Chelsea at Leeds United: Four things to look for at Elland Road

Chelsea's Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly (C) celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge in London on August 14, 2022. - 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 Glyn KIRK / 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. / 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 GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 14: Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on August 14, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images) /

I’m not usually one to speak for others, but last week’s match against Tottenham—despite Anthony Taylor’s best efforts—should leave us all incredibly optimistic about the potential of this Chelsea squad. For the better part of 90 minutes, Thomas Tuchel orchestrated a masterclass to counter former Blues manager Antonio Conte’s tactics for Tottenham. Led by its fluid front line and dynamic wingback play, it would be difficult for spectators to deny that Chelsea remains among the elite Premier League teams. This remains true, despite the fact that national media outlets have been drafting the squad’s obituary since the inception of the Roman Abramovich crises.

The sour taste left over from being objectively robbed of three points last week contributes to a rather exciting clash against Leeds United at Elland Road on Sunday. The Blues and the Whites are currently tied in points on the Premier League table with four points each. However, it’s the west London club that has historical success on its side in the rivalry. Chelsea boasts a 20-10-11 record at Elland Road all-time, while having a 3-0-1 record against the opposition since 2020.

For the Blues, this match is about a lot more than just winning. The squad is poised to prove naysayers wrong and it will need a convincing performance to further cultivate their confidence and establish a rhythm within the senior team. Every point matters this early on in the season, especially against perceived bottom-dwellers in England’s top flight.

Let’s take a look at the most prominent things to watch for in this critical match-up between two historic rivals at Elland Road.

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