Normally, Chelsea would be strong favourites against Leeds United in a one-off clash at a neutral ground. But before the FA Cup semi-final, Daniel Farke might be forgiven for fancying Leeds’ chances.
Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final is only a few days away as Chelsea prepare to do battle without manager Liam Rosenior. The club confirmed the decision to sack the former Strasbourg manager on Wednesday night.
It comes after a dismal run in the Premier League, losing five games in a row. The defeat to Brighton was not simply a loss against a good side, it was damning. The Chelsea players downed tools at The Amex.
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Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville during the Premier League match between Burnley and Manchester City at Turf Moor
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It felt as if the Chelsea players had stopped trying, and Rosenior pulled no punches in his post-match interviews. Ultimately, he knew his time was up. Ahead of Sunday, Leeds have a real chance of winning.
What Daniel Farke said about Sunday’s semi-final vs Chelsea
In stark contrast, Farke is approaching three years as Leeds manager and has guided the Whites to seven games unbeaten in all competitions. They faced Bournemouth last night, drawing with a late equaliser.
It comes after Leeds had beaten Man United at Old Trafford, and Wolves at Elland Road. The Leeds squad is fighting for their manager, look together and ready to take on anyone. Chelsea look the opposite.
Bournemouth v Leeds United - Premier League
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
Caretaker manager Calum McFarlane has a real battle on his hands to reunite and galvanise this Chelsea side before Sunday’s clash. Farke has no such thing to worry about, so does it give Leeds an advantage?
Farke spoke after the draw with Bournemouth, and was asked if Leeds can beat Chelsea with everything going on at Cobham: “Not thought one second about it. Makes our preparations more difficult.
“There is a reason why they won Club World Cup. I expect a very dangerous side. We are underdogs. We all play football to try and achieve unrealistic things. One game. Sure our fans will over take the capital.”
What Gary Neville and Ian Wright predicted this week
If Leeds weren’t buoyed by the ongoing crisis at Chelsea, then they will take confidence from their two games against the Blues. With Enzo Maresca still in charge, Leeds embarrassed Chelsea at Elland Road.
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A 3-1 win in Yorkshire, in which Leeds bullied the Blues. Then at Stamford Bridge, Leeds came out of nowhere to claw Chelsea back and draw 2-2. Cole Palmer, of course, should have made it 3-2 Chelsea.
Speaking on Stick To Football, Gary Neville believes the game will go into extra-time, predicting a 1-1 after 90 minutes. However, Jill Scott and Ian Wright backed Leeds to take advantage and win 2-1.
Chelsea go into the game not only nervous given what has happened this week, but sweating on the injury status of players like Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro. Leeds will hope Joe Rodon is fit to start.
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