Lee Sharpe moots ‘Brutal’ Leeds United clash v Chelsea at Stamford Bridge
Lee Sharpe has predicted a “brutal” FA Cup clash between Leeds United and Chelsea on Wednesday 28 February, suggesting that the Whites will fancy their chances.
The former Leeds winger has admitted that the Blues will need to be below their best for Daniel Farke’s side to advance from the FA Cup Fifth Round but thinks their busy schedule could play its part.
Chelsea are coming into the match off the back of a devastating loss in the Carabao Cup final to Liverpool on Sunday 25 February, while Leeds have not played since Friday 23 February.
Speaking via Leeds Live on Monday (26 February), Sharpe said: “It’s always a brutal game when Leeds face Chelsea. and the fans get very passionate for it.
“I actually think Leeds will fancy their chances against Chelsea – you’d hope that Chelsea will feel a little bit tired from the League Cup final against Liverpool on Sunday, which might work out for Leeds.
“I can’t wait to watch it and I think it’s going to be an unbelievable game. Obviously, Chelsea are going to have to be below their best for Leeds to get a result, but Leeds can beat anyone on their day – they play brilliant, high-tempo football, they’re organised, they’re clever and they’ve got goalscorers.”
Can Leeds United beat Chelsea in the FA Cup?
Sadly for the Whites, Farke’s team will not have the full backing of the Elland Road crowd as they travel to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea.
Leeds still have every chance of beating the Premier League outfit, though, who are fresh out of a defeat to Liverpool in a cup final, which is tough for any team to take.
With the match going to extra time, and Virgil Van Dijk heading home a late winner, Leeds must take advantage of the schedule being in their favour and bring the victory back to Yorkshire.
It will be interesting to see how Farke sets up against the Blues, with Joel Piroe, Patrick Bamford and Georginio Rutter all capable of chipping in with goals.
Crysencio Summerville has been a shock absentee in the FA Cup and could be rested again. However, it will be slightly more difficult to choose the right winger, with Dan James and Wilfried Gnonto capable of something special.
Ethan Ampadu will also be returning to Stamford Bridge for the first time since his permanent move to Elland Road in the summer. Like the Welshman, the rest of the Leeds squad will feel they have something to prove ahead of potential promotion from the Championship.
In other Leeds United news, Sky Sports tried to cut short the celebrations of two players following the late win over Leicester City.
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