Chelsea VS Leeds United - Prediction

Chelsea FC, investing a massive amount in the current squad, have been struggling since the beginning of the season. The Blues are out of the top ten in the English league table and lost the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, a team with a number of injured players. However, Chelsea are all set to bounce back when they host Leeds United tonight at Stamford Bridge to play the fifth round of the FA Cup, aiming to secure their place in the quarte-final. Leeds United, on the other hand, was relegated in the previous season and are now trying to get promotion to the Premier League again. But their all focus is now on the FA Cup tie against Chelsea FC.

Stats&Facts

• It is been a long time since Chelsea met Leeds United in the FA Cup. The last time Chelsea played against Leeds United in the FA Cup was its final in 1970, where the Blues secured the Cup glory after a thrilling game.
• Although it will be Chelsea's first meeting since 1970, they have never lost in their previous eight meetings with Leeds United in the FA Cup.
• Stamford Bridge has been a nightmare for Leeds United. Since winning at Stamford Bridge in 1999, the White's have never won a game here. Leeds United have lost all their last six away games against Chelsea across all competitions at Stamford Bridge.
• Chelsea have progressed from 13 of their last 15 FA Cup fifth-round ties.
• The last time Leeds United played the quarterfinal of the FA Cup was in the 2022-2003 campaign. Since then, they failed to progress from the fifth round.

Team News

Chelsea's defensive duo, Thiago Silva and Marc Cucurella, were absent in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool. They still remain in doubt ahead of tonight's game against Leeds United. But Chelsea will miss the service of Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Lesley Ugochukwu, Romeo Lavia, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Benoit Badiashile due to their respective injury. As for Leeds United, Sam Byram has returned to training and should be available for tonight's game. But they will be without Karl Darlow, Pascal Struijk, and Stuart Dallas due to their injuries. Possible Lineup for Chelsea: Sanchez; Gusto, Gilchrist, Chalobah, Colwill; Gallagher, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Sterling Possible Lineup for Leeds United: Meslier; Roberts, Ampadu, Cooper, Firpo; Gruev, Kamara; Gnonto, Gray, Anthony; Piroe

Pochettino's Response to the Critics

Following the defeat against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino faced heavy criticism. Former Man United captain Gary Neville said, “It’s Klopp’s kids against the billion pound bottle jobs." Neville's comment had gone viral and created noise in the football world. However, Pochettino explained the situation in the Pre-match press conference . Pochettino said, "Part of my responsibility is to make sure people get the reality, our truth. To try to explain it to them from the inside, not from people who don’t know what is happening here. I think it is unfair to focus on those things or make those comparisons, but I accept everyone’s opinion."

Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Leeds

There is no doubt Chelsea have so much potential. They played well against Liverpool, although they lost the match on penalties. As a result, Chelsea should be aggressive when they welcome Leeds at Stamford Bridge. They have a talented team with strong players in defense and attack. However, Leeds United shouldn't be underestimated. They have shown they can compete with top teams and might give Chelsea a tough challenge.

Betfair Odds

Chelsea: 1.50 Draw: 4.71 Leeds: 6.50 Visit BFB247 to get real-time Betfair Odds and an exclusive 2.5% commission on winning bets!