Chelsea vs Leeds United FA Cup Semi-Final Preview: Blues Seek Response After Dire Run
Leeds unbeaten in almost two months as clubs meet at Wembley with City final spot at stake
Quick Look
- Chelsea face Leeds United in an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley with both teams in contrasting form.
- Chelsea, still without a permanent manager after dismissing Liam Rosenior, have lost seven of their last eight matches.
- Leeds, despite a relegation battle this season, are unbeaten in almost two months and have impressed against top clubs, including a 3-1 win over Chelsea in December.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Chelsea are experiencing a crisis under BlueCo ownership, with the club on a run of seven defeats in eight matches. Leeds reached their first FA Cup semi-final since 1987 and have been impressive against top clubs this season, including a 3-1 win over Chelsea in December and a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea's caretaker manager Calum McFarlane has made three changes to the side that lost heavily to Brighton. Tosin Adarabioyo, Alejandro Garnacho and the fit again Joao Pedro replace Wesley Fofana, Jorrel Hato and Liam Delap. Cole Palmer is among the subs. Just one change for Leeds. Lucas Perri, the hero of their quarter-final victory at West Ham, replaces Karl Darlow in goal.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1) Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Tosin, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo; Neto, Enzo Fernandez, Garnacho; Joao Pedro. Subs: Sharman-Lowe, Delap, Palmer, Essugo, Santos, Hato, Fofana, Acheampong, Derry.
Leeds (3-4-2-1) Perri; Justin, Bijol, Struijk; Bogle, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson; Aaronson, Okafor; Calvert-Lewin. Subs: Darlow, Rodon, Bornauw, Longstaff, Stach, James, Gnonto, Piroe, Nmecha.
Referee Jarred Gillett
Given Chelsea supporters are pining for the old days, perhaps they can cheer themselves up by remembering glorious runs from some of the club's previous interim managers, although whether Calum McFarlane is capable of emulating the likes of Guus Hiddink, Roberto Di Matteo and Rafael Benítez looks like a long shot as another damaging week for the BlueCo project draws to a close. Is this inexperienced young coach the man for a salvage operation? Fans will take some convincing after watching Chelsea's players not so much throw in the towel as not even bother to pick it up at all during Tuesday's defeat to Brighton, which saw off Liam Rosenior. Those heading to Wembley for Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Leeds will hope for a response but do not be surprised if they turn mutinous again.
It's hard to believe this is Leeds' first FA Cup semi-final since 1987, when they lost a thriller against Coventry. The last time they reached the final, Don Revie was manager.
The beauty – the point – of most football matches is that we don't know who's going to win. In today's FA Cup semi-final between Chelsea and Leeds, it's not even clear who are the favourites to win. Chelsea are Chelsea but they're also Chelsea, without a permanent manager (insert your own joke here) and on a run of seven increasingly miserable defeats in eight. Leeds, despite being in a relegation battle for most of the season, are unbeaten in almost two months. With the exception of Arsenal, Leeds have been excellent against the big boys this season. That includes the two league games against Chelsea: a narrative-changing 3-1 win in December and a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge in February. The winners will play Manchester City on Saturday 16 May. Just don't ask me who it'll be. Kick off 3pm.
Open Questions
- Will Chelsea's players respond after the Brighton defeat?
- Can Calum McFarlane inspire a turnaround?
- Will Leeds maintain their strong form against top teams?
