Chelsea will look to recover from their League Cup final loss when they host Leeds United. While Daniel Farke’s team triumphed against Championship leaders Leicester City 3-1 on Friday night. The Blues were defeated 1-0 by Liverpool in front of the Wembley crowd on Sunday.
Preview (Chelsea vs. Leeds United)
Judge Klopp, Mauricio Pochettino’s opposite number, had the opportunity to assemble a complete starting lineup of injured players before Sunday’s EFL Cup final. With the Reds’ growing absence crisis on the Wembley pitch, the moment was near for the Chelsea manager to break his trophy curse in England. But as extra time drew to an end Chelsea appeared to be playing for penalties. Klopp summoned the youth to bolster his battered team only to watch Virgil van Dijk’s glancing header.
Pochettino’s excruciating wait for his first major honour in English football was made longer by the Dutchman’s assistance. He still has a chance to win the FA Cup. Chelsea defeated Preston North End 4-0 in the first round before defeating Aston Villa. Many people raised an eyebrow when Chelsea easily defeated the Lions at Villa Park. Unai Emery’s team had previously excelled. Chelsea has advanced past the FA Cup’s fifth round six times in the past eight seasons. They have won 13 of their last 15 games at this point.
By the time Leeds arrive at Stamford Bridge, the players and heartbroken fans of the hosts are unlikely to have fully recovered from Sunday’s heartbreaking match. The Blues are without a win in two straight home games after seven straight victories from December 3 to January 23. In related news, Leeds won its sixth straight game in all competitions on Friday night when they played leaders Leicester City in the Championship. Under the brilliant lights of Elland Road, Farke’s team narrowed the lead over the Foxes to just six points.
Team News
Although Thiago Silva’s groin injury did not heal in time for the 39-year-old to play in the EFL Cup final. Chelsea did not suffer any new injuries while Liverpool departed Wembley considerably worse off. The recovery of Marc Cucurella (ankle) and Wesley Fofana (knee), as well as the availability of Recece James (thigh), Lesley Ugochukwu (thigh), Romeo Lavia (thigh), Carney Chukwuemeka (ankle), and Benoit Badiashile (groin), will determine whether Silva is ready to lead the backline on Wednesday.
Nevertheless, Robert Sanchez returned to the Wembley matchday roster. He may be among the players who profit from the quick turnaround, along with Trevoh Chalobah, Alfie Gilchrist, Noni Madueke, Christopher Nkunku, and Mykhaylo Mudryk. With Karl Darlow (finger), Pascal Struijk (groin), Sam Byram (leg), and Stuart Dallas (hip) all sidelined and unable to participate in the fifth-round match, Leeds may sympathize with Chelsea with their defensive issues.
The visitors prevailed in Friday’s match, though, and Farke will have Burnley loanee Roberts available. The right-back was not registered for the first match, so he was unable to participate in the replay against Plymouth. Because of their contributions to the incredible Whites comeback against Leicester, Roberts and Bamford have both declared themselves eligible for starts at Stamford Bridge; nonetheless, Ethan Ampadu ought to start against his old employers.
Chelsea 2-1 Leeds United
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