Had Chelsea sacked Frank Lampard prior to the season starting, there is an argument that can be made that the team would be challenging for the Premier League title now. Instead, Chelsea are pushing for a runners-up finish.
The Blues go into matchday 29 in fourth place and two points ahead of West Ham. Just four points separate Chelsea from second-place Manchester United. On Saturday at lunchtime, Chelsea visit Elland Road to play Leeds United.
When Leeds came to town earlier in the season 👊 #LEECHE pic.twitter.com/TNpS55g2EL— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 10, 2021
When Leeds came to town earlier in the season 👊 #LEECHE pic.twitter.com/TNpS55g2EL
Marcelo Bielsa’s team are the arguably the most inconsistent team in the league. After stringing a win or two together, they inexplicitly lose two or three games on the bounce.
Leeds United are nine points ahead of the bottom three going into the weekend. They have lost back-to-back games, failing to score goals.
Chelsea are on an 11-game unbeaten run under Thomas Tuchel. The manager has not tasted defeat since taking over the team. The Blues’ defence have conceded a mere two goals during that time.
Although Chelsea have not scored more than 2.0 goals in a single game under Tuchel. Despite not being a high-scoring team, Chelsea are winning games thanks to a strong backline and spine.
Chelsea won the reverse fixture against Leeds United at Stamford Bridge, 3-1. Leeds United took an early lead through Patrick Bamford in the fourth minute. Chelsea came back from there scoring three straight goals to win.
Olivier Giroud struck back in the 27th minute. Kurt Zouma gave Chelsea the lead in the 61st minute and Christian Pulisic sealed the victory in the 90th minute with a goal.
Tuchel has just one injury issue going into the game. Striker Tammy Abraham is nursing an ankle injury and could miss out on the game due to it. Tuchel may save the striker for Chelsea’s midweek Champions League last 16 second leg match versus Atletico Madrid.
Bielsa is without the injured trio of Adam Forshaw, Pascal Struijk and Pablo Hernandez due to their respective injuries. The manager could have centre-back Robin Koch back from a long-term injury. He must pass a fitness test, however. Jamie Shackleton could miss the game due to an injury.
Chelsea have won back-to-back games in the Premier League and should make it a third straight victory against in the league. The Blues have just been too good under Tuchel and should keep a four clean sheet in the league.
Tuchel could rest some key players due to the Champions League last 16 second leg against Atletico Madrid in the week. He still has a strong group of players to pick from.