Chelsea vs Leeds Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2025-26 English FA Cup | Semi-Final
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Chelsea are in flux and entering into yet another new managerial era as the Blues seek silverware against Leeds United in the semi-finals of the FA Cup at Wembley Stadium.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+
How to watch online: UK – HBO Max / USA – ESPN+
Chelsea preview: Chaos at Chelsea
Chelsea come into this one on the back of a midweek whereby the players turned in a woeful performance to lose 3-0 away at Brighton and Hove Albion before manager Liam Rosenior was then relieved of his duties less than 24 hours later.
That means that Calum McFarlane is back in charge on an interim basis after a two-game stint at the turn of the year. Chelsea are sliding down the Premier League table after a five-match losing streak without scoring in the league.
Leeds preview: Impressive Leeds
Leeds United come into this one on the back of snatching a last-gasp 2-2 draw with AFC Bournemouth the other day, courtesy of a late Sean Longstaff equaliser as they edge towards securing their Premier League status for next season.
Ever since the start of December and a switch in system to a back three, Leeds have made themselves very difficult to beat with Daniel Farke finally appearing to crack it in the top-flight.
Chelsea team news: Palmer still a doubt
Prior to departing the club, in his post-match press conference at Brighton, Liam Rosenior said that Cole Palmer felt some tightness in his hamstring and that they would see with regards to this weekend.
He did confirm that Joao Pedro 'will be good for Sunday', while Estevao has been ruled out for the rest of this season with Reece James also unavailable.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Santos; Neto, Fernandez, Garnacho; Pedro
Unavailable: Jorgensen (Injured), Colwill (Fitness), James (Injured), Estevao (Injured), Mudryk (Disciplinary), Gittens (Injured)
Questionable: Palmer (Injured)
Leeds team news: A few doubts
Jayden Bogle was forced off against Bournemouth in midweek due to a 'hit on his foot', according to Daniel Farke, and so, while a doubt, an impact injury doesn't seem too serious for the Whites to worry about.
They moved to a back four for the second-half against the Cherries but they will be expected to return to their favoured three-at-the-back shape. Ilie Gruev has been ruled out for the season with both Sebastiaan Bornauw and Anton Stach requiring late fitness tests, alongside Bogle.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Perri; Justin, Rodon, Struijk; Bogle, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson; Aaronson, Okafor; Calvert-Lewin
Unavailable: Gruev (Injured)
Questionable: Bornauw (Injured), Bogle (Injured), Stach (Fitness)
Chelsea vs Leeds prediction
A few days ago, this result seemed like a very likely Leeds win. Now, though, the Chelsea players have to be viewed very differently with an expectation that, for want of a better and more nuanced phrase, actually try. That said, they remain leaderless and without much direction and the organisation of the club does appear to be a complete mess and so still siding with Leeds to at least avoid defeat in 90 minutes seems a good bet.
Chelsea vs Leeds tip: Double chance – Leeds to win or draw
