Chelsea vs Leeds United Preview and Prediction: Premier League 2020-21

Frank Lampard's Blue host Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds United in a historic battle between Chelsea and Leeds United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Chelsea vs Leeds United Preview:

Chelsea has been flying this season, and after the signing of Edouard Mendy from Rennes, the West London club looks extremely strong at the back.

Lampard's men did encounter a hurdle in between their hot form, a goalless game against Tottenham who is at the summit of the Premier League. However, their midweek performance against Sevilla was quite astonishing as Olivier Giroud helped the blues to a 4-0 win, firing all the goals.

On the other hand, Leeds United has shown signs of improvement again after some worrying results but their win against the Toffees was an enormous one, following a 0-0 draw at Arsenal, where they should've won considering the number of chances they created. 

Chelsea vs Leeds United: Recent Form

It is not only about Chelsea's staggering backline but this season Chelsea is doing wonders offensively too. They have the joint-best attacking record in the top-flight. 

However, it may be worth noting that Leeds United have been too strong at the back since the international break, keeping two clean sheets in two games post the break. 

The Blues are unbeaten in seven of the last eight matches across all competitions,  and they are also yet to taste defeat within 90 minutes since September.

Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds United has been exceedingly pleasant on the eyes but as far as the results are concerned,  the feedback is filled with positives and negatives both. 

Chelsea vs Leeds: Fact Check

• Chelsea is unbeaten in their last 12 games. 
• Chelsea has agreed six in their last three games, while Leeds United have agreed only two. 
• The last time the two teams played each other was in 2012 in a League Cup game that Chelsea won 5-1.

Chelsea vs Leeds United: Team News

Lampard will have several options to choose from as everyone is fit. The ex-Leicester City full-back Ben Chilwell was a doubt for the game but is now deemed fit. 

The Whites will be without the services of Pablo Hernandez, Adam Forshaw, and Jamie Shackleton, while Jack Harrison is also expected to feature in the playing XI.

Chelsea Predicted Line up:

Chelsea probable XI (4-3-3): Edouard Mendy; Reece James, Kurt Zouma, Thiago Silva, Ben Chilwell; Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante, Mason Mount; Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Tamy Abraham.

Leeds United Predicted Line up:

Leeds United predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Illan Meslier;  Robin Koch, Liam Cooper, Luke Ayling, Gianni Alioski; Kalvin Phillips; Raphinha, Stuart Dallas, Mateusz Klich, Jack Harrison; Patrick Bamford

Chelsea vs Leeds United: Key Battles

Timo Werner vs Luke Ayling

Werner and Ayling have been exceptional in their roles this season. Werner had a slow start,  joining the Premier League from Bundesliga this season, while Ayling played in the Premier League after being a part of the Championships. 

Both players are equally hardworking, extremely talented, and it will be interesting to see who comes on top this week. 

Kurt Zouma vs Patrick Bamford 

The Frenchman has redeemed himself as Lampard's first-choice at centre back this season for Chelsea after making several errors at the back last season. He is the highest-scoring defender so far in this season, and his pass completion percentage is quite impressive too.

Zouma will be up against Patrick Bamford who has had a mixed season until now. However, both the players are physical, aerial, and strong on their right foot. It will be interesting to see who has the better evening on Saturday. 

Chelsea vs Leeds United: Prediction

Chelsea look favorites going in this game with their current form. However, Leeds have looked more focused on their plan and execution lately. Defeating the Blues at Stamford Bridge will not be a cake-walk but Bielsa's men will certainly try to match Chelsea toe to toe without any hesitations.