Premier League: Iheanacho to be handed starting role against Chelsea

Despite being wasteful in their last Premier League encounter against Southampton last Saturday, Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers has decided to start Kelechi Iheanacho in their next Premier League encounter against Chelsea.

The Foxes will welcome the Blues to the King Power Stadium on Saturday, March 11 in what will be an exciting encounter as Graham Potter's side chase their third straight win in all competitions.

Iheanacho squandered opportunities against the Saints proved costly as Leicester City lost 1-0 away at St Mary's Stadium in what was their 15th Premier League defeat this term.

The defeat has left Brendan Rodger's side 2 points above the relegation zone ahead of their next major encounter against Chelsea.

Speaking ahead of the weekend clash, the ex-Liverpool boss, Rogers, praised the Super Eagles striker's recent form and urge him to take the chances when they fall to him in subsequent games.

“He (Iheanacho) has been brilliant for us of late,” Rodgers said.

“He’s been the one who looks like the threat. He kept fighting and kept working. I think it’s a mark of a really good striker to keep going.

“We’ve seen him in recent weeks, where he has taken the opportunities and scored. He had two great opportunities from free headers, and the one from the edge of the box, he usually finds the corner with those. It was important for him to hit the target, but it wasn’t to be.

“But he’s still the player that looks like he is going to score for us. I’d rather him miss the opportunities than not have any. On another day, he’ll score those.”

Iheanacho has scored six goals in all competitions for City this season, with only James Maddison (nine) and Harvey Barnes (eight) netting more. Four of the of the Nigerian’s goals have come in his last seven games.

“You lose a game there are always questions, you win a game he’s a fantastic striker. He’s shown up really well in the last number of weeks. It was just unfortunate for him,” Rodgers added.