Leeds United are preparing for a high-profile showdown against Chelsea in their upcoming Premier League fixture, looking to build on recent momentum. The Whites head into this clash following a vital 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest, a result that was widely considered a “must-win” battle at Elland Road to distance themselves from the bottom end of the table.
This next outing presents a completely different challenge for manager Daniel Farke. Leeds are currently readying themselves for the journey to West London to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this Tuesday. Interestingly, the narrative surrounding Farke has shifted significantly; during the last meeting between these two sides, the German coach was reportedly teetering on the edge of being sacked. However, the landscape has changed for the better, with Leeds now sitting a comfortable six points clear of the relegation zone.
Despite that cushion, the task remains daunting as they face a Chelsea side led by Liam Rosenior. Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has already shared his thoughts on the encounter, and his prediction might not be what the traveling Leeds faithful want to hear.
Reflecting on their previous encounter, Leeds managed an impressive 3-1 win over the Blues. In that match, goals from Jaka Bijol, Ao Tanaka, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin proved to be the difference-maker. That specific victory was a massive turning point for the club, as it followed a grueling string of four straight defeats—the last being a narrow loss to Manchester City where Leeds nearly snatched a point. Since that win against Enzo Maresca’s men, Leeds have found a steady rhythm, recording five wins and six draws across all competitions.
However, Merson remains unconvinced that Leeds can replicate those heroics away from home. Writing for Sportskeeda, the former England international expressed doubt about an LS11 victory at the Bridge. Merson noted that while Leeds have a reputation for taking points off the league’s giants this year, the combination of Chelsea playing at home and Cole Palmer’s recent hat-trick makes them favorites. He described Rosenior’s squad as “buzzing” heading into the midweek game.
To pull off an upset, Leeds will need to find the same clinical edge they displayed at Elland Road. While they won’t have the roar of a home crowd to spur them on, Farke will be looking for his players to maintain the same level of output in West London. Much will depend on whether Calvert-Lewin can repeat his goal-scoring heroics if presented with the opportunity. Defensively, the challenge will be immense, particularly in trying to neutralize a red-hot Cole Palmer, but Leeds will be hoping to weather the storm and come away with a result.
