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Leeds logo
Premier League | Gameweek 3
Aug 21, 2022 at 2pm UK
Elland Road
Chelsea logo

Leeds
3 - 0
Chelsea

Aaronson (33'), Rodrigo (37'), Harrison (69')
FT(HT: 2-0)

Koulibaly (9'), Sterling (36')
Koulibaly (84')

Preview: Leeds United vs. Chelsea - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Sunday's Premier League clash between Leeds United and Chelsea, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Leeds United and Chelsea square off at Elland Road on Sunday afternoon with both clubs having remained unbeaten from their opening two Premier League fixtures.

However, the West Yorkshire and West London clubs were both guilty of giving up leads in their last outings, something which will provide added motivation ahead of the showdown at the weekend.


Match preview

Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel and Tottenham Hotspur head coach Antonio Conte have a tiff on August 14, 2022.© Reuters

While head coach Thomas Tuchel was quick to praise the performance of his Chelsea side against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, the German was left ruing more clear-cut chances being missed by his team.

The Blues did not necessarily create a hatful of opportunities, but they had enough to put the game to bed before Harry Kane's last-gasp equaliser in controversial circumstances.

Tuchel's heated exchanges with Antonio Conte dominated the conversations after the game, the pair now having to spend a game away from the dugouts as a result of their red cards.

Nevertheless, Tuchel and his players should be relatively content with their start to the campaign, particularly as they continue to contend with a tough opening to the season.

Tuchel will want to see a goal from an attack-minded player at Elland Road with their strikes so far coming from the penalty spot, a corner and a smart finish from wing-back Reece James.

Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch celebrates a draw on August 13, 2022© Reuters

From Leeds' perspective, Jesse Marsch will have mixed feelings ahead of this contest having witnessed his team give up a two-goal lead away at Southampton.

They had been set to end the weekend as one of three teams with a 100% record until the Saints netted twice in the final 18 minutes of the contest at St Mary's.

Nevertheless, like with Chelsea, Marsch and Leeds should be happy with their start having only narrowly avoided relegation to the Championship in 2021-22.

Ambitions are far greater this time around with Marsch having made some shrewd additions, although he will be eager for Patrick Bamford to put together a run of games on the pitch rather than the sidelines.

Still, Rodrigo again took his opportunity last weekend, the Spaniard scoring twice after the break to take him to three goals from just 155 minutes on the pitch.

Leeds United Premier League form:
  • W
  • D

Chelsea Premier League form:
  • W
  • D


Team News

Patrick Bamford warms up for Leeds United on August 6, 2022© Reuters

N'Golo Kante is expected to be absent for a number of weeks after sustaining a hamstring injury against Spurs.

With Mateo Kovacic also likely to stay sidelined with a knee issue, either Ruben Loftus-Cheek or Conor Gallagher will feature in the Chelsea midfield.

Cesar Azpilicueta could return to the back three in order to allow James to return to wing-back, but Kai Havertz should retain his spot in attack with Armando Broja missing the game through a minor fitness issue.

Meanwhile, Bamford has suggested that he will miss this game with a minor groin injury, although the forward has hinted that he could return before the end of the month.

Daniel James, who was sent off in the corresponding fixture last season, is likely to take his place in the attack, and that could prove to be the only change to the Leeds XI.

The likes of Junior Firpo, Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas all remain on the sidelines.

Leeds United possible starting lineup:
Meslier; Kristensen, Koch, Llorente, Struijk; Roca, Adams; Aaronson, Rodrigo, Harrison; James

Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Mendy; Azpilicueta, Silva, Koulibaly; James, Loftus-Cheek, Jorginho, Cucurella; Mount, Sterling; Havertz


SM words green background

We say: Leeds United 1-1 Chelsea

Both managers will be satisfied with the performances of their teams since the start of the month, and a continuation of that could lead to a fiercely-competitive encounter. With that in mind, we feel that Leeds will do enough to earn a share of the spoils against opponents who are yet to impress in front of goal.


For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting an away win in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Away Win:data


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Written by
Darren Plant

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Game History

How you voted: Leeds vs Chelsea

Leeds United
16.9%
Draw
18.6%
Chelsea
64.5%
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Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel on August 6, 2022
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