Chelsea vs Leeds – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

The Blues sacked Liam Rosenior on Wednesday after some dire results. Leeds are unbeaten in seven matches and sit nine points clear of the relegation zone.

Chelsea Form

Chelsea have lost seven of their last eight matches in all competitions, which has seen coach Liam Rosenior pay the price. They have dropped to eighth in the EPL table. In the last ten league matches, they have managed just two wins. After losing 8-2 on aggregate (5-2 loss away, 3-0 home loss) to PSG, they lost 3-0 at Everton.

A 7-0 win followed against Port Vale in the FA Cup. They have since lost three league matches in a row to extend their scoring drought in the league to five matches. A 3-0 loss to Man City at home was followed by a 1-0 home defeat to Man Utd despite outshooting their opponents 21-4. In midweek, they were outclassed throughout in a 3-0 loss away to Brighton.

Chelsea Team News

Chelsea are without Reece James and Levi Colwill in defence. Estevao and Jamie Gittens are ruled out in the wide areas, reducing options for caretaker coach Calum McFarlane. Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer missed the defeat at Brighton. Both are expected to be fit to play this match. Liam Delap is set to drop down to the bench.

Chelsea Motivation

The Blues could have a fresh wave of motivation after the change of coach. The club has a strong rivalry with Leeds, and the FA Cup represents Chelsea’s only chance of silverware.

They will look to play at a high tempo and try to match Leeds’ intensity. Chelsea know they could face a low block and lots of long balls in this one.

Leeds Form

Leeds sit nine points above the relegation zone. After successive league defeats, they beat Norwich 3-0 in the FA Cup. Two 0-0 draws followed in league matches, away vs Crystal Palace and at home vs Brentford. They reached the FA Cup semi-finals after beating West Ham on penalties following a 2-2 away draw.

Their last three league matches have yielded seven crucial points. They won 2-1 away at Man Utd with 2.57 xG produced. A 3-0 home win over Wolves saw total dominance as they put up 2.82 xG and seven big chances. In midweek, a very late goal conceded saw Leeds draw 2-2 at Bournemouth.

Leeds Team News

Jayden Bogle should shake off a foot injury to play in this match. Anton Stach is also pushing for a return to the squad after an ankle problem.

Centre back Sebastiaan Bornauw has a twisted ankle and will need a late fitness test. Bulgarian midfielder Ilia Gruev has a knee injury and won’t play again this season.

Leeds Motivation

Leeds are in a good position in the league and look likely to avoid relegation. They are determined to reach the FA Cup final.

Daniel Farke’s side is expected to sit deep in a back five. They will use fast counters and direct passes to try to hurt Chelsea.

Key Stats

• Chelsea have kept just 4 clean sheets in their last 29 matches
• Chelsea have won just 2 of their last 10 league matches
• Chelsea have lost 7 of their last 8 matches in all competitions
• Leeds are unbeaten in 7 matches (3 wins, 4 draws) Leeds have drawn 7 of their last 9 away matches (2 wins)

Verdict

Leeds are arguably favourites for this match. However, the change of coach should bring a response out of Chelsea. The best value may be a draw in 90 minutes.

Best Bet: Draw at 3.65

Alternate Bet: Chelsea to qualify at 1.57

Correct Score Tip (90 minutes): Chelsea 1-1 Leeds at 5.75