Premier League: Can Leeds Capitalise on Chelsea Crisis?

Chelsea vs Leeds United

The crisis at Chelsea continues to get worse. Now winless in their last six games in all competitions – five of which coming in the Premier League – the clock is ticking for Graham Potter to turn things around.

After a shock home defeat to bottom club Southampton the previous week, another poor result at Stamford Bridge against relegation-threatened Leeds United could potentially spell the end for Potter.

The Whites suffered a setback as they were knocked out of the FA Cup by another west London club in Fulham in midweek.

But given Chelsea’s current struggles, Javi Gracia’s men have a great chance to claim some crucial points as they continue their quest to avoid relegation.

Talking Points

Problems and pressure keep piling up for Potter

How much lower can Graham Potter’s Chelsea go? The Blues lost 2-0 to Tottenham last time out, extending their current losing skid to three in a row and their winless run to six. Moreover, they have now won just one of their last nine league games.

That disastrous run of Premier League 2023 results has seen Chelsea remain in 10th place, just goal difference ahead of Aston Villa.

The Blues’ big problem has been in attack. Chelsea have scored just one goal in their last six games as Potter remains unable to solve this glaring issue that has blighted him since his Brighton days.

In his desperation, Potter brought on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang off the bench against Spurs, but the 33-year-old striker does not appear to be the answer. Neither does Kai Havertz, who has scored just once in 11 appearances in all competitions in 2023.

As if those problems in attack weren’t bad enough for the Blues, they have now been dealt a massive blow in defence as veteran centre-back Thiago Silva looks set to miss several weeks after picking up a knee injury against Spurs.

The now-fit Wesley Fofana made his second straight substitute appearance in the loss to Spurs, and he will compete with the likes of Benoit Badiashile and Kalidou Koulibaly for a starting spot at centre-back.

Leeds looking to bounce back after FA Cup exit

After winning his Leeds debut against Southampton, Javi Gracia experienced his first defeat in charge as the Whites were dumped out of the FA Cup by Fulham in midweek.

Although, Gracia’s side did show some flashes of promise in defeat. Gracia fielded the young trio of Willy Gnonto (19), Georginio Rutter (20), and Crysencio Summerville (21) in attack as Leeds outshot Fulham 16-7 and had 6 shots on target. Rutter had a team-high 3 shots, one of which hit the woodwork. He also had a goal disallowed.

With Patrick Bamford still struggling to rediscover his tremendous form from a few years ago – he hasn’t scored a Premier League goal since mid-January – Rutter’s performance has given Gracia a big choice to make in terms of who should start at centre-forward.

Outside of the starting attacking trio, Gracia fielded essentially a full-strength side, one that is unlikely to be altered against Chelsea. Defenders Liam Cooper and Pascal Struijk are still dealing with injuries, although centre-back Max Wober – who wasn’t part of the squad against Fulham – could return to the backline.

History

It may surprise some to learn that Leeds actually have the advantage in wins over Chelsea in their all-time record. The Whites have 40 wins to the Blues’ 37, with 30 draws.

But Chelsea have the 11-9 edge in wins during the Premier League era, with 9 draws. Prior to this season, the Blues went unbeaten in their last seven meetings against Leeds (5 wins, 2 draws) in the Premier League.

But Leeds finally ended that run earlier this season as they won 3-0 at Elland Road. Brenden Aaronson, Rodrigo, and Jack Harrison got the goals for the Whites.

Betting Tip

Despite Chelsea’s current struggles, SBOTOP odds still have the Blues installed as big 1.62 favourites to get the home win. Leeds are priced at 4.60 to win, while a draw is 3.80.

Given the glaring goalscoring issues both clubs have, it’s unlikely that this match will be a high-scoring affair.

That is why I like Leeds’ chances of defying the Premier League 2023 odds and leaving Stamford Bridge with at least a point.

 

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