Leeds United’s focus now shifts to the FA Cup, with a trip to Stamford Bridge coming Wednesday against Chelsea, fresh off their EFL Cup Final defeat.
Daniel Farke’s primary goal this season should be to return Leeds to the Premier League, but the Whites are also enjoying a brief cup run.
In the fifth round of the FA Cup, they will face Premier League opposition in the form of Chelsea, who are suffering in the league but have demonstrated quality in cup competitions this season.
Chelsea vs Leeds preview: Two sides come into this week with opposite emotions.
Leeds fans don’t need to be reminded of the energy they brought to this week’s game against Leicester City, where they came from behind to win 3-1.
Goals from Connor Roberts, Archie Gray, and Patrick Bamford clinched an impressive victory for Farke’s side, who reduced the gap to top spot to six points.
Chelsea, on the other hand, were devastated when their inability to take chances in the EFL Cup Final resulted in a crushing late goal in extra time scored by Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, allowing the Reds to lift the trophy for the second time in three seasons.
The FA Cup is the “blue billion-pound bottlejobs'” only remaining chance to win a trophy this season, given they are far behind the league leaders and do not compete in any European competitions.
Chris Sutton predicts the outcome of Chelsea v Leeds.
Chris Sutton, a BBC commentator, has offered his prediction for Leeds’ trip to Stamford Bridge, stating that Farke’s side’s FA Cup run will come to an end.
Expecting a 2-0 home win, Sutton stated:
Chelsea desperately need to win today, following losing the Carabao Cup final on Sunday. It was their performance in extra time against Liverpool’s youngsters that failed them down, since they had the opportunity to really go at them.
“Leeds are doing well under Farke, but he may prioritise their promotion bid over this game.
“I hope he doesn’t, but this is one of the few times where I could understand if he makes some changes, given how tight it is at the top of the Championship – they have Ipswich and Southampton breathing down their necks, but they also believe they can catch Leicester.
“It’s disappointing because Leeds could have had a great go at this. The pressure is on Chelsea, and if they don’t win, it will put Mauricio Pochettino under a lot of scrutiny.
“I recall being part of a Chelsea squad that lost 2-0 to Leeds at Stamford Bridge the year I was there; looking back, it was probably largely down to me. I’m going with the same score, but this time it’s a home win.”
Leeds have nothing to lose against Chelsea.
It should be expected that this is where we exit the tournament, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Farke rotated the squad.
We gave everything we had to win against Leicester, and certain players will undoubtedly benefit from a rest before traveling to Huddersfield Town.
Even with injuries, Chelsea should have enough to win against us, but you never know.
