Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Tue 7 April 2026 16:10, UK

Leeds United are preparing for a huge period in the coming weeks, with an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea approaching.

The Whites dramatically secured their spot at Wembley on Sunday, with Pascal Struijk’s penalty sending the travelling Leeds contingent into raptures against West Ham.

As a result, the fixture against Bournemouth originally set for 25 April has been rescheduled, with the clash now set to take place on the Wednesday prior, on 22 April.

In the space of a week, Daniel Farke’s side have two big chances to aid their survival mission, with fixtures against Wolves and Bournemouth, before they take on Chelsea at Wembley.

Though with the fixture amendments in mind, Chelsea may just hold a key advantage.

Chelsea fixture amendment could impact Leeds at Wembley

Following Sunday’s cup exploits, the Whites were drawn to face Chelsea in the semi-final.

Alongside this, Manchester City would be drawn against Southampton, who secured a sensational 2-1 win against Arsenal on Saturday.

With Leeds facing Bournemouth away from home just days before a big cup semi-final, rivals Chelsea have received a nice boost.

Not only is the trip itself less taxing, given the relative distance between Brighton and Chelsea, but the Blues are also set to play out the fixture a day before Leeds.

Making a much shorter midweek trip will keep the Chelsea legs fresh, aided further by the depth of Liam Rosenior’s inflated squad.

It may only be a small advantage, but there most certainly is one for the West London giants, who will be gunning for silverware after a rather disappointing term.

Leeds set for season-defining week in April

The week as a whole could carry huge implications for Leeds, with their Premier League future still in the balance.

A week before the semi-final, Farke’s side welcome bottom dwellers Wolves to Elland Road, who have been all but condemned to relegation for large parts of the season.

After a drop in form before the international break, the Whites will see the clash against Rob Edwards’ side as a match in which three points are absolutely required, having beaten the Old Gold 3-1 at Molineux earlier this season.

Following this, they make the long trip to European-chasing Bournemouth, who will be looking to catch Leeds off guard if they are to have one eye on the Wembley outing.

Starting with a win against Wolves, the West Yorkshire outfit must gain some momentum to take into Bournemouth, before they play out one of the biggest games in recent years at Wembley against a historic rival in Chelsea.