Chelsea v Leeds – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Chelsea host Leeds at Stamford Bridge on Saturday in what is a long-standing rivalry dating back to the 1970 FA Cup final between the sides. Frank Lampard and Marcelo Bielsa also had a run-in during the 2018-19 season over Leeds’ spy-gate controversy and there is sure to be real needle in this match with 2,000 supporters allowed to attend the match.

Chelsea Form

Chelsea have been in excellent form of late, especially at the back. With eight clean sheets in the last ten matches, the impact of Thiago Silva and Edouard Mendy has been remarkable.

The side were on a run of six wins in a row (three in the league, three in the Champions League). In their last league match, Chelsea only managed a 0-0 draw with Tottenham but were satisfied with limiting Harry Kane and Son to just one shot between them in the 90 minutes.
Chelsea played Sevilla away in midweek and won 4-0 as Olivier Giroud scored four times.

Chelsea Team News

Chelsea rotated almost their entire side against Sevilla with the likes of Kurt Zouma and Thiago Silva left at home in preparation for this match. Lampard must decide whether to keep Giroud in the starting XI, recall Tammy Abraham or use Timo Werner as a striker.

In midfield, it’s a straight choice between Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovacic. There are no injuries to deal with.

Chelsea Motivation

To win. A draw would be seen as a bad result and a defeat as a disaster. Chelsea will be wary of Leeds’ attacking threat but may also be able to revel in the space afforded to them on the counter-attack. The players will be made aware of the rivalry with Leeds and the media are sure to make the history between Frank Lampard and Marcelo Bielsa known.

Leeds Form

Bielsa’s team made a strong start to the season as they gave Liverpool a major scare, beat Fulham and Sheffield United and got a fine draw with Manchester City.

They then had a tough spell as Wolves, Leicester and Crystal Palace handed them three defeats in four by sitting back and then running riot on the break.

After those defensive issues, Bielsa got to work on the training ground and saw his side draw 0-0 with Arsenal and beat Everton 1-0. Leeds dominated both matches.

Leeds Team News

Leeds have relatively few significant injuries. Adam Forshaw and Gaetano Berardi are out long-term and Jack Harrison and Pablo Hernandez are doubtful in attacking areas.

Diego Llorente is still working his way back to fitness at centre back after joining from Real Sociedad but this game will probably come too early for him. Patrick Bamford faces his former club.

Leeds Motivation

Leeds will be hugely motivated to do well in this match and as against Liverpool and Man City, they will throw men forward into attack despite being away from home. Bielsa will go all out to win the match and is not expected to settle for a draw at any stage.

Key Stats

Chelsea have won 7 of their last 8 matches

Chelsea have kept clean sheets in 8 of their last 10 matches

Olivier Giroud has scored 5 goals in his last 3 matches

Chelsea have the best attack in the PL (22 goals scored)

Leeds have the third worst defence in the PL (17 goals conceded)

Leeds have kept 2 clean sheets in a row

Leeds have won 3 of their last 4 away PL matches

Leeds have kept 3 clean sheets in their last 4 away PL matches

Prediction

This game is difficult to call. Leeds will surely score and could feel they can cause a real upset but Chelsea are favourites with their attacking verve and new-found defensive strength.