Leeds v Chelsea – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

The Whites have lost four straight matches and sit 18^th in the EPL table. The Blues sit third with a six-point gap to the summit.

Match: Leeds v Chelsea
When: Wednesday, 03 Dec 2025

Leeds Form

Leeds won their opening match of the season, but it’s just two wins in 12 rounds of action since then. Their last seven matches have seen six defeats. A 2-1 home loss to Tottenham was followed by a 2-0 defeat at Burnley. A 2-1 home win over West Ham came next, with just 0.65 xG allowed.

Their last four matches have ended in defeat with 11 goals conceded. They allowed 3.07 xG in a 3-0 loss at Brighton before a 3-1 loss at Nottingham Forest with 2.55 xG conceded. A 2-1 home loss to Aston Villa and a 3-2 defeat at Man City were their last two results. City put up 3.10 xG and six big chances in that match.

Leeds Team News

Karl Darlow and Sebastiaan Bornaux should shake off knocks ahead of this match. Speedy winger Dan James is ruled out, meaning Dominic Calvert-Lewin could start.

Sean Longstaff has suffered a calf injury and won’t play again until 2026, a big blow in midfield. James Justin went off injured against Man City so Gabriel Gudmundsson could play at left back.

Leeds Motivation

The atmosphere will be good for this game, as Leeds are in dire need of points. They will try to win the match but would see a draw as a good result too.

An attacking, high energy approach will be seen at times. Leeds will have to defend deep and use counters for the most part, though.

Chelsea Form

Chelsea have three league wins in their last four matches. They sit third in the league table. A 1-0 win at Tottenham saw a totally dominant display with 3.68 xG produced. They drew 2-2 away to Qarabag before beating Wolves 3-0 at home after going into the break at 0-0.

After the FIFA break, Chelsea won 2-0 at Burnley. A fine 3-0 home win over Barcelona followed, albeit facing ten men for the entire second half. Last Sunday, they drew 1-1 at home to Arsenal in a strong performance as they played an hour with ten men.

Chelsea Team News

Coach Enzo Maresca is without Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo and Moises Caicedo in midfield. The latter is suspended and will be replaced by Andrey Santos.

Reece James is set for a rest after a fine performance vs Arsenal. Cole Palmer could start this match in the number ten role. Levi Colwill is out long-term in defence.

Chelsea Motivation

The Blues will go all out to win this match. A draw would be a poor result.

Maresca’s side will attack and look to dominate the match, even away from home. They will need to absorb a fast Leeds start.

Key Stats

• Leeds have lost their last 4 EPL matches (just 2 wins in 12 EPL fixtures)
• Leeds have lost 4 of their last 5 matches vs Chelsea
• Chelsea have won 24 of their last 33 matches
• Chelsea’s Estevao has scored 9 goals in his last 14 matches for club & country

Verdict

Chelsea should respond with a win in this match. Estevao is a good bet to score if he is named in the starting XI.

Best Bet: Chelsea win at 1.85

Alternate Bet: Chelsea win and Estevao to score anytime at 4.75

Goalscorer Tip: Estevao to score anytime at 3.75