Chelsea welcome Leeds United to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night knowing that anything less than victory risks stalling their charge towards the Premier League’s top four. Liam Rosenior’s side arrive in confident mood, flying high on a four-game league winning streak and looking increasingly settled after a turbulent first half of the campaign.
Leeds, however, travel south with belief of their own. Friday night’s vital 3–1 win over Nottingham Forest lifted Daniel Farke’s side further clear of the relegation zone and reinforced the sense that this team is learning how to survive at this level. Having already beaten Chelsea convincingly at Elland Road in December, the Whites will take confidence from recent form rather than fear the occasion.
Stamford Bridge has long been an unhappy hunting ground for Leeds, but with momentum on their side and injuries beginning to ease, this feels like a test they are willing to embrace rather than endure.
Team News
Chelsea
Chelsea’s squad depth remains a major asset for Rosenior, even with several absentees. The biggest boost comes in the shape of Cole Palmer, who returned from injury in devastating fashion at Wolves with a first-half hat-trick and appears fit to start again on Tuesday.
Pedro Neto is also back in contention after shaking off a minor knock, while teenage sensation Estevão has returned from compassionate leave and is available once more. There are, however, doubts over Andrey Santos, who picked up an ankle issue late on at Molineux, while Reece James is managing pain but is expected to be involved.
Longer-term absentees include Jamie Gittens, Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo and Tosin Adarabioyo, while Mykhaylo Mudryk remains suspended.
Leeds United
Leeds head into the trip with cautiously improving fitness news. Dan James made his long-awaited return off the bench against Forest, while James Justin, Jaka Bijol and Lukas Nmecha are all back in the matchday picture after recent setbacks.
The major concern remains Anton Stach, who is still battling a hip issue and is a significant doubt for the midfield battle at Stamford Bridge. His absence would again place extra responsibility on Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev, who were excellent last time out.
Farke’s squad is still stretched, but the return of key options gives Leeds far more flexibility than they had even a fortnight ago.
Likely Lineups
Chelsea
Sánchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo; Palmer, Neto, Estevão; Joao Pedro
Leeds United
Darlow; Rodon, Struijk, Justin; Bogle, Ampadu, Gruev, Aaronson, Gudmundsson; Okafor, Calvert-Lewin
Key Players
Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Palmer’s influence on Chelsea’s season is difficult to overstate. The England international has been the creative heartbeat of Rosenior’s side and his return to fitness has coincided with their surge up the table. Comfortable between the lines and ruthless when chances fall his way, Palmer’s movement will test Leeds’ defensive organisation throughout.
If Chelsea are to break Leeds down, it is likely to come through Palmer’s ability to find pockets of space and dictate the tempo in advanced areas.
Ethan Ampadu (Leeds United)
Leeds’ captain has become the emotional and tactical anchor of this side. Ampadu’s leadership was evident in the win over Forest, where he set the tone both in and out of possession. Against a Chelsea midfield stacked with technical quality, his reading of the game and defensive discipline will be crucial.
If Leeds are to frustrate the hosts and remain competitive deep into the contest, Ampadu’s performance will be central to that effort.
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
Stamford Bridge, London
What time is kick-off?
19:30pm GMT, Tuesday 10th February.
How can I watch?
UK TV: TNT Sports 4