Chelsea will be looking to continue to pile the pressure on Arsenal at the top of the table when they reignite an old rivalry with Leeds United on Wednesday.
Blues fans of a certain age will need no reminding just how fierce some of the games between these two sides have been, with the 1970 FA Cup final going down in history.
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 have history on their side when it comes to this fixture, only losing once in the past 23 years, however are set for a more tricky test this time around.
Moises Caicedo is suspended for the fixture, while Enzo Maresca has already ruled Reece James out of featuring for 90 minutes after his immense effort against Arsenal.
Chelsea v Leeds United - Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round
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Leeds expert says Elland Road crowd is biggest strength ahead of Chelsea clash
The Chelsea Chronicle spoke to LeedsUnited.News’ Will Butcher about the upcoming game, and while he stated that manager Daniel Farke is somewhat fighting for his job, he believes the Elland Road crowd are the biggest weapon Leeds have at their disposal.
He said: “Leeds fans wanted Farke gone, until Saturday. Despite the loss, it feels like the potential to be a turning point and finally gather some momentum, with two home games now – even if they’re against Chelsea and Liverpool. Elland Road is Leeds’ biggest and strongest weapon.
“Leeds’ weaknesses, and Maresca may recall this having faced Farke’s Leeds twice in 2023-24 as Leicester boss, are the channels down the side. Runs from deep. Ethan Ampadu has failed to track his runner on a few occasions this season, and the left side has been an issue for Leeds, hence Noah Okafor and Gabi Gudmundsson being dropped for City.
“Maresca needs to be wary of Leeds’ aerial ability. We’re a big team now, especially if Farke plays a 3-5-2, which removes our smaller wingers and replaces them with another striker (Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin) and another centre-back. Maresca will know that if Leeds are to get anything from Wednesday, set-pieces will be key for Leeds.
“Leeds won’t rotate as such, but there will be changes. Dan James has a hamstring injury, Sean Longstaff has a calf issue and both will be missing. Anton Stach is back after observing concussion protocols. Changes hinge on Farke switching formation, and it will feel like a missed opportunity if he doesn’t.
When pushed for a prediction on the game, Butcher stated that he believed they had a real chance of making things very uncomfortable for Maresca’s men.
He said: “Slightly biased prediction, but if Leeds make it horrible for Chelsea and keep Maresca’s men at bay for a sustained period (not conceding after 40 seconds like Leeds did on Saturday), a result is achievable. 2-2.”
Leeds United v Aston Villa - Premier League
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How is former Chelsea star Ethan Ampadu getting on at Leeds?
Chelsea are likely to be coming up against former player Ethan Ampadu, who got most of his limited minutes for the club under Maurizio Sarri.
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The Wales international ended up moving on loan four times before finally permanently departing, and Butcher has said Leeds are a much better side when Ampadu plays.
He said: “Ethan Ampadu’s importance to this Leeds side is unquestionable. An old head on young shoulders, it is crazy to think that he’s still only 25. Knee injuries have been an issue over the last 15 months, but this Leeds side is so much better defensively with Ampadu in it.
It has not all been perfect though, with him at fault for a number of goals this season as he continues to learn a new role.
“That is to say, there have been a few cases where the skipper has not tracked a runner – consolation v West Ham, Villa’s first in 2-1 loss, Morgan Gibbs-White header v Forest.
“But it must be remembered that this is his first proper season in the Premier League as a midfielder, having played in defence on loan at Sheffield United. He’s learning.”