Credit: Imago

Richie Mills

Fri 24 April 2026 14:10, UK

Leeds United fans may feel like they are heading back in time with a kit harkening back to battles of yesteryear against Chelsea.

For the first time since 1987, Leeds are in an FA Cup semi-final, with tens of thousands of supporters set to head to Wembley for their crunch tie with Chelsea on Sunday.

Despite Chelsea sitting eighth in the league, while Leeds are 15th, Daniel Farke‘s team will fancy their chances against the managerless-Blues.

The west London outfit have lost five matches in a row and haven’t scored in that stretch either, a run that cost Liam Rosenior his job.

Leeds have picked up four points from Chelsea this season, and amid a five-game unbeaten run, they will sense an opportunity in the capital – in a kit that may bring up feelings of nostalgia.

Leeds face Chelsea again at Wembley

For the first time since the 1970 FA Cup final, in a game that ended 2-2, Leeds and Chelsea will lock horns at Wembley this weekend.

Chelsea ended up lifting the trophy 18 days later in the FA Cup final replay at Old Trafford, with Leeds falling to a 2-1 defeat.

Leeds’ sole FA Cup triumph came in 1972 at Arsenal’s expense, with their last final coming a year later in a shock defeat to Sunderland.

Chelsea last won this competition in 2018 and finished runners-up in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Over the years, Chelsea have played in their iconic blue kit with white socks and Leeds have gone the other way.

In their 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge in February, Leeds wore a white top and blue socks, so as not to clash with Chelsea, and the FA has now confirmed the Whites will be wearing this again on Sunday.

It is a kit that evokes memories of the past, not least some famous clashes with Chelsea back in the peak years of this famous rivalry.

Leeds have not had much joy at Wembley over the years. In their 11 trips, they have won just twice. Their last visit was a demoralising Championship play-off final defeat to Southampton in 2024.

Captain Ethan Ampadu will hope his side can banish those demons on Sunday.

What team will Leeds pick?

All eyes will be on which starting XI Farke chooses to face a dishevelled Chelsea, who still have plenty of quality in their ranks.

Leeds will go all out to beat Chelsea as the German has some selection dilemmas to attend to.

Lucas Perri has been Leeds’ FA Cup goalkeeper this season, while Karl Darlow has been in between the sticks in the league since early January.

James Justin has been in great form, so it may be harsh to drop him to the bench.

While selection is important, Leeds have to put in a good performance, something that has eluded them in recent Wembley visits.