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The latest Chelsea team news, injury update and predicted XI ahead of their FA Cup semi-final clash with Leeds United
The Blues’ hopes of securing Champions League football now look to be all but over, but they could still qualify for either the Europa League or Conference League. The former could be reached by finishing sixth in the Premier League, or by winning the FA Cup. The good news for Chelsea is that they’re just one step away from the FA Cup final.
Leeds United stand in the way of the Blues making their first appearance in the showpiece event since 2022. On that occasion they lost to Liverpool on penalties, making it three defeats in the final at Wembley in three successive years. Ahead of Sunday afternoon, this is the starting line-up that Chelsea could field, as a Calum McFarlane takes temporary charge of the team once again:
Chelsea predicted XI vs Leeds United - Goalkeeper and defence
GK - Robert Sanchez: Chelsea’s number one put in a trademark display against Brighton last week - making a series of impressive saves, but undermining it all with wayward distribution and an erratic streak when finding the ball at his feet. In lieu of any other viable options, he’ll once again be between the sticks for Chelsea on Sunday.
RB - Malo Gusto: With skipper Reece James still injured, Gusto will keep his spot on the right side of defence. Given the unmitigated disaster that was the performance with a back three against Brighton, expect Gusto to play at right-back rather than as a wing-back. He’s provided five assists for the side this season, including three in the Premier League.
CB - Trevoh Chalobah: Now back from a troublesome ankle injury, the Cobham academy product will look to kick on and play every minute remaining in the Blues’ campaign. He’ll also have half an eye on the World Cup, after England manager Thomas Tuchel recently admitted the 26-year-old is ahead of Man United’s Harry Maguire in the selection pecking order.
CB - Wesley Fofana: When McFarlane last took charge of the Blues, he opted for Tosin Adarabioyo over Fofana to partner Chalobah. However, the Frenchman may not have been selected as he had only just recovered from a spell out with illness, and is expected to start the semi-final against Leeds on Sunday.
LB - Marc Cucurella: Arguably one of Chelsea’s better players in a dire season, Cucurella will once against start at left-back. The Spain international has little in the way of competition for his starting spot, however, and it’s expected to be an issue the club address in a summer that is likely to see numerous new players signed.
Chelsea predicted XI vs Leeds United - Midfield and attack:
CM - Moises Caicedo: The Blues will have been delighted to tie down the Ecuador international to a new deal, as rumours continue to swirl regarding high profile summer exits. The relentless tackler will start in the heart of midfield, looking to wrestle the ball back from Leeds at every given opportunity.
CM - Andrey Santos: He was paired with Caicedo for McFarlane’s last game in charge and could do the job again as the club look to carefully manage Romeo Lavia’s minutes. Santos, a £13m signing from Brazilian club Vasco de Gama in 2023, has managed to gain some valuable game time for the club this season, after previous loan spells with Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg.
AMR - Pedro Neto: Cole Palmer could have been a candidate to fill this role, with Enzo Fernandez often preferred in a central attacking midfield role, but he could well miss out on Wembley altogether because of a hamstring injury. With Estevao also out injured, it seems likely that Neto will start in his favoured position on the right wing.
AMC - Enzo Fernandez: Who knows whether the vice-captain will remain at Chelsea next season, with Manchester City now said to be eyeing him along with Real Madrid. He’ll wear the armband on Sunday, as he looks to win what would be his third trophy with the Blues since joining for a whopping £107m back in 2023.
AML - Alejandro Garnacho: The Argentine has done little to impress since his summer move to Stamford Bridge, persistently finding himself in good positions only to fluff his lines at the last moment. With the aforementioned injuries to Palmer and Estevao, it seems certain that the ex-Man United winger will be given the nod on Sunday.
ST - Joao Pedro: It’s a risk, but at this stage of the season, Chelsea probably need to take one. The Brazil international has missed the last two games with a thigh issue, but he’s since been spotted in training and is expected to lead the line against Leeds. He’s been the Blues’ standout player this season, scoring 22 goals across all competitions in an impressive debut campaign.
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