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By Alex Roberts
It will take a truly monumental shift for Leeds to be relegated from the Premier League this season. Daniel Farke has done some fine work, and a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth means they can relax a little and focus on doing something special.
Oh Chelsea. What else needs to be said about the Blues this season? Liam Rosenior is gone, 107 days after being appointed. He never had a chance, but five defeats without scoring a single goal is unacceptable for any top side. At least an FA Cup final would give the fans something positive to shout about.
One that got away?
When he broke out in 2017, Ethan Ampadu looked like he would be a Chelsea starter for years to come. Constant managerial changes, some unsuccessful loans, and poorly timed injuries made sure that didn’t happen, however.
Ampadu is now Leeds captain, and arguably their best player this season. A dependable, defensive minded midfielder, the Wales international has embraced his time in West Yorkshire, and the fans have returned the favour.
With 75 tackles, 44 interceptions, 162 recoveries, and 74 clearances, Ampadu is incredibly hard to get past, and he will doubtless be even more motivated to get one over on his former club and make history with his current.
What a mess, lads
Things aren’t going well in West London. Qualification for next season’s Champions League is all-but out of reach, in fact any form of European football is looking unlikely. Let’s not get into the financial black hole the current ownership have found themselves in.
Rosenior has been sacked. The results simply weren’t good enough, but he’s a symptom rather than the actual disease. Reports of the players downing tools should come as no surprise at a club where accountability is at a premium.
Calum McFarlane has been handed the keys once again. He did a decent if unremarkable job when Enzo Maresca was sacked, but an FA Cup final on his CV would be quite the boon. It’s going to be a big summer for Chelsea, get it wrong and their days as a ‘big six’ club are numbered.
Team news
Farke doesn’t have too much to worry about on the injury/suspension front. Anton Stach (ankle) and Sebastiaan Bornauw (ankle) are both major doubts, but they should be returning fairly soon. Ilia Gruev (meniscus) is out until the end of the season.
Chelsea have a few more problems. McFarlane has confirmed that Estêvão (hamstring) won’t feature again in 2025/26, with the youngster’s World Cup also in doubt.
João Pedro (thigh), and Cole Palmer (hamstring) will both have late fitness checks after they both missed Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat to Brighton. Reece James (hamstring), Jamie Gittens (hamstring), Filip Jörgensen (groin), and Levi Colwill (ACL) are all out.
Prediction
Leeds have had Chelsea’s number this season. A 3-1 win at Elland Road and then a 2-2 draw after going 2-0 down in the reverse fixture have been two of their best performances. We thing that trend may continue. So, we’re going with 2-0 to Farke’s side.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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