Struggling Chelsea host Leeds United at the Stamford Bridge looking to arrest their poor form that has seen them stuck in the tenth position.
The Blues who are winless in their last five Premier League games need a win of any kind to boost their confidence. Graham Potter’s star studded side has not lived up to its expectations considering the huge expenditure made in the January transfer window.
The 2021 Champions League winners are on a two-game losing streak having fallen 1-0 away to Dortmund in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 and last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Southampton.
The last time these two teams met, Leeds came out tops with a 3-0 victory. Chelsea will hope nothing of a sort happens on Saturday. They will cling on the fact that they have won each of their last 5 home matches against the whites as they seek to avoid more embarrassment.
Chelsea are placed 10th on the table standings which puts them in real danger of missing out on the Champions League.
When asked whether Chelsea will be able to match the intensity of their Saturday opponents, Potter while in a press conference said:
“We know Leeds since they have been in the Premier League, have played with intensity we are aware of that .We have to perform in a good way and we are fighting for the points.”
Leeds new manager Javi Garcia will handle his first league game away from home hoping his side emulates their performance in the reverse fixture. But that will be a tough ask as the visitors’ only away win this season came at Anfield in October when they defeated Liverpool 2-1.
They will fancy their chances to win this game as they are known for their high intensity approach. Victory will move them three places up from the current 17th position where they are only separated by a point from the relegation zone.
Garcia will hope to get the better of Potter on Saturday but rates highly the English man and wishes him well.
“The only way you change opinions is with good results. In my opinion, Potter is a fantastic manager. I wish all the best for him.” Garcia as quoted by Metro news said.
TEAM NEWS
Chelsea will be without Thiago Silva, Christian Pulisic, Armando Broja, Eduoard Mendy, N’Golo Kante, Mason Mount, while Reece James,Cesar Azpilicueta and Mateo Kovacic are doubtful
Leeds are without Rodrigo Moreno, Adam Forshaw and Stuart Dallas who are injured.
