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Chelsea: Three key clashes as fans return to Stamford Bridge for Leeds

By Travis Tyler

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 05: Frank Lampard, Manager of Chelsea gives instructions during the FA Cup Third Round match between Chelsea and Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge on January 05, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 05: Frank Lampard, Manager of Chelsea gives instructions during the FA Cup Third Round match between Chelsea and Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge on January 05, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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Chelsea’s German striker Timo Werner reacts after scoring during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge in London on October 17, 2020. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by BEN STANSALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s German striker Timo Werner reacts after scoring during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge in London on October 17, 2020. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by BEN STANSALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

3. Man versus space

Generally, teams defend in one of two ways. The first is a bit old fashioned in man marking. The second is controlling space either by pressing or cutting passing lanes. Occasionally, managers will have one or two players man mark key opposition but direct 11 versus 11 manmarking is rare.

Not for Bielsa. His Leeds will man mark and press. It is not unheard of or unique to his side, but the demands of doing both are extreme. The intensity of the play allows his sides to look very good but it is also the cause of the annual Bielsa burnout when the demands simply exceed what the body is capable of at that point in the season.

Chelsea will have little time on the ball but they could use that to their advantage. Part of Leeds’ system involves pressing the line exceedingly high so there will be a ton of space in behind. Timo Werner, whether playing as an inside forward or a striker, should find a happy hunting ground provided Chelsea can get him the ball. In fact, it may be ideal for Chelsea to go with a very pacy front three in Werner, Christian Pulisic, and maybe Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Furthermore, a midfield pair of Mason Mount and Kai Havertz would also be beneficial. Both players like to roam and if they can pull Leeds markers along with them, they’ll create space for a teammate to burst into and exploit. For the most part, that will probably be one another but if Ben Chilwell or Reece James are willing to underlap it could prove an effective tactic.

Next. Chelsea: The best is on the way as silverware is coming into reach. dark

What key clashes are you looking for in this match? Let us know in the comments and on Twitter!

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