Leeds United meet Chelsea at Elland Road on Wednesday night hoping for a shock that could keep Daniel Farke in a job.
The pressure is on for Daniel Farke to regain winning form at Leeds after six defeats in the last seven. Our only points in that run came against a woeful West Ham side.
If Farke is to keep his job, he’s going to have to find a result against one of Chelsea or Liverpool. It’s a tall order given the quality on display for both sides.
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Chelsea team news pre-Leeds United: Reece James not fit to start, Moises Caicedo banned, Cole Palmer question mark
For the quality Chelsea have in their squad, they are coming to Elland Road looking depleted.
A midweek Champions League win against Barcelona was followed by playing over a half against Arsenal on Sunday with 10 men leaves the Blues lacking sharpness. Moises Caicedo was the man dismissed at the weekend and therefore banned for tomorrow.
Enzo Maresca has confirmed, as a result of their hectic schedule, that talisman Reece James won’t be fit enough to start on Wednesday night as they manage his fitness.
“I would like to start him, but we need to do the right thing,” Maresca told Chelsea’s site.
Chelsea’s Reece James is confirmed as not fit enough to start against Leeds United. (REUTERS/Hannah Mckay)
Meanwhile, star attacker Cole Palmer could make his long-awaited return after being an unused sub against the Gunners. However, a full 90 is not on the cards yet for the attacking midfielder.
“He is available and can start the game. The idea with him is to start giving him minutes until he is ready to play 90 minutes,” Maresca said.
Leeds United to take advantage of depleted Chelsea fitness levels?
Chelsea should still have enough without Caicedo, Palmer and James to see off Leeds relatively comfortably – if they play well.
However, if there’s a time to play them, it’s in the middle of this incredibly busy schedule while they’re lacking their star players.
Farke can’t afford to taste defeat this week at home, so he needs to take advantage of Chelsea’s situation.
That’s easier said than done. But, building on an encouraging second half at Man City and a good first half against Aston Villa is non-negotiable.
Read: Chris Sutton makes prediction for Leeds United v Chelsea clash.