Gabriel Gudmundsson key for Leeds to retain niche record ahead of Chelsea clash
Leeds United will be looking to maintain their record against one Chelsea player in particular.
Chelsea travel to Elland Road to take on Leeds on Wednesday, looking to pile more pressure on Daniel Farke, who could be sacked in the next few days.
Sources have stated that they expect the German to face the axe if the Whites fail to win either of their next two encounters, which seems quite likely given their form.
However, all focus will be on Wednesday’s clash with the Blues, and Gabriel Gudmundsson could be set to have a crucial role to play.
Cole Palmer yet to score against Leeds
Leeds are massive underdogs for their clash with Chelsea, and the quality that the Blues have within their squad is the reason behind that.
Whether it’s Estevao, Cole Palmer or Alejandro Garnacho, Enzo Maresca has some serious quality in the forward areas that will be able to inflict some damage on the Whites.
However, if Palmer is deemed fit enough to start against Leeds, he will be looking to score against them for the first time in his career.
Leeds are one of only three teams that Palmer has played against but failed to register a goal contribution, though his only appearance was as a late sub in Man City’s 3-1 win at Elland Road back in 2022.
Palmer often plays as the right-winger under Maresca, and if that were to be the case against the Whites, it would be Gabriel Gudmundsson tasked with dealing with his threat.
Leeds may utilise a back five vs Chelsea
Leeds suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat against Man City last time out, having started the clash in a back four.
However, if you concede three in a game, it’s highly unlikely you take anything home with you, and Farke may change that against Chelsea.
It would make sense for the Whites to play a back five, and if so, it would offer additional support against the Blues’ quality from wide areas, which is often their go-to.
Jaka Bijol would likely return to feature alongside Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk, with Leeds then able to play with two up front.
Defensive stability will be key to a result against Maresca’s side, and Farke will no doubt be aware of that.
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