Chelsea have lost just once this season and head into matchday 11 on Saturday versus Leeds United in their best-ever form under manager Frank Lampard. The former Blues midfielder has Chelsea just two points off of first-placed Tottenham Hotspur.
The Blues can go top of the table on Saturday for at least 24 hours. With Tottenham Hotspur playing Arsenal in the North London Derby, the Blues could make significant strides in the title race, if Jose Mourinho’s team drop points to the Gunners.
Some @Eidur22Official magic! ✨🔜 Chelsea v Leeds! #TBT pic.twitter.com/rpxDKxooZo— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 3, 2020
Some @Eidur22Official magic! ✨🔜 Chelsea v Leeds! #TBT pic.twitter.com/rpxDKxooZo
Leeds United are unbeaten in two straight games. Last weekend, they defeat Everton 1-0 at Goodison Park. Marcelo Bielsa’s team won’t be over-awed by Chelsea. The Whites have taken points off of Manchester City and Arsenal already this term.
It feels in many ways like Leeds United are built to defend and take points from the big sides. They will need to be at their best to get a win or draw away at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are on a five-match unbeaten run at home. Their last loss at home – and only loss in all competitions this season – came against Liverpool.
They have outscored opponents 11-6 at Stamford Bridge. The defence has been good in recent weeks and kept a clean sheet at home versus Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.
Leeds United have a good away record. They have taken nine points from 15 on the road. Their only away blemishes came at Anfield against Liverpool and Crystal Palace. Leeds United are just +1 in goal difference with nine goals for and eight conceded.
Bielsa has a few injury issues heading into the weekend. Defender Diego Llorente is still sidelined with a groin issue. He has been out since early October. Pablo Hernandez will also miss the game as will Jamie Shackleton. The good news for Bielsa is that forward Jack Harrison has been passed fit.
Compared to other Premier League managers, Lampard is not suffering from the same muscle injuries that are affecting everyone else. The manager has a clean bill of health going into the game with his players.
Lampard’s biggest issue may be deciding which striker to start in attack. Olivier Giroud scored four goals against Sevilla in the Champions League at the weekend. Will he get the nod or will Tammy Abraham be selected over him?
Chelsea are in great form and should continue their play this weekend versus Leeds United. Although Leeds United have taken points off of other top teams, they will fail to do the same versus Chelsea.