Leeds United vs Chelsea FC
Chelsea look to keep up their good form with a Premier League trip to Elland Road on Wednesday night. Leeds United host Enzo Maresca’s men as the Italian seeks his first win over the Yorkshire club.
The Blues currently sit in third place, six points behind leaders Arsenal. The World Champions valiantly held the Gunners to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge with 10 men for an hour. Due to his dismissal, midfield general Moises Caicedo is out of contention after his reckless challenge on Mikel Merino. The Ecuadorian will also be unavailable for Chelsea’s trip to Bournemouth and their home game against Everton.
Captain Reece James will also be unavailable as Maresca admitted “that we (the club) need to manage him.” James performed a masterclass in midfield against Arsenal; however, the club aims to approach his playing time with caution. The England International has featured in every Premier League game this campaign, which contradicts his injury history. James has not featured in more than 50% of Premier League matches in a single season since 2022.
Leeds currently sit in the relegation zone with 11 points, having lost four straight games. Daniel Farke’s men had their 2-goal half-time comeback at the Etihad Stadium ruined by a 91st-minute dagger from Phil Foden. The result was heartbreaking; however, the second half performance has given Maresca food for thought due to a formation change.
Leeds caused Manchester City problems by switching from a back four to a back three. This allowed them to play with two strikers. Both forwards Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha managed to score in the process. “I do not know” was Maresca’s reply to a journalist who asked how the Yorkshire club would line up against him.
Chelsea are also chasing City, who moved 4 points ahead of them after their thriller at Craven Cottage on Tuesday Night. The confirmed return of talisman Cole Palmer may aid the Blues’ objective for three points. Palmer has not played since September 20th because of a groin injury.