Leeds United Faces Chelsea: Premier League Preview, Team News & Stats
Leeds United and Chelsea are set to clash in a highly anticipated Premier League matchup. Both teams have had contrasting forms leading into this encounter, which promises to be a thrilling contest for fans.
Recent Form and Historical Context
Leeds United has struggled against Chelsea in recent Premier League history. They have claimed only one victory in their last nine encounters, with two draws and six losses. Interestingly, their sole win came during their last meetup at Elland Road in August 2022, when they triumphed 3-0.
Chelsea has not fared much better historically at Elland Road. Out of 48 league visits, they have secured just six wins, marking a win rate of only 12.5%. This record is their second worst away performance against any opponent, trailing only their struggles at Sheffield Wednesday.
Leeds’ Recent Performance
Leeds has won just one of their last twelve midweek Premier League matches, with five draws and six losses. Their last win in this scenario was against Nottingham Forest in April 2023, where they emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline.
Moreover, this season, Leeds has struggled to convert opportunities at home. They have scored five out of their seven Premier League goals this season at Elland Road in the first half, representing 71% of their home goals. Their shot conversion rate in the opening 45 minutes stands at 10%, a sharp decline to 4.7% in the second half.
Chelsea’s Evening Kick-Out Record
On the other hand, Chelsea boasts a solid record in evening kick-offs, having lost just two of their last 17 matches played at 7 pm or later. Their most recent losses occurred against Ipswich (2-0) and Brighton (3-0) in the previous season. This trend is promising for the Blues as they prepare for this match.
Coaching Rivalry
The managerial duel adds another layer of intrigue to the game. Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca has yet to secure a league win against Leeds, having lost both previous encounters as the manager of Leicester City. Maresca’s only visit to Elland Road resulted in a 3-1 loss in February 2024.
Conversely, Leeds manager Daniel Farke has also struggled against Chelsea, losing all three of his Premier League outings against them while managing Norwich. His aggregate score against Chelsea stands at 11-2 during their encounters from 2019 to 2021.
Player Spotlight
One player to watch is Chelsea’s Cole Palmer. His only previous Premier League appearance against Leeds coincided with a 3-1 victory while he was at Manchester City. Notably, he has faced 22 teams with Chelsea, scoring or assisting against 21, making Leeds one of the few teams he has yet to register any contributions against.
- Leeds vs. Chelsea Recent Encounters:
- Leeds won 1 of last 9 matches (D2 L6).
- Last meeting at Elland Road: Leeds 3-0 Chelsea (August 2022).
- Chelsea’s Away Performance:
- 6 wins out of 48 visits to Leeds (D13 L29).
- 12.5% win rate at Elland Road.
- Leeds Home Goals Statistics:
- 5 out of 7 goals scored in the first half (71%).
- Shot conversion: 10% first half, 4.7% second half.
As Leeds United prepares to take on Chelsea, the clash promises to be a gripping showcase of two teams striving for improvement in the Premier League. Fans will be eagerly watching how this game unfolds.
