PREVIEW: Struggling Leeds United set for stern test against in-form Chelsea | OneFootball

It’s not been an easy few months for Leeds United and Daniel Farke, following what was an impressive result at home to fellow strugglers West Ham United. Since that 2-1 victory at Elland Road in October, the Lilywhites haven’t picked up a single point in the league and sit just below the red line in the relegation zone alongside fellow promoted side Burnley and basement boys Wolverhampton Wonderers.

This poor run of form has heaped pressure on manager Daniel Farke, who came into this season already under some scrutiny from his own supporters. Current results have done little to quiet the discontent in Yorkshire, though Leeds can hold their heads high after they mounted an encouraging comeback against Manchester City at the weekend only to have a point once again snatched away from them in the dying stages of the game; a Phil Foden strike ultimately condemned the Lilywhites to a fourth successive defeat.

As for Chelsea, they have seen an uptick in form in recent weeks to the contrary of their hosts. They battled out a well deserved point with 10 men against Arsenal at the weekend which followed a dominant display over Barcelona in the Champions League in midweek. After bouncing back from a home defeat at the hands of Sunderland, Chelsea are unbeaten in their last four in the Premier League and have only suffered three defeats all season.

Talisman Cole Palmer was on the bench for the Blues at the weekend and may be fit to feature as a starter against the Lilywhites at Elland Road.

The home side were forced to withdraw defender James Justin midway through their eventual loss to Manchester City although Farke has played down the seriousness of his injury. Leeds could be boosted by the return of midfielder Anton Stach and centre-half Sebastiaan Bornauw, who have been recovering from a concussion and knee issue respectively. This is caveated by the news that Sean Longstaff is likely to miss the remainder of 2025 with a calf injury.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin made a massive difference when he came on at the weekend and may start alongside Lukas Nmecha as Farke looks to get some absolutely must needed points on the board.

Meanwhile, Chelsea midfielder Moisés Caicedo will serve the first of his three match ban that he gained with a red card against league leaders Arsenal. Enzo Maresca has hinted that captain Reece James may be rested in midweek in order to keep the England international out of the treatment room.

Palmer was fit enough to make the bench on Sunday but Maresca may want to be patient with the forward to avoid any flare ups or repeated issues. Levi Colwill and Romeo Lavia will both still be out with a knee and thigh injury respectively.

Predicted line-ups

LEE: Perri; Rodon, Struijk, Bijol; Bogle, Gruev, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson; Calvert-Lewin, Nmecha