Preview
Chelsea will be bidding to make it three Premier League victories in a row when they continue their campaign away to Leeds United on Saturday afternoon.
The Blues, who are currently fourth in the table, will be without the services of Tammy Abraham due to a troublesome ankle problem.
Thomas Tuchel’s side are otherwise in excellent shape, though, with experienced defender Thiago Silva making the bench against Everton on Monday night after recovering from a thigh problem. However, Tuchel has revealed the Brazilian is still not ready for action just yet.
Chelsea won the reverse fixture by a 3-1 score-line back in December and they’ll be aiming to complete their first league double over Leeds in 84years.
Form Guide: Leeds
Leeds have lost seven of their last 10 league games, including five of their last six, as their hopes of an unlikely Europa League spot ever fades. Their latest loss was a 2-0 defeat at the hands of West Ham. Don’t rule out Bielsa, though.
Leeds have been praised for their attacking style of play so far but that has been their problem as well. In a stat that compounds the above, the Whites are one of only three teams in Europe’s top-five leagues that have both scored and conceded 40 goals this season. The others are Ligue 1 sides Montpellier and Brest.
However, Leeds are just one win away from all but securing their status in the top-flight. A win against all odds this weekend could prove to be highly morale-boosting for them. Although, we don’t see that happening at Elland Road.
Form Guide: Chelsea
The Blues are experiencing genuine late-season form on the back of Thomas Tuchel’s arrival. The German has masterminded six wins and three draws in the Premier League since his arrival.
In that time across all competitions, Chelsea have only shipped two goals and solidified what looked like a porous defense not too long ago.
Chelsea can further tighten their grip on the top four with a win and they’ll be highly motivated to do so. Thomas Tuchel is yet to taste defeat in nine Premier League games since his appointment. The odds are on him to continue that run against Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds.
How the Match Could Go
Leeds have shown they are susceptible to conceding goals and leaving lots of space between their central players and midfielders. Chelsea should capitalize on that. If they can maintain the same control of possession as they did against Everton, it could be another three points in the bag for the Blues.
Tip: Chelsea to Win
Of course, Chelsea’s unbeaten run won’t continue forever but we see them winning this one once again. Asides the Blues’ recent impressive form, Leeds have struggled to put up good performances of late and all of the factors combined point to a Chelsea win. The win margin might not be as large as the reverse fixture but we expect Tuchel and company to claim all three points regardless. Bet365 have 1.70 odds, Bet9ja have 1.76 and 1xbet have 1.81.
Over 1.5 Goals
Chelsea have not scored too much under Thomas Tuchel as stability at the back has more or less been the order of the day. However, we expect Chelsea to score for sure and Leeds could prove to be stubborn at home by getting on the score-sheet themselves. Whether the latter happens or not, we’re expecting to see at least two goals after 90 minutes. 1xbet have 1.23 odds while Bet9ja and Bet365 have 1.25.
Penalty: YES
Ahead of this round, no side has faced more penalties than Leeds this PL campaign (eight). Defensive errors have clouded the Whites at the back and they particularly look vulnerable against sides that can exploit the flanks, such as Chelsea. On the flip side, Chelsea have been awarded the most penalties in the Premier League in 2021 and we have a hunch they could get one more today. There is value with this as Bet365have 2.00 odds for this to happen while Bet9ja have theirs at 2.75.
Anytime Goal-scorer (Leeds)
Bamford
Patrick Bamford scored the opener in the reverse – he’s done that five times this PL campaign. He has been one of the most consistent performers for Leeds this term, with 13 Premier League goals to his name. Not many might remember but Patrick Bamford was a former Chelsea player although he failed to make the grade at the club. Players are always fired up against their former sides and Bamford could be fired up to show his former employers what they missed out on. Bet365 have 2.75 odds while Bet9ja have 3.25 for him to score.
Raphinha
Only Bamford and Harrison have scored more goals for Leeds than the Brazilian this term. Despite Leeds’ faltering form of late, he has looked a bright spark and recently scored in their 3-0 win over Southampton. If Leeds will get their attacking game right at all, Raphinha might be one to benefit. He is worth taking a punt for sure. Bet365 are offering a whopping 4.00 odds while Bet9ja have theirs at 5.00.
Anytime Goal-scorer (Chelsea)
Mount
Speaking of value, going with Mason Mount to get on the score-sheet comes with lot of that these days. Mount has scored in three straight PL away games, twice netting the opener. His most recently goal came in impressive fashion against Liverpool at Anfield. His willingness to always take a shot or go for a moment of brilliance is what sets him apart from other Blues stars. He has been one of their best players of recent. Bet365 have 3.10 odds for him to score while Bet9ja have 3.25.
Werner
Don’t be infuriated as to why we’re tipping Werner to score. With Tammy Abraham still out injured and Olivier Giroud in and out of the Chelsea squad under Tuchel, Werner has been the Chelsea forward with a somewhat regular run under new management. He has not been convincing of late but still looks like a good option to grab a goal on paper. Bet365 have 2.30 odds while Bet9ja have it slightly better at 2.50.
Football Lover. All-round junkie of the beautiful game. Could be found watching football most of the time. If not he’s writing about them or making some punditry you don’t agree with. A certain bias for Arsenal and Santos FC.
