Leeds United are swiftly shifting their focus to Chelsea this Wednesday as they dust themselves off from a dramatic late loss to Manchester City.
Despite losing again on the road, there was plenty to admire about United’s valiant defeat at Manchester City. For one, it proved that Daniel Farke can adapt to a game state not going his side’s way, and make changes to better suit his side.
It ultimately didn’t yield a result to turn the tide, but there’s positives to take and hopefully build on as United face Chelsea on Wednesday night.
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Chelsea handed huge Moises Caicedo blow as Leeds United clash looms
There’s no time for Leeds or Farke to feel sorry for themselves. A midweek return to Elland Road brings another daunting opponent in Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea.
The Blues themselves are in the middle of a frantic fixture list. And while they welcomed back Cole Palmer to the squad against Arsenal on Sunday, their preparations for Leeds have been hit with a hammer blow.
A 1-1 draw with the Gunners came despite playing a good chunk of the game with 10 men. Moises Caicedo was given a straight red in the 38th minute after VAR’s intervention. The Colombian was adjudged to have committed serious foul play when catching Mikel Merino’s ankle with a late tackle.
Moises Caicedo is banned as Chelsea face Leeds United next week. (REUTERS/David Klein)
It leaves Caicedo banned for the trip to West Yorkshire. And in turn, it hands Leeds a significant boost as Maresca heads up north without his £107million enforcer.
Leeds United have opportunity to spring shock against Chelsea on Wednesday
Leeds will still have a big job on their hands to stop their run of losses. This Chelsea side is chasing and outside shot at the title.
Without Caicedo, they are still a Champions League side after all with plenty of depth to cover for this blow.
That being said, it hands Leeds a huge boost. One of the Premier League’s best defensive midfielders not being available is massive. If Leeds want to get in Chelsea’s faces, the away side are significantly more vulnerable in the middle without Caicedo anchoring the midfield.
A performance matching the intensity and aggression that we saw in the second half on Saturday could bloody a few noses next week.
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