Match Preview for Leeds v Chelsea
Chelsea head to Elland Road on Wednesday looking to extend a strong run of form under Enzo Maresca, who is still searching for his first competitive win over Leeds.
The visitors arrive off the back of a hard-fought draw against Arsenal in the Premier League, while Leeds were left empty-handed despite pushing Manchester City all the way in a narrow 3-2 defeat.
Chelsea matched Arsenal for intensity throughout Sunday’s meeting at Stamford Bridge, even after Moises Caicedo was dismissed before half-time.
Given the circumstances, the draw represented a solid return for Maresca’s side, who have now gone seven matches without defeat in all competitions.
Their away record has also become a real strength, with five wins and a draw from their last six away trips, including league victories at Tottenham, Burnley and Nottingham Forest. Chelsea have also scored in every away match so far this season.
Those numbers are troubling for a Leeds defence that has conceded multiple goals in four straight league defeats.
Daniel Farke’s team briefly threatened to rescue an unlikely point at the Etihad after recovering from 2-0 down, only for Phil Foden to strike late and settle the contest.
Farke was frustrated by the interruptions and stoppages that broke up the game in Manchester, but he could at least take encouragement from his side’s improved second-half performance.
Even so, effort alone will not shift Leeds out of trouble. They sit in the bottom three only on goals scored, with a third of the season already gone.
Team news for Leeds v Chelsea
Chelsea begin life without Caicedo, who serves the first game of a three-match suspension. Reece James is expected to be rested after an impressive showing at the weekend, leaving Andrey Santos likely to partner Enzo Fernandez in midfield.
Maresca may also look to refresh his attack, though the central pairing of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap seems the most likely combination.
Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia and Mykhaylo Mudryk remain unavailable, while Dario Essugo has returned to full training but is not yet match-ready.
Leeds withdrew James Justin during the loss at Manchester City, though Farke suggested the full-back’s issue was minor.
Sebastiaan Bornauw and Anton Stach could return to the squad, but Sean Longstaff faces a lengthy spell out.
Jaka Bijol and Dominic Calvert-Lewin made noticeable impacts from the bench at the Etihad, and both players are strong candidates to start on Wednesday, with Calvert-Lewin expected to join Nmecha in attack.
Expected line-ups for Leeds v Chelsea
Leeds: Perri; Rodon, Struijk, Bijol; Bogle, Gruev, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson; Calvert-Lewin, Nmecha
Chelsea: Sanchez; Gusto, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella; Santos, Fernandez; Estevao, Pedro, Neto; Delap
How to watch Leeds v Chelsea: TV channel, online stream
Leeds vs Chelsea will kick-off at 20:15 GMT on Wednesday night at Stamford Bridge. It is available to watch on Sky Sports Premier League. Fans in the UK can also stream the game on Sky GO and Sky Sports+.
Stats for Leeds v Chelsea
- Chelsea are unbeaten in their past seven matches in all competitions
- The Blues have won five of their last six away games
- Leeds have conceded two or more goals in each of their past four league fixtures
- Chelsea have scored in every away match this season
- Leeds’ home record stands at two wins, two draws and two losses
- Leeds’ last home win over Chelsea came in 2022
Prediction
Leeds showed a lot of character in their fightback against Manchester City, but their defensive issues continue to cost them points. Chelsea have greater depth and stronger form on the road, and that should be enough to edge a tight contest at Elland Road.https://x.com/ChelseaFC/status/1995548700307849234
