Chelsea vs Leeds Utd Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Chelsea vs Leeds Utd taking place? Chelsea vs Leeds Utd will take place on Saturday 11th December, 2021 at 15:00 (UK)
Where is Chelsea vs Leeds Utd taking place? Chelsea vs Leeds Utd will take place at Stamford Bridge in London
Where can I get tickets for Chelsea vs Leeds Utd? Ticket information for Chelsea vs Leeds Utd can be found on each club’s official website
What TV channel is Chelsea vs Leeds Utd on in the UK? Chelsea vs Leeds Utd will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Chelsea vs Leeds Utd in the UK? Chelsea vs Leeds Utd cannot be streamed live in the UK
THE LOWDOWN
CHELSEA
- A shock 3-2 loss for Chelsea against West Ham last weekend at the London Stadium saw Chelsea knocked off of top spot in the Premier League and down to third, with the pressure now on Thomas Tuchel’s side to get back to winning ways here.
- Key players such as Ben Chilwell, N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic are still missing but Thomas Tuchel looks to be able to call upon midfielders Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Jorginho.
LEEDS UTD
- After looking like falling to defeat at home to Brentford this past Sunday, Leeds Utd were dealt a huge boost as striker Patrick Bamford returned to the fold as a substitute for the first time since suffering an injury which has kept him out since September, going on to score a 95th minute equaliser and save his team a point.
- Whether Bamford is fit enough to start at Stamford Bridge remains to be seen, but the likelihood is that he misses out after aggravating a hamstring against Brentford, whilst hamstring injuries are also set to sideline both Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips against Chelsea.
THE TEAM NEWS
CHELSEA
PREDICTED XI (3-4-2-1): Mendy; Christensen, Thiago Silva, Rudiger; James, Loftus-Cheek, Jorginho, Alonso; Ziyech, Mount; Lukaku
UNAVAILABLE: Chalobah (Injured), Chilwell (Injured), Kante (Injured), Kovacic (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
LEEDS UTD
PREDICTED XI (3-4-3): Meslier; Ayling, Llorente, Struijk; Dallas, Phillips, Forshaw, Firpo; Raphinha, Roberts, James
UNAVAILABLE: Cooper (Injured), Phillips (Injured), Rodrigo (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Bamford (Injured), Koch (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
Leeds Utd may sense an opportunity to pounce on Chelsea when they are arguably at their most vulnerable this season, having been beaten by West Ham last weekend before failing to finish top of their Champions League group after only drawing 3-3 with Zenit. Following the home side’s tough trip to Russia, the admirable fitness of Leeds Utd could well see the visitors take the initiative early on here in a bid to put as much pressure as possible on a Blues side possibly struggling a little through physical and mental tiredness. It will be doubt be another tough battle for Chelsea here, but with the many leaders among their squad, writing them off would be a foolish move. Leeds Utd have kept just clean sheet away from home this season and this isn’t likely to change here against the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Mason Mount. With that in mind, provided Chelsea can re-discover that defensive stability missed against West Ham and Zenit, then the hosts should come out on top in this one.
Tip: CHELSEA TO WIN
