Chelsea Starting XI vs Leeds United: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Leeds

Chelsea travel to Elland Road with a renewed attacking focus as their predicted lineup shapes around the return of Cole Palmer. The forward “can start” against Leeds, as confirmed by Enzo Maresca, after being left unused in Sunday’s dramatic encounter with Arsenal following Moises Caicedo’s early dismissal that reduced the Blues to ten men. Palmer was fully fit for that fixture, and his recall represents a boost to Chelsea’s creative balance as they seek sharper rhythm in possession.

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However, Caicedo will miss the first of three league matches through suspension, leaving a notable hole in midfield structures.

Midfield Adjustment Drives Chelsea Lineup

Dario Essugo’s hopes of breaking into the side have been halted after suffering a setback, ruling him out of the squad entirely. In response, Andrey Santos is expected to step in to offer stability beside Enzo Fernandez, giving Chelsea a pairing capable of both pressing and ball progression, albeit without Caicedo’s destructive edge.

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Reece James could also rotate out after his tireless midfield showing against Arsenal. Malo Gusto is therefore set to retain his berth at right back as the coaching staff look to manage workloads with the schedule intensifying.

Defensive Selection and Forward Threat

Rotation remains possible at centre back. A start for Benoit Badiashile is considered likely either here or in forthcoming matches against Bournemouth or Atalanta, while Tosin Adarabioyo offers a further option should Wesley Fofana’s managed minutes prompt protection.

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On the flanks, Pedro Neto’s form keeps him firmly in place, while Liam Delap may get the nod over Joao Pedro to spearhead the attack. Leeds’ expected low block could suit Delap’s physical presence and penalty box instinct.

Chelsea Predicted XI

Chelsea predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez, Gusto, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella, Santos, Fernandez, Neto, Palmer, Garnacho, Delap

Injured: Essugo, Lavia, Colwill

Time and date: 8:15pm GMT, Wednesday, December 3, 2025Venue: Elland RoadTV Channel: Sky Sports

This Chelsea predicted lineup underscores an attempt to combine fresh impetus with controlled rotation, as Maresca balances returning talent against enforced absences and careful squad management during a congested winter stretch.