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Leeds United vs. Chelsea FC
It was the upset on the last matchday of the Premier League. After the final whistle at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham quickly faded into the background. Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte engaged in an enormously heated verbal battle, which was triggered by Tuchel shaking hands too firmly. The argument became so heated that players from both clubs rushed to break up the situation. Referee Anthony Taylor showed both managers the red card. As a result, the 48-year-old German will be missing from the Blues’ bench on Sunday at Leeds. Tuchel will be replaced by co-coach Zsolt Löw.
Leeds also played to a 2-2 draw last matchday. The Whites, however, collected new negative headlines in a sporting way. Coach Jesse Marsch’s side surrendered a 2-0 lead at Southampton, failing to build on their opening win over Wolverhampton. Find out whether the Whites can take something of note from the Blues on Sunday in our Leeds – Chelsea betting tip.
Leeds – Chelsea info:
– Date & Time: 21/08/2022, 15:00.
– Venue: Elland Road, Leeds
– Competition: Premier League, Matchday 3
– TV coverage: Sky Sport
Leeds Form & Balance Check
Last season was a hell of a ride for Leeds United. The Whites only narrowly escaped relegation. However, the relegation battle meant that coaching legend Marcelo Bielsa had to leave Elland Road after years as head coach. Jesse Marsch took over and managed to keep Leeds in 17th place in the Premier League. In the end it was three points that separated Leeds and Burnley. Burnley were relegated. It is therefore all the more astonishing that Leeds have so far been playing lively. The performances from the previous season have been blown away. Four points from two games is something to be proud of. However, Leeds squandered a 2-0 lead at the Saints last week.
Moreno delivers
Under Jesse Marsch, Leeds United are pursuing a different idea of play than they did in Bielsa’s day. In order for Marsch to be able to implement his idea, the US American was given a new budget for many new additions in the summer. So far, Leeds have spent a total of 105 million euros on new players. With Aaronson, Kristensen and Adams, three players joined Leeds who, like Marsch, were trained by one of the Red Bull clubs. However, after the departures of Raphinha and Phillips, who together brought in 108 million euros, new signings were essential. So far, however, it is Rodrigo Moreno who is scoring for Leeds. The Spaniard has scored three goals in two games. Moreno moved to Leeds three years ago, but seems to be only now really arriving.
Leeds facts & analysis
– Leeds are 6th in the table with 4 points.
– United won their 1st home game 2-1 against Wolves.
– Lastly, the Whites drew 2-2 with Southampton.
Chelsea Form & Balance Check
Had it not been for Liverpool FC and Manchester City in pre-season, Chelsea would have been champions. The Blues finished 3rd in the table with 74 points, leaving city rivals Tottenham and Arsenal, who finished the season in 4th and 5th place, behind them. Coach Tuchel’s team also wants to finish in the top four this season. In order to live up to this claim, Chelsea did their homework at Everton in the opener.
The Londoners won 1-0 at Goodison Park. Last week, the spectators at Stamford Bridge already saw the first London derby. Against Tottenham, Chelsea led 2-1 until late in stoppage time before the Blues were forced to concede an equaliser in the 96th minute. The next blemish was caused by coach Tuchel, who was shown the red card after the final whistle for an altercation with Tottenham coach Conte. Still, four points from two games is a solid start for the Blues.
No real striker anymore
With the departure of Romelu Lukaku back to Inter Milan, Chelsea let go arguably their best striker in the squad. But the Belgian is not the only striker who has already left the Blues in the summer. Timo Werner also moved back to his old club in Leipzig. This means that Thomas Tuchel currently has no No. 9 in the squad who can live up to the claim of quality for the starting eleven. So far, Chelsea have solved this challenge with Havertz and Sterling as a forward duo.
However, it could be that Aubameyang will be signed by Barcelona and thus a new nominal and, above all, real striker will help the Blues. Talks between the Gabonese and the Blues are ongoing. The three goals Chelsea have scored so far in their first two games of the season were scored by Jorginho (midfield), Koulibaly and James (both defenders).
Chelsea facts & analysis
– Chelsea are 7th in the table with 4 points.
– The Blues won the 1st away match with 1-0 at Everton.
– Most recently Chelsea drew 2-2 with Tottenham.
Predicted line-up – last update on 19 August 2022
Leeds United are entering this season so far bolder and more attacking than before in last season’s relegation battle. Under coach Jesse Marsch, the Whites are now fielding a 4-2-3-1 formation with Leeds looking to be particularly dangerous on the wings. Striker Bamford should be served in the penalty area.
Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel also has Chelsea playing with tall and, above all, attack-minded wing-backs. New signing Cucurella shone at Brighton with his actions towards the opponent’s penalty area. As soon as the opponent has the ball, the full-backs drop back into defence, which is why the actual 3-4-1-2 formation is changed into a 5-3-2 system. Still, Chelsea are more of a possession team.
Leeds – Chelsea Direct comparison & Statistics
Leeds and Chelsea have already met 84 times. In this duel, Leeds earned the more positive record. United won 36 games, whereas London could only win 26 encounters. A further 22 meetings ended in draws. The last time they met, Chelsea won 3-0.
– Leeds have lost two games in a row against Chelsea.
– The last meeting in Leeds was won by Chelsea 3-0.
– Leeds have failed to win three home games in a row against Chelsea.
– Chelsea have lost only one of their last five away matches at Leeds.
