Sabasports Match Preview
FA Cup: Chelsea vs Leeds United
Kickoff Time: 2024-02-29 03:30 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/PAUL CHILDS
It is unfortunate that Chelsea suffered a defeat in the EFL Cup final,
losing to Liverpool 0-1 in the last moment of overtime. The loss means they
missed out on the championship. Despite significant investments in signings and
reinforcements amounting to 300 million euros during the previous summer
transfer window, Chelsea’s overall performance has been disappointing.
Currently, after 25 rounds of the Premier League, Chelsea find themselves in
the 11th position in the standings. Their chances of competing for fourth
place, which would secure a Champions League spot, appear slim. With the league
title seemingly out of reach, the FA Cup has become a crucial opportunity for
Mauricio Pochettino and them. Pochettino has primarily utilized a 4-2-3-1
formation, with a defensive line consisting of Malo Gusto, Disasi, Levi Colwill,
and Ben Chilwell. In midfield, Enzo Fernandez and Caicedo form the barrier,
while Palmer, Gallagher, and Raheem Sterling play in front of them. Nicolas
Jackson serves as the lone striker. Although Chelsea’s lineup has shown
promising performances in recent games, their overall results have not
reflected their potential.
In the recent round of the English Championship, Leeds United secured
a remarkable victory by defeating the league leaders, Leicester City, with a
score of 3-1 at home. This win marked their ninth consecutive league victory.
Their success can be attributed to the guidance of their German coach, Daniel
Falk, who has implemented significant tactical changes. Compared to the
previous season, Leeds United’s playing style has undergone a major
transformation under Falk. Last season, their passing accuracy was only 75%,
ranking 16th in the league, and their long pass success rate was the lowest.
However, this season, Leeds United have significantly improved in terms of
possession. Their ball possession rate has increased by 10% compared to the
previous season, now standing at 56%. Additionally, they have increased their
average number of passes per game by almost 100, going from 299 to 393.8.
Moreover, their passing accuracy has risen to an impressive 83%. While it is
important to note that the English Championship’s level of competition differs
from that of the Premier League, Leeds United have undoubtedly shown a greater
emphasis on ball possession under Falk’s management. Currently, Leeds United
sit in the second position in the English Championship standings with 72
points. They are only six points behind Leicester City, the league leaders.
With their recent form, Leeds United have a genuine chance of surpassing their
opponents and claiming the top spot in the league.
Chelsea’s recent overall performance has been quite good, particularly
in their away game against Manchester City where they delivered an impressive
performance. Despite their loss to Liverpool in the EFL Cup final, Chelsea’s
form has shown positive signs. Considering Chelsea’s historically higher level
of talent and resources compared to Leeds United, as well as the advantage of
playing at home, the Blues are expected to defeat their opponents in this
upcoming match and advance to the quarterfinals.
Chelsea’s Last 5 Games: DDWWL
24-02-25 Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool (AET 0-1)
24-02-18 Manchester City 1-1 Chelsea
24-02-13 Crystal Palace 1-3 Chelsea
24-02-08 Aston Villa 1-3 Chelsea
24-02-04 Chelsea 2-4 Wolves
Leeds United’s Last 5 Games: WWWWD
24-02-24 Leeds United 3-1 Leicester City
24-02-17 Plymouth Argyle 0-2 Leeds United
24-02-14 Swansea City 0-4 Leeds United
24-02-10 Leeds United 3-0 Rotherham United
24-02-17 Plymouth Argyle 1-1 Leeds United (AET 1-4)
Head To Head Record:
23-03-04 Chelsea 1-0 Leeds United
22-08-21 Leeds United 3-0 Chelsea
22-05-12 Leeds United 0-3 Chelsea
21-12-11 Chelsea 3-2 Leeds United
21-03-13 Leeds United 0-0 Chelsea
Prediction: Chelsea to win