Enzo Maresca led Chelsea to an unbeaten November, including games against Barcelona and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues find themselves in a genuine fight for the Premier League title, sitting just six points behind the Gunners going into December.
Chelsea are also in the top eight of their group stages of the Champions League, and Maresca deserves a lot of credit for the journey he has taken this young squad on since he took over last summer.
The next game comes against old rivals Leeds United. The history between these two sides goes back to the 1960s.
Why do Chelsea and Leeds hate each other so much?
A rivalry which started in the 1960s, the biggest flashpoint came in the 1970 FA Cup final
Chelsea’s progress under Enzo Maresca will be shown in Leeds clash
Despite them being promoted last season, the Blues did face Leeds back in 2024 in the FA Cup, eventually winning 3-2 at Stamford Bridge.
It was a very underwhelming display from Mauricio Pochettino’s side, who relied on bringing on Cole Palmer and Conor Gallagher to secure their place in the next round.
The progress Chelsea have made under Maresca can be shown by the starting side Chelsea played that day. Six of the 11 are not currently in the first team picture.
Gallagher and Noni Madueke, who both came off the bench, are no longer with the club either, and the progress they have made is clear to see ahead of their next meeting with the old enemy.
Chelsea v Leeds United - Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round
Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images
Rotation expected for upcoming Chelsea vs Leeds clash
Maresca will already know he needs to find a replacement for Moises Caicedo after his red card against Arsenal.
It also looks as if Reece James won’t start against Leeds, opening up an opportunity for Andrey Santos to put a string of Premier League games together.
The Brazilian has just two league starts to his name so far for the Blues, but has certainly impressed when given the chance to feature.
There could also be a return to the starting side for Palmer, who was an unused sub as Chelsea started to withstand pressure in the latter stages in West London.