Chelsea aim to extend winning run as Leeds battle to boost survival hopes
Blues in strong form under Rosenior while Leeds chase rare away success
Chelsea and Leeds United meet in a midweek Premier League clash with both sides boosted by convincing victories in their previous matches.
Chelsea strengthened their push for a top-four finish with a 3-1 win over Wolves, extending their league winning streak to four matches. Meanwhile, Leeds continued their survival fight with a 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest, improving their recent consistency despite ongoing struggles away from home.
Chelsea momentum grows under new management
Chelsea’s resurgence has coincided with the arrival of manager Liam Rosenior, who has overseen all four victories during the current winning streak. Rosenior could become the first Chelsea manager since Maurizio Sarri in 2018 to win his first three home Premier League matches in charge.
However, Chelsea’s midweek record this season offers reason for caution. The Blues are yet to win a league match played during the week, recording one draw and two defeats, including a 3-1 loss away to Leeds earlier in the campaign. They have also struggled against promoted sides this season, winning just one of three such league fixtures.
Despite those concerns, Chelsea remain one of the league’s most consistent attacking teams, failing to score in only two league matches this season. Their defensive structure has also been solid early in games, with only Arsenal and Manchester City recording more first-half clean sheets.
Leeds showing resilience but away form remains a concern
Leeds enter the contest with renewed confidence after defeating fellow relegation rivals Nottingham Forest. The result means they have lost just twice in their last 12 league matches, collecting four wins and six draws during that period.
Their away record remains their biggest challenge. Fourteen of their 18 points this season have been earned at Elland Road, and they are currently on a nine-match winless run away from home in the Premier League. Only Burnley and Wolves have collected fewer away points this season.
Midweek fixtures on the road have also proven difficult for Leeds, who have failed to win any of their last seven away Premier League matches played during the week.
Strong Stamford Bridge record favours Chelsea
Chelsea have dominated this fixture at Stamford Bridge, winning each of their last six home Premier League meetings against Leeds. The visitors have not won at Chelsea in league competition since 1999.
Leeds, however, could make history after winning the reverse fixture earlier this season. Victory would make them only the second promoted side to defeat Chelsea both home and away in a single Premier League campaign.
Players to watch and team news
Cole Palmer enters the match in outstanding form after scoring a hat trick at the weekend, with six of his last seven Chelsea goals coming before halftime.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin could also play a key role for Leeds. He scored in the earlier meeting between the sides and could become the first Leeds player since Mark Viduka in the 2000/01 season to score against Chelsea both home and away in a single campaign.
Chelsea may be without Andrey Santos after he picked up an injury during their win over Wolves, while Leeds are expected to have a largely fit squad with Anton Stach their only potential absentee.
