Leeds United vs Chelsea FC
Chelsea look to maintain up their good type with a Premier League journey to Elland Street on Wednesday evening. Leeds United host Enzo Maresca’s males because the Italian seeks his first win over the Yorkshire membership.
The Blues presently sit in third place, six factors behind leaders Arsenal. The World Champions valiantly held the Gunners to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge with 10 males for an hour. Because of his dismissal, midfield normal Moises Caicedo is out of rivalry after his reckless problem on Mikel Merino. The Ecuadorian can even be unavailable for Chelsea’s journey to Bournemouth and their residence recreation in opposition to Everton.
Captain Reece James can even be unavailable as Maresca admitted “that we (the membership) have to handle him.” James carried out a masterclass in midfield in opposition to Arsenal; nevertheless, the membership goals to method his enjoying time with warning. The England Worldwide has featured in each Premier League recreation this marketing campaign, which contradicts his harm historical past. James has not featured in additional than 50% of Premier League matches in a single season since 2022.
Leeds presently sit within the relegation zone with 11 factors, having misplaced 4 straight video games. Daniel Farke’s males had their 2-goal half-time comeback on the Etihad Stadium ruined by a 91st-minute dagger from Phil Foden. The consequence was heartbreaking; nevertheless, the second half efficiency has given Maresca meals for thought attributable to a formation change.
Leeds triggered Manchester Metropolis issues by switching from a again 4 to a again three. This allowed them to play with two strikers. Each forwards Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha managed to attain within the course of. “I have no idea” was Maresca’s reply to a journalist who requested how the Yorkshire membership would line up in opposition to him.
Chelsea are additionally chasing Metropolis, who moved 4 factors forward of them after their thriller at Craven Cottage on Tuesday Night time. The confirmed return of talisman Cole Palmer might assist the Blues’ goal for 3 factors. Palmer has not performed since September 20th due to a groin harm.
