Sky Sports pundit predicts Leeds v Chelsea clash
Sky Sports pundit Lewis Jones has predicted a very attacking game and plenty of goals when Chelsea visit Leeds United on Saturday.
Unfortunately, he thinks the majority will go the other way with Chelsea repeating the 3-1 scoreline from the reverse fixture in December.
Writing in his regular predictions column on Sky Sports Jones said, “I am always wary of Leeds against the big boys.
“Marcelo Bielsa’s team have not beaten a ‘big six’ opponent in seven Premier League meetings this season (D2, L5) – scoring nine and conceding 21 (conceded 16 in last four games).
“Leeds have also faced an average of 16.3 shots per Premier League game vs the sides currently in the top 10 this season (245 in 15 games). An away win should be on the cards. Chelsea are unbeaten in 11 games under Thomas Tuchel in all competitions, winning eight, conceding just two goals.”
Llorente v Giroud will be key
It will be tough to keep a clean sheet on Saturday. That’s not something Leeds tend to do against anyone at the moment, let alone against a revitalised Chelsea side.
Leeds fans were happy to see Frank Lampard lose his job after a poor run following the last game but the appointment of Thomas Tuchel has definitely made this game tougher.
Mason Mount has been in brilliant form for Chelsea and he’ll provide a very different threat to Olivier Giroud.
Given our capacity for shooting ourselves in the foot from set-pieces, though, it’s Giroud we’re most concerned about.
We think Tuchel will have done his homework and that Giroud will start.
Leeds conceded from another set-piece in the 2-0 defeat to West Ham and Diego Llorente will have to do much better then he did up against Craig Dawson.
As ever with Leeds, the first goal at Elland Road could be crucial, although the players won’t forget what happened last time after we took an early lead at Stamford Bridge a few months back.
This won’t be easy.
In other Leeds United news, Chris Kamara shares class email he received from Marcelo Bielsa – Leeds fans will love this