Mourinho backs Foxes to survive

LEICESTER CITY v CHELSEA

Barclays Premier League King Power Stadium, tonight, 7:45pm Live on Sky Sports 1

JOSE Mourinho expects Leicester City to avoid relegation from the Premier League and is taking nothing for granted as his title-chasing side go to the King Power Stadium this evening.

Win at Leicester and Chelsea, who are ten points clear of Manchester City and Arsenal, can claim the title on Sunday with victory at home to Crystal Palace.

The Foxes will not roll over, though, having won four in a row to climb out of the relegation zone.

“I was surprised with their bad position,” Mourinho said. “For me it’s a good team, good players. I played them very early in the season at Stamford Bridge [winning 2-0 in August].

“I could immediately feel the quality of the team. I was surprised that they were in a bad position. I’m not surprised they are out of the relegation zone. I will be not surprised when they stay in the division.”

Tonight’s match was scheduled after Chelsea reached the Capital One Cup final on 1 March and the game in hand is valuable for both sides.

“They are playing well, their results are coming,” Mourinho added. “Their situation is very good. For the quality of their team, I think they are going to survive.”

One player stands out for Mourinho – the Argentine Esteban Cambiasso.

“I won the treble with Cambiasso [at Inter Milan in 2010],” the Portuguese added. “He was fundamental in my golden team. He’s one of the players who means a lot to me, and he’s been phenomenal for them. I’m very happy for him.”

Chelsea will make a late decision over Diego Costa (hamstring) and Oscar (head knock) and are without Loic Remy (calf).

The likes of Dominic Solanke and Ruben Loftus-cheek were in FA Youth Cup final action on Monday night and may not be available to Mourinho who has little room for manoeuvre in team selection given Chelsea’s injury woes.