being withdrawn for Harvey Barnes.

If that's a sign for this weekend then Foxes fans should be worried - not because they shouldn't be utilising the wingers but because Choudhury impressed against Chelsea last season.

On the Chalkboard

The 21-year-old was perhaps a shock inclusion in the side as it was his first Premier League appearance of the season, just three days before Christmas when Leicester last travelled to Stamford Bridge but he was their top-rated midfielder at 7.1.

Choudhury was industrious in the heart of midfield as he recorded six tackles - the second-most for the visitors - three interceptions and two clearances.

By comparison, his midfield partner Wilfred Ndidi rated out at just 6.6 having seen one of his errors almost lead to a Chelsea goal.

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Leicester went on to win the match 1-0 thanks to Jamie Vardy's strike in the 51st minute but the influence of Choudhury would have had an impact towards their clean sheet.

The 5 foot 10 prospect was also trusted in the return fixture at the King Power Stadium on the final day of the season as Leicester picked up another clean sheet in what was a 0-0 draw.

Only Ricardo Pereira recorded more tackles (7) than Choudhury (5) that day and he also saw more of the ball after picking up 50 touches, 14 more than in the festive fixture.

Those statistics and the 11 tackles he made over two fixtures only go to show he was more than involved and that he can hold his own against a side of Chelsea's stature.

With that in mind, he must start this weekend if Leicester are to have a chance of securing a result.

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