Tuchel in two minds at Elland Road
Leeds United welcome Chelsea to Elland Road on Wednesday evening in need of a result to pull themselves out of the relegation zone.
The Whites slipped into the bottom three after Everton won at Leicester City, giving Jesse Marsch a lot to contemplate with three games to go in the season.
Goal difference is a real drawback for Leeds in this relegation battle and they will need to win at least one game, possibly two from their final trio against the Blues, Brighton and Hove Albion and Brentford.
Chelsea have only won one from five and now only have a five point cushion inside the top four with three games remaining, Thomas Tuchel’s men also have the FA Cup final coming up this weekend, their only chance of picking up silverware this season.
Process
Leeds gave a really good account of themselves considering they were 2-0 down and were reduced to ten men inside the opening half an hour at Arsenal on Sunday.
To lose 2-1 from that position was a sterling effort and has definitely given them something to take into the Chelsea test.
The Blues are low on confidence at the moment, and in that, Leeds’ high pressing style of play could be a little bit more effective, in a match where they may have to go for the jugular.
On the whole, Leeds have made positive strides this season and should not fear relegation from the top-flight resulting in an exodus from the league that took place in the recent past, but survival will become a whole lot tougher if they are unable to take anything in this match.
Romelu Lukaku was back amongst the goals with a brace in the Blues’ 2-2 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
It will be interesting to see if Tuchel rests players with the final in mind.
Goals?
Overs looks like a good way in, but I am happy to take a short price to rely on less.
Leeds have scored in five of ten.
Leeds have conceded in eight of ten.
Leeds have seen both teams score in four of ten.
Leeds have seen over 2.5 goals in seven of ten.
Chelsea have scored in nine of ten.
Chelsea have conceded in seven of ten.
Chelsea have seen both teams score in six of ten.
Chelsea have seen over 2.5 goals in six of ten.
The Blues are in the best shape right now, and if Leeds can raise their level with the home crowd they have a good chance of yielding a positive result.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
3-0 Chelsea, a disappointing start to the week.