Chelsea host Leeds United in a huge clash at both ends of the league tableplaceholder image
Chelsea host Leeds United in a huge clash at both ends of the league table | Getty Images/ Canva
The latest Chelsea team news and predicted line-up as they face off against rivals Leeds United at Stamford Bridge.
Champions League hopefuls Chelsea are looking to maintain their strong start to life under Liam Rosenior as they prepare to take on relegation strugglers Leeds United at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are unbeaten in their last seven home matches against the West Yorkshire outfit in a run which stretches all the way back to a 2-0 loss in 1999 when a Stephen McPhail brace allowed David O’Leary’s side to secure a three points against the late, great Gianluca Vialli’s team.
Rosenior’s side are on a four-match winning streak in the league and boast a 100 percent record in the competition since changing managers. They’ve overcome local rivals such Brentford, Crystal Palace and West Ham during this run while also securing a comfortable win over Wolves last time out. However, despite not being geographically as close as some of the teams mentioned it could be argued that the rivalry with Leeds is even deeper than the previous clubs mentioned due to the feud that has surrounded the two sets of supporters for over 50 years.
Leeds present a potential banana skin for the Blues after their improved run of form, particularly after beating them 3-1 in the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign. Chelsea boss Rosenior faces some big selection decisions ahead of kick-off, including whether to play Cole Palmer twice in a week after his hat-trick against Wolves. With that in mind, we’ve produced our predicted Chelsea XI vs Leeds.
Chelsea predicted line-up vs Leeds United: goalkeeper and defence
GK - Robert Sánchez: The Spaniard is expected to make his 25th league appearance of the campaign so far. He’s shown improved consistency this season in between the posts at Stamford Bridge.
CB - Trevoh Chalobah: Since returning from his loan spell at Crystal Palace in January 2025, Chalobah has taken his game to a new level and has been amongst Chelsea’s most consistent performers. He’ll fancy his chances of making the England squad if this continues.
CB - Wesley Fofana: The French defender retains his place in the team. He could have a busy evening trying to contain in-form Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
LB - Marc Cucurella: Spanish international Cucurella is likely to make his 24th appearance of the season. He’s been a key figure at both ends of the pitch due to his immense creativity.
Chelsea predicted line-up vs Leeds United: midfield and attack
CM - Moisés Caicedo: Ecuadorian midfielder Caicedo is often one of the first names on the teamsheet when fit and available due to his immense athleticism and incredible workrate. He’ll be crucial in the engine room ahead of what could be a really competitive battle in the middle of the pitch.
CM - Enzo Fernández: World Cup winner Fernandes also keeps his place in central midfield. He’s featured in 24 matches this season and is becoming a more consistent goalscorer with eight in the league so far.
AM - Cole Palmer: It’s rare this season that Palmer has played more than twice in a week, but the decision to take him off after just over an hour against Wolves, suggests he’s being saved for this game. He’s just starting to find his best form and will hope to build momentum as he strives for a starting spot at the World Cup this summer.
LM - Alejandro Garnacho: The goals and assists have dried up slightly for Pedro Neto, meaning Garnacho could be given an opportunity to feature out wide.
RM - Estêvâo: Youngster Estêvâo could be given a chance to feature on the right-wing as the Blues target a fifth successive league win.
ST - João Pedro: The Brazil international has made a strong start to his Chelsea career since arriving from Brighton and is likely to lead the line ahead of Liam Delap at this moment.
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