Leeds United Clash with Chelsea: Bold Predictions, Key Lineups, and Match Preview
An age-old feud reignites this Wednesday evening as Leeds United host a confident Chelsea side at Elland Road.
Despite the 196-mile distance separating Leeds from London, the bitter animosity between these clubs transcends mere geography. It stems from pure sporting rivalry, with their clashes during the 1960s and 70s ranking among English football's most notorious encounters.
These teams have rarely battled at the top level simultaneously since the Don Revie and Tommy Docherty periods came to their respective ends, yet generations of fans still harbor deep-seated resentment.
The Blues travel northward this midweek after securing a hard-earned 1–1 stalemate against Premier League pacesetters Arsenal on Sunday. Prior to that encounter, Enzo Maresca's squad delivered a mature performance to demolish Barcelona 3–0 in Champions League action.
The atmosphere is considerably less optimistic in West Yorkshire, with Leeds enduring four consecutive defeats and languishing in 18th position. Speculation about Daniel Farke's dismissal has emerged once more—making this fixture potentially pivotal for his tenure—though the German manager found some solace in his team's improved second-half showing against Manchester City on Saturday.
Here is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive match preview.
What Time Does Leeds vs. Chelsea Kick-Off?
Leeds vs. Chelsea Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Leeds | Chelsea |
|---|---|
Man City 3–2 Leeds - 29/11/25 | Chelsea 1–1 Arsenal - 30/11/25 |
Leeds 1–2 Aston Villa - 23/11/25 | Chelsea 3–0 Barcelona - 25/11/25 |
Nottingham Forest 3–1 Leeds - 09/11/25 | Burnley 0–2 Chelsea - 22/11/25 |
Brighton 3–0 Leeds - 01/11/25 | Chelsea 3–0 Wolves - 08/11/25 |
Leeds 2–1 West Ham - 24/10/25 | Qarabağ 2–2 Chelsea - 05/11/25 |
How to Watch Leeds vs. Chelsea on TV
Country | TV Channel/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United States | Peacock |
United Kingdom | Sky Go UK, NOW, SKY GO Extra, Sky Sports Premier League |
Canada | DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network 2 Canada |
Mexico | Caliente TV, FOX One |
Leeds Team News
Leeds were missing key midfield players Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff during their Etihad Stadium visit, with Longstaff expected to remain sidelined until year's end due to a calf problem. Stach is managing a head injury, and the rapid fixture turnaround might keep him out of Wednesday's encounter as well.
Daniel James has struggled with fitness issues throughout the campaign, aggravating his hamstring during the weekend fixture. Concerns mount that the winger may face an extended absence.
James Justin also sustained an injury against Man City and remains questionable for Chelsea's arrival, though overlooked acquisition Sebastiaan Bornauw might receive an opportunity.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is expected to earn a starting role following his impactful substitute appearance in Manchester.
Leeds Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea
Leeds predicted lineup vs. Chelsea (3-5-2): Perri; Rodon, Struijk, Bijol; Bogle, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gruev, Gudmundsson; Nmecha, Calvert-Lewin.
Chelsea Team News
Moisés Caicedo's red card on Sunday triggers a three-match ban, beginning Wednesday evening. Maresca has also indicated that Reece James is doubtful to start despite his impressive performance against Arsenal.
This situation forces the visitors to deploy a revamped midfield at Elland Road. Andrey Santos was deemed "prepared" by the Chelsea manager before the fixture, while Maresca hinted that Josh Acheampong could feature in a defensive midfield role.
With Dário Essugo and Roméo Lavia unavailable, we might witness Acheampong partnering Santos, or Enzo Fernández could retreat to a deeper role.
Cole Palmer returned to the squad last weekend but remained unused after Chelsea's numerical disadvantage. He'll be eager to secure playing time in this match.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Leeds
Chelsea predicted lineup vs. Leeds (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Santos, Fernández; Neto, Pedro, Garnacho; Delap.
Leeds vs. Chelsea Score Prediction
Farke abandoned his complex tactical system for a more direct style at Man City, which proved effective after a disappointing opening period. The home side must capitalize on their physical attributes, and with two key midfield enforcers absent, adopting the 3-5-2 formation that succeeded at the Etihad appears logical.
They need to bypass Chelsea's high press and provide their strike partnership opportunities to win aerial duels. The Blues enter this fixture following an outstanding week, creating potential for Leeds to catch them off guard.
Maresca faces mandatory midfield adjustments, but Palmer stands ready for action. This could prove challenging for the impressive away team, yet they must secure victories in such encounters to maintain championship aspirations.