Chelsea vs Leeds United – Predicted lineup and team news

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The Football Faithful

·26 April 2026

Chelsea vs Leeds United – Predicted lineup and team news

Chelsea seek to salvage their season as they face Leeds United at Wembley on Sunday afternoon.

The Blues are competing in their twenty-ninth FA Cup semi-final today. They have won nine of their last eleven appearances at this stage. Calum McFarlane takes interim charge following the dismissal of Liam Rosenior on Wednesday. This match represents a vital lifeline for a squad currently enduring seven defeats in eight games.

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Despite their league struggles, Chelsea have been clinical in this season’s FA Cup. They have scored twenty goals in the competition, more than any other team. No side has ever netted four or more goals in five straight FA Cup ties. That said, they have failed to score in their last six games against top-flight opposition.

Chelsea team news

Calum McFarlane provided a mixed injury update during his pre-match press conference at Cobham. Estevao Willian is ruled out for the remainder of the season with a hamstring injury. The interim boss described the news as very unfortunate for the talented young Brazilian. Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer have both returned to training after thigh and hamstring issues.

In their absence, the Blues have lacked a clinical edge in the final third. McFarlane remains hopeful that both attackers can feature at the national stadium today. A final decision will be made following the training session on Saturday. Reece James and Levi Colwill also remain on the treatment table for the Londoners.

Robert Sanchez is expected to start in goal with Filip Jorgensen currently sidelined. Josh Acheampong and Trevoh Chalobah should anchor a defensive line searching for a clean sheet. Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo will likely occupy the central midfield positions. Pedro Neto and Liam Delap will lead the attack if Palmer is not fully fit.