Leeds and Chelsea renew old rivalries this weekend as the two teams go head-to-head in the Premier League.
Here is all you need to know about Sunday’s clash at Elland Road.
Form
Leeds: WD
After a narrow escape from relegation last season, Leeds have started the season in positive form with four points from their opening two fixtures.
Following a comeback win against Wolves on the opening weekend, Jesse Marsch will have been disappointed to see his side squander a two-goal lead to draw at Southampton last time out.
Rodrigo has begun the season in fine form around goal, with the midfielder the Premier League’s leading scorer after netting three times already.
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Leeds boss Jesse Marsch says he'll be disappointed if the FA allow Thomas Tuchel to be on the touchline during their clash on Sunday ???? pic.twitter.com/33eG7bOi9G
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 19, 2022
Patrick Bamford is expected to miss the clash with a groin problem and Leeds will hope the forward’s absence is not the start of another run on the sidelines. The 28-year-old managed just seven league starts during a frustrating 2021/22 campaign.
Chelsea: WD
Thomas Tuchel will also be irritated with his side’s conceding of a lead, with Harry Kane’s 96th-minute goal rescuing a point for Tottenham in a bad-tempered derby draw last weekend.
Encouragement will be taken from Chelsea’s performance however, with the west Londoners dominant for much of the contest and aggrieved with the decisions of the officials at Stamford Bridge.
After a narrow win at Everton on the opening weekend, it’s four points from six for Chelsea who will hope to build momentum in the season’s opening weeks.
Chatting to @masonmount_10! ???? pic.twitter.com/MIf0ws2qj9
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 19, 2022
Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be set for an extended run in the side after an impressive performance last weekend. The midfielder began at wing-back before drifting inside as Tuchel’s tactics took a flexible approach and with Mateo Kovacic and N’Golo Kante sidelined the 26-year-old could receive minutes.
Last Meeting
Leeds 0-3 Chelsea, May 11th 2022
Chelsea moved closer to Champions League qualification and piled the pressure on relegation-threatened Leeds, securing a comfortable 3-0 win at Elland Road in May.
Mason Mount opened the scoring inside four minutes for the visitors, before Daniel James was shown a straight red card for a high tackle on Mateo Kovacic to leave Leeds with a mountain to climb.
Chelsea cruised through the remainder of the contest and put further gloss on the scoreline in the second period, as goals from Christian Pulisic and Romelu Lukaku secured all three points.
Leeds’ disciplinary issues continued to hinder their survival fight as Jesse Marsch’s side were reduced to ten for the second game in a row. Leeds also became the first team receive 100 yellow or red cards in a Premier League season.
Predicted Lineups
Leeds: Meslier; Kristensen, Koch, Llorente, Struijk; Roca, Adams; Aaronson, Rodrigo, Harrison; James
Chelsea: Mendy; James, Azpilicueta, Silva, Koulibaly, Cucurella; Loftus-Cheek, Jorginho; Mount, Sterling; Havertz
Who is the referee?
Stuart Attwell.
What channel is Leeds v Chelsea on?
UK and Ireland (Sky Sports Premier League).
USA (fuboTV)
What time is kick off?
Sunday August 21st, 14:00 BST.
Odds
Leeds – 19/4
Draw – 7/2
Chelsea – 8/15
Read – Eight talking points ahead of the weekend’s Premier League action
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