This article discusses Chelsea’s predicted lineup for their Premier League match against Leeds United. With the latest updates from Liam Rosenior’s press conference, this lineup reflects the current team news. In their last encounter in December, Leeds managed to surprise Chelsea with a victory. As Chelsea looks to maintain their winning streak and boost their chances of a top-four finish, they are eager to perform well this time under new management.
Chelsea Team News & Predicted Lineup vs Leeds United
Recent Lineup Insights
Rob Sanchez remains the starting goalkeeper, showing consistent performance that makes him unlikely to lose his spot. The defense may include Marc Cucurella, Jorrel Hato, Wes Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Malo Gusto, and Reece James, depending on whether a four or five-man backline is used.
In midfield, Andrey Santos typically partners with Moises Caicedo, while Enzo Fernandez usually takes on a more advanced role as a number ten.
The wide players include Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho, and Estevao. Joao Pedro and Liam Delap are competing for the striker position, but only one is currently in good form, making it unlikely for Delap to start unless there’s a rotation.
Recent Form & Tactical Approach
Under the new manager, Chelsea has been switching between a 4-2-3-1 formation and a 3-5-2 or 3-4-2-1, depending on the opponent. The team shows some strategic similarities to Enzo Maresca’s approach but utilizes players in varied ways. The full-backs take on more dynamic roles, allowing for riskier passing and attempts to play through the midfield. This strategy has led to creating space and exploiting defensive gaps, as demonstrated in their match against Wolves.
Since the managerial change, Chelsea’s performance has improved significantly. They have achieved four consecutive wins, a notable turnaround from just one victory in 12 matches before the change. They have scored three or more goals in five out of their nine matches since the new coach took over, although they have struggled defensively, securing only two clean sheets in that time.
Injury Updates
As per PremierInjuries, Chelsea may face challenges with up to eight players potentially unavailable due to injuries or suspensions. Long-term absentees include Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo, Jamie Gittens, and Mykhailo Mudryk. They could also miss James, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Filip Jorgensen, although some of these players might recover quickly from minor issues.
Additionally, the team’s intense schedule with matches every three days for the past two months has raised some fitness concerns. Fofana is often managed due to fitness issues, Gusto may need a rest, and either Pedro or Neto might be rotated out to preserve their energy for upcoming matches.
Predicted Lineup
GK – Rob Sanchez
LB – Marc Cucurella
CB – Benoit Badiashile
CB – Trevoh Chalobah
RB – Reece James
DM – Andrey Santos
DM – Moises Caicedo
AM – Enzo Fernandez
W – Estevao
W – Pedro Neto
ST – Joao Pedro