Chelsea welcome Leeds United to Stamford Bridge in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Wednesday evening. The Blues are coming off the back of defeat in the EFL Cup final, so they’re desperate to bounce back.
Leeds have been in sensational form since the turn of the year, so Chelsea shouldn’t underestimate them. Daniel Farke’s men are unbeaten in 2024 and recently beat their league leaders, so they might fancy an upset.
Chelsea may be licking their wounds
Chelsea suffered a late extra-time defeat to Liverpool in the EFL Cup final, missing out on silverware. Mauricio Pochettino’s men have been heavily criticised for losing to an injury-hit side, so they’ll be keen to respond.
Prior to the cup final loss, Chelsea were in good form. The Blues had won at Aston Villa and Crystal Palace while drawing at Manchester City. They’ve been formidable on home soil for some time, losing only once at the Bridge since October.
Chelsea have a good head-to-head record with Leeds too, boasting seven wins from their last nine meetings. The Blues’ last defeat to Leeds was in their 2022 clash at Elland Road. Before then, they hadn’t lost to United since 2002.
Leeds are no slouches
Leeds haven’t won at the Bridge since 1999, but they’re in a good position for an upset. Farke’s side may be in the Championship, but they’re second in the table and in fantastic form.
Leeds have the best defensive record and the second-most amount of wins in the league. Only Leicester City have a great goal difference too. Leeds have won 11 of 12 games across the board in 2024, with their last defeat coming in December 2023.
Farke’s men also boast six consecutive away victories ahead of Wednesday’s clash, so they’ll put on a show in London. The winner will reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, to be played on Saturday, March 16.
