Prediction: Leeds vs Chelsea

Verdict: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet

Looking to extend on what has been a real purple patch of late, Chelsea will make the trip to an empty Elland Road on Saturday lunchtime.

Leeds

Starting with the hosts, while Leeds might have gained a string of plaudits so far this season, The Whites are in the midst of a worrying spell. Despite a bright start in the capital on Monday night, the Premier League returners were eventually hit with a 2-0 defeat away at European outsiders West Ham. Still finding themselves sat three points adrift of breaking into the top-half of the table, Marcelo Bielsa’s side are seeking a much-welcomed boost at Elland Road this weekend. Suffering back-to-back top-flight defeats against The Hammers and Aston Villa, Leeds have lost four of their last five Premier League matchups and have shown some extended issues in the final third. Despite leading marksman Patrick Bamford bagging 13 top-tier goals this season, The Whites did draw another blank on Monday night and they have now failed to find the net in three of their last four contests. Hit with a 3-1 defeat when they faced off against Chelsea back in December, Leeds should face another stern test on Saturday lunchtime.

Team News

After missing Monday’s defeat at West Ham, Leeds are hopeful that the trio of Pascal Struijk, Jamie Shackleton and Pablo Hernandez can overcome fitness issues.

Returning to training this week, Robin Koch could also return to Leeds’ matchday squad.

Chelsea

As for the visitors, while Leeds might find themselves in the midst of a sluggish patch, Chelsea are enjoying quite the purple patch under new boss Thomas Tuchel. With the mood in their camp appearing to be at a real high, The Blues suddenly find themselves sat in pole position to secure another top-four finish this season. Putting in another impressive display at Stamford Bridge on Monday evening, the former PSG boss saw his side land a deserved 2-0 victory against European contenders Everton on home soil. Along with picking up a shock Champions League advantage thanks to a 1-0 win away at La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid last month, Chelsea are in fact unbeaten in all 12 of their matchups across all formats since Thuchel took charge. Smelling a real chance to land back-to-back wins against Leeds on Saturday lunchtime, The Blues have continued to impress with their displays at the back. Recording another clean sheet against Everton earlier in the week, Chelsea have seen just a single opposition player breach their defence during Tuchel’s reign.

Team News

Chelsea are still sweating over the fitness of striker Tammy Abraham who missed on Monday’s 2-0 win against Everton.

After returning to The Blues’ bench earlier in the week, defender Thiago Silva could be pushing for a recall this weekend.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides faced off at Stamford Bridge back in December, Chelsea picked up a 3-1 win under Frank Lampard.
• The Blues are unbeaten in each of their 12 matchups across all formats since Thomas Tuchel took charge.
• Tuchel has become the first manager in Premier League history to see his side keep a clean sheet in each of his first five home games in charge in the competition.
• Including back-to-back defeats, Leeds have lost four of their last five Premier League matchups.
• The Whites have also drawn a blank in three of their last four top-flight contests.

Conclusion

On paper, Chelsea should be smelling a golden chance at Elland Road this weekend. Picking up a 2-0 win against Everton on home soil last time out, The Blues are unbeaten in all 12 of their matchups since Thomas Tuchel took charge back in January. Picking up some noteable scalps on their purple patch and skyrocketing their way back into the top-four, the former champions will be looking to cash in on a struggling Leeds. Suffering a 2-0 loss against West Ham in the capital on Monday night, this weeeknd’s hosts have lost four of their last five Premier League contests. With Chelsea picking up a 3-1 win when the two sides faced off back in December, we’re backing a similar away victory on Saturday lunchtime.

Verdict: Chelsea win 

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet