The next round of Premier League fixtures sees newly promoted Leeds United host Enzo Maresca's Chelsea side at Elland Road.
Leeds United most recently suffered a last-minute defeat to Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, in a 3-2 loss that was ultimately decided by a Phil Foden winner. Daniel Farke's side were 2-0 down at halftime and impressively fought back to make it 2-2, goals coming from summer additions Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough; however, Farke will have plenty of positives to take from the game.
For Chelsea, they most recently drew 1-1 to current league leaders Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. The match started with Chelsea looking the far superior side and that would continue even beyond them going down to 10 men after midfielder Caicedo's reckless challenge meant he saw red. Despite being a man down, Chelsea took the lead just after halftime with Trevoh Chalobah scoring from a corner. Chelsea weren't able to hold onto the lead as Mikel Merino's header in the 59th minute levelled the match.
Leeds' poor form, Chelsea's great form
Leeds are currently suffering with a poor run of form, failing to win any of their last 4 matches and winning only once in their last 8 matches. One thing we could always say about Leeds is that any team travelling to Elland Road will face a tough task; however, this season so far, Leeds have only managed to win two matches at home from six games. Leeds United, who had the second-best defensive record in the Championship last season, have currently failed to keep a clean sheet in the last 10 matches.
Chelsea on the other hand are enjoying a good spell under Enzo Maresca. Chelsea are unbeaten in all competitions over the last seven matches and have the second-best away form in the Premier League. Chelsea will be without star midfielder Moises Caicedo, who received a red card in the last Premier League match. But, some good news for Chelsea fans is that Cole Palmer has been declared fit enough to start matches again - so the Blues might be back with their talisman for the first time since September.
Unfortunately, you don't get a lot of time nowadays as a Premier League manager - Daniel Farke will know this as much as anyone.
Daniel Farke suffered relegation from the top flight in 19/20 with Norwich, and after getting given another chance in 21/22 after guiding The Canaries back up, he lasted only eleven games before getting the sack that season.
After being promoted with Leeds United, there was talk about whether Daniel Farke should be relieved of his duties and a more successful Premier League manager should be appointed. Ultimately, the Leeds United board decided that Farke should have the chance to prove himself after the impressive Championship campaign last season.
Leeds United this season have played 13 matches in the Premier League and currently sit in the relegation places with some very tough fixtures coming up.
A defeat would leave Leeds in the relegation zone ahead of the weekend's fixtures, win-less in their last four and would put boss Farke under serious pressure.