Chelsea Set to Battle Leeds: Key Matchups, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Chelsea aim to maintain their flawless Premier League record under Liam Rosenior as they welcome Leeds United on Tuesday evening.
Following a disastrous period that saw the Blues fail to secure victory in five straight league games during the final stages of Enzo Maresca's management, Chelsea have rediscovered their winning formula under their new English manager. The west London side have claimed six triumphs from their previous seven fixtures, with their sole setback occurring in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg versus Arsenal.
With domestic cup duties behind them and the Champions League knockout phase still a month away, Chelsea can concentrate more heavily on competing with Manchester United and Liverpool for a top-five position. The Club World Cup winners must not underestimate Leeds—the Yorkshire club already stunned them 3–1 in the earlier meeting this December.
Daniel Farke's squad will aim to replicate that Elland Road performance, though overcoming a confident Chelsea side at Stamford Bridge presents a significant challenge, particularly for a team with merely two league victories from their past eight outings.
Here's Sports Illustrated's preview of the Premier League encounter.
What Time Does Chelsea vs. Leeds Kick-Off?
What Time Does Chelsea vs. Leeds Kick-Off?
Chelsea vs. Leeds Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Chelsea vs. Leeds Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Current Form (All Competitions)
How to Watch Chelsea vs. Leeds on TV, Live Stream
How to Watch Chelsea vs. Leeds on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV Channel/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | TNT Sports 4 |
United States | Peacock, UNIVERSO, NBC Sports Newtwork |
Canada | DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network 2 Canada |
Mexico | Not televised |
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea had hoped to welcome back Reece James for Leeds' visit to Stamford Bridge, but the captain, who missed the previous two matches due to injury, is now dealing with illness, potentially prolonging his absence.
If unavailable, James will join Levi Colwill, Dário Essugo, Jamie Gittens and Roméo Lavia in the treatment room. However, Lavia has returned to training and Rosenior confirmed the club has established a "comprehensive plan" for the midfielder's comeback. Mykhailo Mudryk continues his suspension, while Filip Jörgensen remains questionable.
Andrey Santos and Tosin Adarabioyo should be fit for selection, though both are more likely to feature in Friday's FA Cup match against Hull City rather than Premier League action. Rosenior will rely on his strongest players to secure three points at Stamford Bridge, with star performer Cole Palmer seeking to continue his momentum following his weekend hat-trick.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Leeds
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Leeds
Chelsea predicted lineup vs. Leeds (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernández; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro.
Leeds Team News
Leeds Team News
In contrast to Rosenior, Farke enjoys an almost complete squad for Tuesday's encounter. Anton Stach, who sustained a hip problem last week, remains sidelined, while Pascal Struijk is ruled out due to a hip flexor complaint.
The German manager will probably deploy Jaka Bijol to complete his three-man defense. The defender rejoined the squad over the weekend following his recovery from a hamstring problem and is set for his first outing since January 11.
Uncertainty exists regarding Facundo Buonanotte's participation in the match. The former Chelsea loanee is eligible to play on Tuesday as Brighton & Hove Albion hold his registration, but whether Farke will utilize him remains unclear. Buonanotte was omitted from the weekend squad against Nottingham Forest, with the manager favoring Daniel James and Willy Gnonto instead.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is anticipated to spearhead the attack at Stamford Bridge provided he recovers from illness. The forward will aim to score against Chelsea once more, having netted in the previous encounter.
Leeds Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea
Leeds Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea
Leeds predicted lineup vs. Chelsea (3-4-3): Darlow; Justin, Bijol, Rodon; Bogle, Ampadu, Gruev, Gudmundsson; Aaronson, Calvert-Lewin, Okafor.
Chelsea vs. Leeds Score Prediction
Chelsea vs. Leeds Score Prediction
Leeds have demonstrated their ability to claim points against teams like Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United this campaign, but defensive vulnerabilities could allow the Blues to dominate before their home supporters, buoyed by their improved form and pursuit of Champions League qualification.
Additionally, the desire for revenge following December's defeat provides Chelsea with extra incentive to comfortably overcome Leeds on Tuesday. The attacking prowess of Palmer and João Pedro should guide the hosts to victory.