Chelsea vs Leeds United Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips

Chelsea vs Leeds United Preview

Chelsea renew their rivalry with Leeds United at Stamford Bridge this week when the two sides meet in the FA Cup 5th Round. Both sides know that this is their best opportunity for silverware this season and will be going all out. 

Chelsea come into the game on the back of a defeat to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final. The Blues will be looking to put the loss behind them but will find it hard as they are up against a side that are in fine form.

Leeds United are on a winning run and managed to beat Championship table toppers Leicester City in the last game week. The win saw them close the gap to the top to 6 points, while it was 17 last month. 

Also read: Chelsea Injury Update: When will the Blues return to full fitness? 

However, Leeds manager Daniel Farke is not getting carried away. He believes that it is a busy period right now and they have no time to relax. He said via BBC:

“After such a game, I’m always very tired. I need a bit of relax time on the sofa, to get levelled again. We’re heading into a pretty busy period now. It was important in the last two days to calm the load and clear heads.”

When quizzed if Chelsea would be easier to face following the cup final loss, Farke dismissed the suggestions and stated that it could make things difficult for his side. He said: 

“I don’t think so. I expect an opponent who will be very focused on this game. It’s their best chance to play in Europe. But for us it’s also a big game. We’d like to extend our cup run. I don’t think the result will make our life easier. I think it will be more complicated.”

This is the first FA Cup clash between the two sides since the infamous 1970 final, where Chelsea won 2-1 in the replay after the first meeting ended in a 2-2 draw. 

Chelsea vs Leeds United Team News 

Chelsea do not have any fresh injury worries going into the FA Cup clash. They do have Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia back in training but are not expected to make the squad. 

Thiago Silva is in the running along with Marc Cucurella, and they could replace Billy Gee and Jimi Tauriainen on the bench for Mauricio Pochettino’s side. Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Lesley Ugochukwu and Carney Chukwuemeka are still out injured for Chelsea. 

Leeds United come into the match with four players ruled out. Sam Byram. Stuart Sallas, Karl Darlow and Pascal Struijk remain out injured, while Farke has cast doubt on the availability of Crysencio Summerville. The manager said:

“He gets many hits and knocks because of the way he plays. We need his bravery on the ball. [In] recent weeks, it’s been a bit stop and go for him in training. They have not been ideal.”

Patrick Bamford is a doubt because of a minor calf injury, but Dan James is back for the Championship side. 

Chelsea vs Leeds United Predicted Lineups

There is a good chance that Mauricio Pochettino will name an unchanged XI this week despite losing the Carabao Cup final. Chelsea fans will be hoping to see Christopher Nkunku start the match ahead of Raheem Sterling, with Nicolas Jackson moving to the left wing. 

Predicted XI: Petrovic, Gusto, Disasi, Colwill, Chilwell, Caicedo, Enzo, Gallagher, Palmer, Nkunku, Jackson

Daniel Farke is also expected to keep the same starting XI that defeated Leicester City last week. However, the one possible chance could be the addition of Patrick Bamford up front for Joel Pirore, if the former Chelsea striker recovers from injury. 

Predicted XI: Meslier, Firpo, Cooper, Ampadu, Roberts, Kamara, Gruev, Anthony, Rutter, Gnonto, Bamford

Chelsea vs Leeds United Head-to-Head

Chelsea 1-0 Leeds United

Leeds United 3- 0 Chelsea

Leeds United 0-3 Chelsea

Chelsea 3-2 Leeds United

Leeds United 0-0 Chelsea

Chelsea vs Leeds United Prediction: 

Chelsea will have to work hard for the win once again but are expected to get things over the line this week. They will be a bit tired following the match on Sunday but should be able to use the anger from the loss to go all-out against Leeds United. 

The two sides meet almost exactly a year after their last match at Stamford Bridge when the Blues won 1-0. Ben Chilwell scored the lone goal in the match but a lot has changed since then.

Also read: Why did the Blues lose the Chelsea vs Liverpool Carabao Cup Final?

From the Chelsea starting XI that faced Leeds United last year in March, only Chilwell, Enzo Fernandez, and Raheem Sterling are expected to make the matchday squad this week.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Leeds United

Chelsea vs Leeds United Betting Tips

• Chelsea win.
• Both Teams To Score: Yes.
• Over 3.5 Goals: No.

Chelsea vs Leeds United Odds

• Chelsea Win: 1.52
• Draw: 4.40
• Leeds United Win: 5.80

Chelsea vs Leeds United Timings & Telecast

• Stamford Bridge – 28th February – 19:30 GMT
• India: Sony Sports Network
• United Kingdom: BBC and ITV
• US: ESPN