Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has invoked a comparison with Barcelona as his side prepares for a tricky-looking trip to face Leeds United at Elland Road.
Maresca’s title-contenders held Premier League leaders Arsenal to a draw in their last game, but they will face a different challenge at Elland Road.
Daniel Farke has a decision to make over how he sets his Leeds side up for the crucial encounter, with reports suggesting the 49ers are running out of patience with his side’s run of poor form.
Farke could elect to stick with the 3-5-2 that served his side so well in the second half against Manchester City, as Leeds fell agonisingly short of claiming a point after going 2-0 down.
Now, Maresca has addressed the specific challenge of facing a team in the bottom half of the table compared to a Champions League clash against Barcelona.
Prediction time for Leeds United v Chelsea
Daniel Farke and Enzo Maresca.
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Enzo Maresca on how Leeds United compare to Barcelona
Speaking in his press conference ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Elland Road, via Football.London, Maresca addressed why his players need to be wary of their upcoming game in West Yorkshire.
According to the Chelsea boss, his side will face a difficult task away from home, as Leeds may elect to sit in and defend against the Blues.
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Maresca said: “I think Leeds and Bournemouth, both games, especially away, are difficult for any team. They will be different compared to Barcelona and Arsenal. We need to be ready.”
Asked why his Chelsea side have typically covered less ground against sides in the bottom half, he added: “It’s probably also the way the other teams try to defend against us.
Enzo Maresca looks on during Chelsea v Arsenal - Premier League
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“When they just sit back, there is not much space to cover in terms of space in behind. So it depends on how the other teams set up.”
Leeds United need to be wary of strong travellers Chelsea
Chelsea have enjoyed a strong start to the season under Maresca, sitting third in the table, one point behind Man City in second and six points behind leaders Arsenal.
Much of Chelsea’s early-season form has been fuelled by their strong away record, as the Blues sit behind Arsenal in second for most points won away from home.
Chelsea formidable away record in the Premier League this season 😨
Leeds' defence will need to be at its best at Elland Road
Chelsea’s Premier League away form ahead of Leeds United clash:
Played: 6
Won: 4
Drawn: 1
Lost: 1
Goals For: 14
Goals Against: 5
Enzo Maresca and Cole Palmer.
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According to the Premier League website, Chelsea have won four of their six away games so far this season, with one draw and one defeat. Maresca also expects influential forward Cole Palmer to be available in a boost.
Their sole defeat away from Stamford Bridge to date came at Old Trafford, as Manchester United claimed a 2-1 win as both sides had a man sent off.
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