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Chelsea predicted lineup vs Leeds United: | Getty Images/ Canva
Chelsea team news and predicted XI of clash with rivals Leeds United in a mouthwatering game of football at Elland Road
Emerging title challengers Chelsea travel up to West Yorkshire to face rival Leeds United on Wednesday night, in a game which promises to have huge implications on both the top and bottom of the Premier League table.
Enzo Maresca’s side, who have won four of their last six league matches, sit third in the league table. They’ve been excellent in recent weeks and have made huge strides in terms of consistency by picking up points without midfield talisman Cole Palmer - a player who was once viewed as so important that many experts assumed the Blues simply wouldn’t pick up wins if he wasn’t on the pitch.
Chelsea’s squad have coped admirably with his absence, but it’s fair to say that his return to fitness couldn’t have come at a better time ahead of a hectic period with a high volume of challenging fixtures.
The Blues face the Whites just days after securing a 1-1 draw against runaway leaders Arsenal. They did so in commendable fashion after Moises Caicedo’s sending off, but now face a huge decision on how to replace the Colombian. Palmer also sat out the game on the bench after returning to fitness, leaving Maresca with the dilemma on whether to start the 23-year-old or keep him on the bench. Ahead of kick-off, we predict what Chelsea’s starting line-up will look like at Elland Road as two crucial changes could be made.
Chelsea predicted XI vs Leeds United: goalkeeper and defence
RB: Reece James: The club captain returns to his natural position at right-back. He was hugely impressive in central midfield against Arsenal last time out and chipped in with a vital assist against the league leaders. Maresca has given mixed messages on whether he could start against Leeds, but the likely combative nature of the clash may well tip the scales in favour of starting the England gem.
CB: Trevoh Chalobah: Academy graduate Chalobah retains his place in central defence. He’s rebuilt his Chelsea career really well since returning from his loan at Crystal Palace and is currently one of the first names on the teamsheet in defence.
CB: Tosin Adarabioyo: Former Fulham defender Adarabioyo could return to the back line to freshen things up due to Wesley Fofana’s injury record. The Frenchman has only recently returned to fitness and will need to have his minutes managed during a busy period.
LB: Marc Cucurella: Euro 2024 winner Cucurella is likely to keep his place at left-back. He’ll be useful for the Blues at both ends of the pitch due to his excellent attacking instincts and seemingly unlimited stamina.
Chelsea predicted XI vs Leeds United: midfield and attack
CM: Enzo Fernandez: The World Cup winner played in a more advanced No.10 role against Arsenal, but could be shifted into a slightly deeper position to cover for the absence of Caicedo.
CM: Andrey Santos: The Brazilian has shown signs of promise since returning from a productive loan spell with French outfit Strasbourg. He could feature in the central defensive midfield role on Wednesday evening as he looks to contain a workman like Leeds midfield.
LM: Alejandro Garnacho: Summer signing Garnacho comes into replace Estevao at left-midfield. The former Man Utd man has three goal contributions in seven matches since joining and could be given another chance to shine. Maresca has used Estevao sparingly in the early stages of his career at Stamford Bridge, despite fans clamouring to see more of the wonderkid in action.
CAM: Cole Palmer: It’s been a long time coming - Chelsea could finally welcome Palmer back into the starting lineup against Leeds. He’s started just one match all season and is desperate to show the club what they’ve been missing after a frustrating start to the campaign. He’s been given a pair of boots which enable him to play through his current injury - a fractured toe.
RM: Pedro Neto: The Portugal international retains his position on the wing. He’s had a solid start to the season so far for the Stamford Bridge club, impressive with both his pace and his mesmerising dribbling ability. He’s also been deployed in the false nine role on occasion.
ST: Liam Delap: After being benched against Arsenal, Delap could return to the starting lineup to face Leeds. The former Ipswich Town man is still waiting for his first league goal at Chelsea after his big summer move, but netted in the Blues’ 3-0 thrashing of Barcelona last month. He replaces Joao Pedro in the centre forward role.
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