Chelsea at Leeds United: Match preview and where to watch
Chelsea has faced a series of tough tests over the last few weeks and still has a few left before getting some minutes against easier opposition. That being said, this is a test for a host of other reasons. The rivalry between the Blues and Leeds dates back decades, reaching its peak hatred in the 1970s. It’s probably one of the most storied rivalries in football between two clubs who aren’t in the same proximity. The diminished emotions between the two sides are large in part due to the decline of hooliganism nowadays, but also because of the extended period Leeds spent down in the lower leagues.
It’s no secret the Whites aren’t world-beaters. Marcelo Bielsa has his side playing pretty football, but the results vary. Leeds currently sits 11th in the Premier League. While that is better than many pundits believed they’d do in their first season back, there is a lot of hype around a side that mediocre. Thomas Tuchel and his team are on a roll, the only thing they have to do at Elland Road is stop Leeds from ruining that momentum.
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The one area Leeds deserves a lot of credit is in the way it plays. It’s a blessing and a curse because more often than not, it backfires. However, when it works, the Whites are insanely difficult to defeat. This contest is going to be very wide open and whichever side is more clinical will get a result. Both Tuchel and Bielsa love to use the energy and pace of their young sides to attack the opposition—ball retention and speed will be crucial.
Leeds stunned Stamford Bridge the last time out, scoring an opening goal in the first few minutes of the match on Frank Lampard’s Chelsea. The Blues went on to comfortably win the match, it did raise some questions about the stability at the back in the process though. Tuchel’s defensive transformation ensures that those questions are not still lingering. If there is a side that can slice open the Blues’ back line, it’s Leeds. Bielsa’s side is a bit burnt out as of late, but at the height of their powers, they can run through anyone.
Where can you view the live stream of Chelsea at Leeds United?
Date: Saturday, March 13
Time: 7:00 a.m. ET (12:30 p.m. GMT)
Location: Leeds, England
Venue: Elland Road
Referee: Kevin Friend
TV Info: NBCSN (USA), BT Sport (UK)
Live Stream: NBC Sports
Although this is not a heavyweight battle between European giants, there is still a lot on the line. First and foremost, bragging rights. Leeds supporters would be thrilled with their season if they could get a win over Chelsea—especially one that’d hurt the Blues’ top four hopes. The three points at stake would be a massive boost to the visitors with West Ham and Everton in their rearview mirror. A win would also see Leeds stay in the hunt to finish in the top half of the table. There is a lot of motivation for both sides, meaning this one will be a barn burner.
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