An outdated-age rivalry is rekindled on Wednesday evening as Chelsea host Leeds United within the FA Cup fifth spherical.
The fixture has taken on even higher significance for Mauricio Pochettino following Sunday’s humbling defeat Carabao Cup last to a Melwood-tinged Liverpool aspect. Virgil van Dijk’s late further-time header crushed the Blues, who surprisingly determined to play for penalties quite than take the sport to their damage-stricken opponents.
While these two sides grew acquainted with each other following Leeds’ return to the Premier League in 2020, that is their first FA Cup assembly because the well-known 1970 last. Leeds, having dropped right down to the Championship, have received 12 of 14 video games in 2024 and are in a buoyant temper after beating league-leaders Leicester City 3-1 on Friday evening.
The guests’ ebullience will loosen up an undoubtedly sombre Stamford Bridge within the wake of Sunday’s defeat.
Here’s 90min’s preview of Wednesday evening’s FA Cup fifth spherical tie.
Chelsea vs Leeds H2H Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (all competitions)
|
Chelsea |
Leeds |
|---|---|
|
Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool – 25/02/24 |
Leeds 3-1 Leicester – 23/02/24 |
|
Man City 1-1 Chelsea – 17/02/24 |
Plymouth Argyle 0-2 Leeds – 17/02/24 |
|
Crystal Palace 1-3 Chelsea – 12/02/24 |
Swansea 0-4 Leeds – 13/02/24 |
|
Aston Villa 1-3 Chelsea – 07/02/24 |
Leeds 3-0 Rotherham – 10/02/24 |
|
Chelsea 2-4 Wolves – 02/02/24 |
Plymouth Argyle 1-4 Leeds – 06/02/24 |
|
Country |
TV channel/dwell stream |
|---|---|
|
United Kingdom |
ITV 4, ITVX |
|
United States |
ESPN+ |
|
Canada |
Sportsnet Now Plus |
Chelsea are nonetheless with no lengthy listing of gamers for Wednesday’s cup tie, however Pochettino will certainly make a number of adjustments from Sunday’s XI.
Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Lesley Ugochukwu are all out for the hosts. Marc Cucurella is near a return, whereas Thiago Silva and Benoit Badiashile are latest additions to the therapy desk.
Youngster Alfie Gilchrist may make one other begin within the cup.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Leeds (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gilchrist, Silva, Colwill, Chilwell; Caicedo, Gallagher; Madueke, Nkunku, Mudryk; Jackson.
Swiss Army knife Stuart Dallas has been out for the lengthy haul with a hip damage. The Northern Irishman is predicted to return within the coming weeks, nonetheless.
Daniel Farke can also be with out Sam Byrma, Pascal Struijk, and again-up goalkeeper Karl Darlow, however Connor Roberts and Dan James, heroes from the three-1 win over Leicester, may come into the aspect.
Leeds predicted lineup vs Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Roberts, Rodon, Ampadu, Gray; Kamara, Gruev; James, Rutter, Summerville; Piroe.
The indicators are pointing in direction of an upset on Wednesday evening on what is a large event for each groups.
Chelsea might be deflated after Sunday’s defeat and some will query whether or not Pochettino can encourage a fast turnaround. Leeds, in the meantime, have been nothing in need of sensational in 2024 and will fancy their probabilities of turning over the Premier League aspect in midweek.
It must be a fiercely aggressive sport which may go both manner, however maybe Chelsea will finally discover a manner in opposition to an aggressive Leeds backline that may give up possibilities.
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