Leicester City vs Chelsea Preview

Boss Nigel Pearson has warned his Leicester side they have achieved nothing yet despite climbing out of the relegation zone.

The Foxes are a point above the Barclays Premier League bottom three ahead of Wednesday visit of leaders Chelsea.

Leicester have won their last four games, including Saturday’s 1-0 victory at Burnley, to lift them out of the drop zone for the first time since November.

And Pearson insisted the Foxes cannot take their position for granted as they need to be out of the bottom three in May.

He said: “It’s to be out of them after the last game of the season which is going to be the most important thing. For me it makes no difference whatsoever (being out now).

“What they (the players) have to remain is focused and that’s something we have to continue to work hard at.

“I’m not trying to play it down because at this stage and with the situation we are in it’s very positive to talk about four wins on the trot.

“But we talked about if we can get to the last four or fives games in contention – and we are.

“If we can go to the last game with our fate in our own hands that will be something which maybe a couple of months ago you hoped for but it was not as realistic as it is now.”

Pearson could be without David Nugent (calf) and Jamie Vardy (foot) while Jeff Schlupp is also struggling with a calf problem.

The Foxes have earned praise for their performances this season, despite struggling before their current run, but Pearson is only focused on results.

He added: “The results, ultimately, are going to be more important than the performances and it’s been very satisfying for us to get these results. It does make our chances more realistic now.”

Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho expects Leicester to avoid relegation and is taking nothing for granted as his title-chasing side go to the King Power Stadium.

Win at Leicester and Chelsea, who are 10 points clear of Manchester City and Arsenal, can claim the title on Sunday with victory at home to Crystal Palace.

“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.”

Wednesday’s match was scheduled after Chelsea reached the Capital One Cup final on March 1 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 Argentinian 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.

There is little room for manoeuvre in team selection.

Mourinho added: “Our squad in this moment, with the injuries we have, is very short and there is no space for a lot of rotation.”

Chelsea’s preparations are taking place at St George’s Park, the Football Association’s national centre.

“We stayed there a couple of times and just to sleep,” Mourinho added. “It’s the first time we go and we use the training facilities. The place is fantastic and beautiful.

“We go and we go for a good rest and for a good preparation of the match.”