Chelsea will travel to Elland Road as they will take on Leeds United in the Premier League on Sunday.
Leeds gave the relegation a narrow skip as they retained their Premier League status at the very last moment. The Whites got rid of Marcelo Bielsa last season and brought in Jesse Marsch who did manage to float their ship in a positive manner.
The gaffer made some exciting signings in his first full season as he oversaw the arrival of Brendan Aaronson, Tyler Adams and a couple of more players who could well be the game changers this time around.
Leeds looked to be in song as a Rodrigo double looked to be enough for their second consecutive victory but a fightback from Southampton saw both teams sharing the spoils.
Patrick Bamford’s availability is pretty uncertain and if he doesn’t make it Rodrigo is likely to replace him in the central attacking position. The Spaniard has been in good form netting three goals in the first two games.
They lost their two prized assets Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips and the onus will be on them to cope with their absence from the ranks this season.
For Chelsea, it has been a mixed season so far. The Blues defeated Crystal Palace in the first match but shared the points in the last match with their London rival Tottenham Hotspur.
Both Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel were involved in a nasty brawl and they had to be separated in the middle of the match. There were heated exchanges even after the final whistle and the referee showed red cards to both the managers.
The Chelsea gaffer had been banned for one match but he will be seen managing his team from the dugout as FA has allowed him until they are furnishing a detailed explanation of their decision.
Chelsea did create a number of chances but the Blues will have to penetrate the opponent’s defence more often in a bid to find more goals. The absence of a positive goal poaching striker has been felt and they could dip in the market in search of a potential number 9.
Kai Havertz has been wasteful while Raheem Sterling’s arrival has filled up the void vacated by the departure of Romemu Lukaku and Timo Werner.
The Blues battled a tough ending to the last season as they ended without a major trophy and their priority this year should be to grab a trophy alongside a position in the top three.
Leeds United vs Chelsea
Date: 21st August 2022
Time: 6:30 PM IST
Stadium: Elland Road
Leeds United vs Chelsea
Team News
Leeds United
Patrick Bamford is slated to miss this Chelsea tie due to a groin injury. Daniel James could be provided with a start against the Blues.
Chelsea
Both N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic won’t be available so Tuchel might have to bring a new face into the midfield. Christian Pulisic has been linked with a move to Manchester United but he is unlikely to start in this match. Armando Broja will miss this match as he is not fully fit.
Leeds United Possible Lineup
Meslier; Kristensen, Koch, Llorente, Struijk; Roca, Adams; Aaronson, Rodrigo, Harrison; James
Chelsea Possible Lineup
Mendy; Azpilicueta, Silva, Koulibaly; James, Loftus-Cheek, Jorginho, Cucurella; Mount, Sterling; Havertz
Predictions
Leeds are expected to put up a strong fight on their home turf.
Leeds United vs Chelsea Fantasy XI No. 1
Mendy; Azpilicueta, Llorente, Koulibaly; Loftus-Cheek, Jorginho, Roca, Aaronson; Sterling, Mount, James
Leeds United vs Chelsea Fantasy XI No. 2
Mendy; Azpilicueta, Llorente, Koulibaly, Koch; Loftus-Cheek, Roca, Aaronson; Sterling, Mount, James
