We’ve seen this episode before, have we not? As a matter of fact, it played out in front of our eyes just a few weeks ago. A struggling Chelsea side is now preparing to take on another squad sitting in the relegation zone with the season dwindling down. Just a few weeks after a crushing defeat at Goodison Park against Frank Lampard’s Everton, Thomas Tuchel’s team travels to Leeds United in hopes of taking another step toward securing a top four spot. However, it is no easy task in front of a crowd at Elland Road that is sure to be as hostile as any environment the reigning European Champions have visited this season.
Tuchel’s men barely escaped with all three points the last time these two squads squared off at Stamford Bridge. It was a generous penalty decision that bailed the Blues out, but it’s unlikely they’ll get that help this time around. Chelsea will have to dig deep if it wants to leave Yorkshire with all three points. Arsenal trails the Blues by just one point in the table, so a victory is crucial, especially seeing as the fourth place Gunners play fifth-placed Tottenham on Thursday. Three points at Leeds United would all but secure a Champions League place.
Here is how The Pride of London team sees the contest playing out:
Bo Martin: 1-3 Chelsea
While every fiber of my being says to choose a 1-1 draw, the optimist in me believes that Chelsea will do what’s needed now that the pressure is truly on. With the ownership situation all but settled, the Blues are out of excuses. After watching the women’s team win the league, I expect the men to show that they too belong among the upper echelons of league football. Romelu Lukaku and Hakim Ziyech start with both scoring, and Reece James adds one for good measure. This should take some pressure off headed into a huge cup final against Liverpool.
Caden Charpentier: 1-1 Draw
Chelsea is out of form and on the road against a team fighting for its life at the moment. I don’t see the Blues getting all three points, but I hope I am wrong.
Kevin Peacock: 0-3 Chelsea
This one is just a roll of the dice and an optimistic one at that. Leeds are rubbish but need the points and Chelsea is suffering from a very long season. If I’m honest, also a bit rubbish. With an FA Cup final looming, Tuchel will need to be very selective with his starting XI, resting and protecting those in need. Leeds will be Leeds and undoubtedly raise their game to levels seldom seen as they battle against potential relegation. Personally, I’d play Timo Werner and Lukaku and lump the ball long for Werner to run onto assisting the big fella. Two goals for Big Rom, the other for Turbo Timo.
Tan Yi Hao: 2-1 Leeds United
Chelsea looks all over the place defensively at the moment. With Leeds desperate for any points in their relegation fight, expect a similar outcome to the match against Everton.
Nate Hofmann: 2-0 Leeds United
There’s nothing about this match that bodes well for Chelsea. Fingers crossed something good happens in the North London Derby, because this will be a trainwreck.
Leighton September: 0-2 Chelsea
Leeds-Chelsea always a fierce historical rivalry. Both sets of fans will be vocal at Elland Road. Two teams still plenty to play for this season, Leeds to stay up this season as for Chelsea to secure a top four spot. This will be a cagey affair, but the experience of the Blues will see them through.
Gabe Henderson: 1-2 Chelsea
Chelsea can’t buy a clean sheet right now. Until the Blues prove they can put on a consistent performance free of any defensive errors, I won’t be banking on them blanking opponents. Nevertheless, I believe Tuchel’s men will find the fight within themselves to grind out a win against a historic rival in Leeds.
Mike Malley: 1-3 Chelsea
The first meeting between these two sides was free-flowing, so I assume we’ll see more of the same. Both will be desperate for all three points, although for very different reasons, which should make for an end-to-end contest with a lot of goals. Charity FC needs to end today.
What is your score prediction? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on Twitter!