Game Week 14 Predictions: Chelsea to beat Leeds at Elland Road

Leeds vs Chelsea Preview: Struggling Leeds host title-chasing Blues at Elland Road; Palmer returns, Chelsea eye 3pts to close gap despite Caicedo ban.

Leeds United needs points to steer clear of the relegation zone but, they face a team that is fighting for the title, do they stand any chance against the Blues? (Photo credit: Opta)

 Leeds United vs Chelsea

Elland Road

9:15pm

Leeds United is not in a good place, but they can find some positives in their performance against Manchester City, where they scored twice before conceding a late Phil Foden winner.

Chelsea can win this one and move within three points of the log leaders, but only if the log leaders lose at home to Brentford. The draw Chelsea earned at the weekend against Arsenal has given them a shot in the arm; they can take positives in the result, as it was largely against eleven men with their ten.

Chelsea are firmly in the title race, and there’s a chance they’re a stronger contender than Manchester City. The depth Chelsea has is enough to prosecute games, and Enzo Maresca has proven to be a tactical genius; he also uses his squad better than most.

The Blues have dropped points in places you’d wonder how they did; however, if they’re still in it as they are right now by the end of the festive season, we will have the most exciting run-in this season, and don’t we live for days like this?

Leeds United is in the relegation fight. Whatever it is they know how to do, they must start doing it right because the murky waters don’t pity anyone. They started with excitement; now we’re wondering if Daniel Farke is next in line to be shown the exit door.

You don’t expect much from this sort of side. The quality in the Leeds squad isn’t Premier League worthy; however, they can be brave and defiant. Leeds United is under pressure here, but their visitors are too, and that might help the hosts.

How will they line up? Cole Palmer is back and available for the visitors. The mercurial midfielder has been away for weeks; he couldn’t feature against Arsenal due to the Moises Caicedo red card. Expect Maresca to unleash him on Leeds.

Caicedo will miss this one due to suspension; he will be replaced by Andrey Santos, who has been a good fit this season. The flanks, where Chelsea is spoilt for options, would be the major undoing for Leeds United. Their runners often lose focus, and that would benefit Estevao and whoever gets the nod to start.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored twice against Manchester City; his confidence should be through the roof now, and with Chelsea shaky at the back sometimes, Leeds can find joy, but that is only if they take their chances when they get one.

Verdict: Chelsea to beat Leeds.