Chelsea vs Leeds – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

The Blues have won four straight league matches under Liam Rosenior. Leeds have lost just two of their last 12 EPL matches and beat Chelsea 3-1 in the reverse fixture.

Chelsea Form

Chelsea have seven wins in nine matches under new coach Liam Rosenior. A 2-0 home win vs Brentford was followed by a 1-0 home win over Pafos in the Champions League. A 3-1 win at Crystal Palace and a 3-2 win away at Napoli from 2-1 down came next.

They fought back from 2-0 down at half time to beat West Ham 3-2 at home. A late goal saw a 1-0 defeat at Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg to lose 4-2 on aggregate. On Saturday, Chelsea led 3-0 at half time vs Wolves thanks to a Cole Palmer hattrick, as it finished 3-1.

Chelsea Team News

Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo are injured in defence. Reece James will need a late fitness test to determine his availability.

Central midfielder Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia are out injured. Estevao Willian could start this one, but Jamie Gittens is out injured.

Chelsea Motivation

The Blues will see this as a must-win game. They sit fifth in the table and need to keep picking up wins in their pursuit of Champions League football.

Chelsea will dominate possession as Leeds sit deep in a back five. The first goal will be crucial in this match.

Leeds Form

Leeds took just 11 points from their first 13 matches this season. The last 12 fixtures have yielded 18 points with just two defeats. They beat Chelsea 3-1 in December to start a seven matches unbeaten run, albeit with five draws. After losing 4-3 at Newcastle, they won 3-1 at Derby in the FA Cup.

The last four league matches have brought seven points. An injury-time goal brought a 1-0 home win over Fulham, before drawing 1-1 at Everton. A 4-0 home thrashing by Arsenal saw Leeds register just 0.15 xG. Last Friday, Daniel Farke’s side put up 2.50 xG in a 3-1 home victory over Nottingham Forest.

Leeds Team News

Leeds are without Anton Stach for this match due to a hip problem. That is coach Daniel Farke’s only absentee ahead of this fixture.

He could name an unchanged XI for this match. If there is a chance, it could see Sean Longstaff come into the midfield with winger Brenden Aaronson dropping down to the bench.

Leeds Motivation

Leeds will go to Stamford Bridge and try to make life difficult for Chelsea. They will sit deep and narrow and look to use long balls and fast counters.

A draw from this match would feel like a win. If they fall behind, it could become about damage limitation after the recent thrashing by Arsenal as goal difference could prove key come May.

Key Stats

• Chelsea have won 7 of their last 9 matches
• Chelsea have kept just 2 clean sheets in their last 15 matches (Both Teams Scored in 12/15)
• Chelsea’s Joao Pedro has scored 5 goals in his last 6 matches
• Leeds have lost just 2 of their last 12 league matches
• Leeds have lost their last 4 away matches vs Chelsea

Verdict

The Blues should win this game, but they may consider a goal once again.

Best Bet: Chelsea win and both teams to score at 2.95

Featured Bet: Chelsea win, both teams to score and Palmer to score anytime at 4.75

Goalscorer Tip: Joao Pedro to score anytime at 2.50