Verdict: Chelsea win
Best Odds: 3/4
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Two camps who finally find themselves scrapping it out at opposite ends of the Premier League table, Chelsea will travel to Elland Road on Wednesday night when they meet Leeds.
Leeds United
Starting with the hosts, while Leeds might have signed off October with an essential 2-1 victory at home against fellow strugglers West Ham, Daniel Farke’s side have come crashing back down to earth in a woeful fashion. Suffering last-gasp heartbreak away at Manchester City over the weekend as they eventually fell to a 3-2 loss at the Etihad, it appears that the pressure is starting to mount on Daniel Farke’s shoulders. Marking their return from November’s international break with a collapse at Elland Road as they suffered a 2-1 loss at the hands of Aston Villa, Leeds have now lost all of their previous four consecutive Premier League appearances by an aggregate score of 11-4. Facing what looks set to be another heavyweight challenge here, it should also be noted that the relegation scrappers have lost six of their last seven top-flight showdowns.
Leeds United Team News
In what is a real blow for Farke’s downbeat squad, Leeds have confirmed that summer recruit and former Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff is set to miss the next six weeks after picking up a calf injury. Likewise, yet to make his Premier League debut, Sebastian Bornauw remains on the sidelines with a knee issue.
Coming off the bench and bagging what turned out to be a consolation strike away at Man City on Saturday, Dominic Calvert-Lewin could be handed a full recall. Appearing to have cemented his spot as Farke’s number one choice, Lucas Perri should keep his spot between the sticks in Yorkshire.
Chelsea
As for the visitors, while Chelsea might have eventually been forced to settle for a 1-1 stalemate at home against runaway leaders and bitter local rivals Arsenal, the Blues will take plenty of positives away from a rugged performance in west London. Collecting a heavyweight Champions League scalp last week as they stormed their way to a 3-0 romp against Spanish giants Barcelona, Enzo Maresca’s men should find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Marking their return from November’s international break with a routine 2-0 win away at relegation scrappers Burnley, the former Leicester boss has seen his squad suffer just a single defeat from any of their previous 12 appearances across all competitions. Likewise, the Blues are unbeaten in all of their previous six showdowns away from Stamford Bridge (five wins, one draw).
Chelsea Team News
Shown a straight red card against Arsenal on Sunday, Moises Caicedo will miss out through suspension and will not feature in Yorkshire. Yet to make a single appearance this season after sustaining a long-term knee injury over the summer, Chelsea will once again be without England international Levi Colwill here.
While attacking talisman Cole Palmer might have been left as an unused substitute in west London a few days ago, the ex-Manchester City star could make a first appearance since September 20th. Despite still waiting to open his Premier League account, summer recruit Liam Delap could be handed a full recall.
Leeds United vs Chelsea Key Factors to Consider
- When Leeds and Chelsea last met back in February 2024, the Blues collected a 3-2 EFL Cup victory at Stamford Bridge.
- Maresca’s men have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 12 appearances across all competitions.
- The Blues are unbeaten in their previous six showdowns outside of west London (five wins, one draw).
- Leeds have lost all of their previous four consecutive Premier League appearances by an aggregate score of 11-4.
- Likewise, Wednesday’s hosts have lost six of their previous seven Premier League battles.
Conclusion
Causing Arsenal a string of issues over the weekend and unfortunate to have only left west London with a point to show for their troubles, Chelsea find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Suffering just a single defeat from any of their previous 12 consecutive appearances, Maresca’s men also meet a Leeds squad who find themselves at the heart of a real struggle. Suffering late heartbreak away at Manchester City on Saturday and losing six of their last seven Premier League showdowns, the Lilywhites are scrapping it out in the drop zone and will be bracing themselves for another stern examination in Yorkshire.
Verdict: Chelsea win
Best Odds: 3/4
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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