Thomas Tuchel has never shown any signs of mercy and Leeds United are not a team expecting anything similar. However, with their recent form, Leeds United are in for a tiring run of fixtures as they face back to back games against Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool. So to start things off, what exactly are the chances that lie with Leeds as they travel to Stamford Bridge? 

Well, let’s go through a detailed preview and learn more about this clash. 

Matchday 16 of 38

While Leeds United have shown a few glimpses of gaining back their momentum, they look far from the team that surprised us with victories at the Etihad and held an unbeaten record against the Premier League’s so-called big six at home. Coupled with big injuries and out of form players, Leeds United have not had the perfect start to life for their second season in the Premier League. 

While experts are predicting that they will either get relegated or survive in the league for another season, everyone is in sync for Chelsea to lift the 2021/22 Premier League title. While competition does come from Manchester City and Liverpool, Chelsea is widely seen as the team that has a lot more to prove. 

Date and Venue

The clash between Chelsea and Leeds United will take place on the 11th of December 2021 at Stamford Bridge and will be part of matchday 16 of 38.

Chelsea Vs Leeds United: Team Analysis

• The stronger attack 

Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds follows the Argentine’s rich gaming philosophy with an all-out attack system that includes man-to-man marking, high-pressing and intense gameplay. However, if one had to access the stronger attack, it would naturally go to Chelsea. Thomas Tuchel and his band of blues have been the dominant side and are expected to continue the same when they host Leeds.

Tuchel has always had a proper system in place and is also ready to make a couple of changes if things don’t go as planned. Due to that, Chelsea will dominate possession and can look towards sealing a victory as soon as possible. While surprising results are not expected here, if they do happen, it can be a draw.

• Defensive issues

When we are talking about a clash between Chelsea and Leeds United, you can easily understand which of the two has defensive issues. Due to Bielsa’s intense system, Leeds find themselves giving away space to the opponent and are more open to conceding goals. However, that is how they have always played with the only exception being that they are scoring less this season. 

With Chelsea barely putting a foot wrong, they will view this as a comfortable win and the home fans will be delighted to see it all.

• Formations

Marcelo Bielsa has always chosen his formation based on the number of forwards that the opponent has. He prefers to have one more centre back than the opponent’s forward. So if Tuchel sends one striker, Bielsa will mostly line up with two centre backs and promote his wing-backs to go as high as possible. However, the main question will remain whether this technique will work against Tuchel.

The former PSG manager has gone through several tactics, options and strategies to revive his team and has taken on couches of different styles. Moreover, several teams have let Leeds have possession but disrupt their man-to-man marking system in a bid to prevent them from scoring. So if Bielsa’s famous system needs to bear fruit, his players need to get back to their form and take on challenges that teams like Chelsea put forward.

Chelsea Vs Leeds United: Head-to-Head

Chelsea and Leeds United have a rather interesting head-to-head record owing to the latter’s several years of dominance, followed by relegation to the Championship. Before Leeds United crumbled down, they did enjoy a fair share of classic games against Chelsea. However, these results may not stand today because Chelsea is considered a title contender. 

Out of the 26 games that have been played by both these clubs, 9 have turned into draws and Chelsea came on top with 9 wins. However, Leeds are not far behind, which clearly tells you a lot about their former glory years. So if this game stands out for you and you want to consider football betting, BritainBet is the perfect choice. 

Chelsea Vs Leeds United: Recent Meetings

1. Leeds United Vs Chelsea - 0-0 (13th March 2021)

Last season’s Leeds were a different animal at Elland Road and were able to limit top teams to either a draw or would make them face a loss. And one such affair was witnessed when Chelsea came to Elland Road and was restricted to a goalless 90-minute run.  

2. Chelsea Vs Leeds United - 3-1 (5th December 2020)

Chelsea did get the better of Leeds at home when the side was led by Frank Lampard, who had previously faced Bielsa’s Leeds in the Championship. Goals from Olivier Giroud, Kurt Zouma and Christian Pulisic sealed off a victory with Leeds only scoring once through a Kalvin Philip assist that was pushed forward to striker Patrick Bamford.  

3. Chelsea Vs Leeds United - 1-0 (15th May 2004)

When Leeds United was still in the Premier League back in 2004, they visited Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and lost to a goal from Jesper Gronkjaer. The whites returned home disappointed as another bad score went their way. 

4. Leeds United Vs Chelsea - 1-1 (6th December 2003)

Back in 2003, when Chelsea visited Leeds, they were forced to settle down for a draw as goals from Jermaine Pennant and Damien Duff helped everyone leave with a point.