Chelsea score predictions vs. Leeds: A Blues win in the renewed rivalry

Chelsea hosts Leeds United as the Whites travel to London to renew a rivalry, but how does The Pride of London staff see the match playing out?

This is the one all Chelsea fans have been waiting for. Likewise, Leeds fans have had this match circled in their diaries since the fixture list came out. It’s one of the most historic and hate-fueled rivalries in English football and for the first time since 2004, the top flight will be the battleground. The Whites have exceeded the expectations of many and the Blues are in cracking form, but all of that can be thrown out the window when these two sides meet. Older fans are emotional and newer fans are buzzing ahead of this contest.

It’s Chelsea versus Leeds, North versus South, Lampard versus Bielsa, Blue versus White and Good versus Evil. No matter how you phrase it, this game is gargantuan. Here’s how The Pride of London writers expect the match to go:

Wilfred Laurence: 4-2 Chelsea

Olivier Giroud with all four goals once again, celebrating each with a beautifully rendered crying face.

Scott Brant: 4-1 Chelsea

The Blues are cruising and there’s no slowing down. I expect this match to be very open and end to end. I want to see Timo Werner get hot and net a few, after the weekend I expect to see Giroud late. Sure would be nice for Christian Pulisic to start and get a goal.

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Varun Dani: 5-0 Chelsea

Chelsea’s ‘B’ team battered one of Europe’s most disciplined outfits in the lead up to this match, so the expectation will be that the ‘A’ team outdoes its performance against a weaker opponent. Ancient history to the game, as well as recent bad blood between the managers, will make this must see TV. Lampard will make it clear to his players that it’s a must win. They’re all well rested and have the pride of their manager in their hands; a demolition job is incoming.

Olaoluwa Nwobodo: 3-1 Chelsea

Leeds have created more big chances per game than Chelsea, so it would be silly to ignore the Whites’ attacking threat. Chelsea is a solid defensive output though, and the Blues should be able to contain Leeds. Leeds’ playing style means there will be gaps for the likes of Hakim Ziyech, Kai Havertz and Werner to exploit. The Blues should be able to create a lot of goal scoring opportunities against Leeds, and should be able to convert more than the Premier League returnees. It’s a home game, with fans, and that should give Chelsea some advantage.

Abhishek Pancholi: 4-0 Chelsea

Marcelo Bielsa will end up regretting putting that pair of binoculars in the hands of a Leeds staff member that one time (that we know of). His Leeds side is doing reasonably well, but this is Lampard’s Chelsea, not Derby County, they’re up against. Any lingering hope of revenge that Bielsa might be harboring will be dashed within the first half hour as Werner opens the scoring.

Leeds will try and put on a brave face, but will retreat into its shells as the Blues double their advantage through Mason Mount. There would still be time to watch Bielsa start drafting his resignation letter midway through the game when the third Chelsea goal hits the back of the net. After being dumped out of the playoff by Lampard’s Derby, getting thrashed by Lampard’s Chelsea while 2,000 home fans point and laugh at his side might flip the switch labeled ‘eccentric’ back on. Expect water bottles and assorted items to be sent flying in the Leeds technical area as soon as the fourth goal goes in.

Mike Malley: 3-0 Chelsea

Giroud and his meaty French forehead have to be in the starting XI again, right? After an incredible four-goal performance in the UCL, Lampard should give the veteran hit man another start, especially against a struggling mid-table side like Leeds. The Blues appear to be on the verge of unstoppable right now, so a resounding victory is certainly in the cards.

Jake Brigstock: 3-1 Chelsea

Leeds have started its new life in the Premier League strongly, and despite how well Chelsea has played in recent weeks, the Blues are going to be have to be on it to get the win. I’m expecting Giroud to start after his stellar midweek performance and net a goal—it would be good to see Werner on the scoresheet too. Another goal to come from one of the defenders on a set piece. Leeds may be value for a goal and I expect them to threaten in short spells in the game.

Nathaniel Kay: 3-2 Chelsea

Chelsea and Leeds’ rivalry is as deeply rooted as they come in football, yet this fixture has not been played out in the Premier League since 2004. Lampard was on the winning side that day and will be celebrating another narrow victory this weekend as the Blues take on the Whites. This will be fast paced, frantic and fantastically entertaining, decided by a mistake or a stroke of luck. Full steam ahead from both managers as two of the country’s most exciting outfits produce a performance worthy of their predecessors.

Olly Smith: 4-2 Chelsea

I have been singing Patrick Bamford’s praises all season, even if no one has really been listening to my twilight bark. Despite close attention, Bamford will score for Leeds, but he will be outdone by Tammy Abraham, who will ‘come back’ at Giroud with a two goal and assist performance. A fast-paced game will see Mount deliver a MotM performance as he and the Blues will have too much going forward for Bielsa and Leeds, catching them on the counter repeatedly. Werner to score plus a Ziyech wonder strike.

Hugo Amaya: 4-0 Chelsea

A straightforward game for Chelsea with dominant performances all around. The Blues will dominate the game in every aspect, and the goals will flow from everywhere. The defense will have no problem coping with the Leeds’ offense either. The midfield will control the tempo of the game, and the attackers will have plenty of chances. Another big step forward for the team with three crucial points.

Kevin Peacock: 2-1 Chelsea

Chelsea will have the luxury of actual cheering supporters in the stadium and whilst Lampard and Bielsa have history, the supporters’ rivalry with Leeds dates back even further. Back in the day, it was the Yorkshire outfit that was top dog, but with the boot up the other backside, it’s Chelsea that go into the game chasing top spot. Rivalries aside, the game will be closer than any Blues fan would like. However, a win is still a win. Goals from Werner and Pulisic seal the deal.

Gabe Henderson: 3-0 Chelsea

As an individual growing up across the pond with an English parent—who happens to be a true Blue—one thing I have always learned is to hate Leeds. This is the first Blues/Whites rivalry I will actually pay attention to, so buzzing is an understatement. Lampard’s side has hate in its heart after Bielsa’s staff tried to snake its way to a win a few years back. Unfortunately for the Argentine, Chelsea is not Derby; Lampard has a significantly more talented squad at his disposal now.

Blues fans will be in attendance for the renewal of a historic bout and I fully expect the Bridge to be rocking during the win. The home side’s talent will simply be too much for the visitors as it sees off Leeds rather easily. Lampard’s men will comfortably suffocate Leeds with their press, controlling possession and forcing the Bridge’s invaders to defend further back than they’re comfortable with.

Travis Tyler: 4-0 Chelsea

I have put far too much into slating Bielsa, Spygate and Leeds in general to not be bold with this prediction. Leeds tries to do its thing like normal, but get hopelessly embarrassed on the counter by Werner and friends.

Nate Hofmann: 4-3 Chelsea

Leeds just doesn’t have normal matches. The Whites score a lot and concede plenty in return, and the Blues will be more than happy to make them pay for their haphazard play at the back. That said, Bielsa’s tactics are still getting results, and their attacking play is just too good for Chelsea to fully repel. Bank on a Bamford goal to mark his return against his boyhood club.

What do you think the score will be? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!