Chelsea welcome Leeds United to Stamford Bridge in the Fifth Round of the 2023-24 FA Cup.
Victory would see Chelsea reach the Quarter-Finals for the fourth time in five seasons, whilst Leeds seek a first Quarter-Final appearanc in 21 years.
Team News
Thiago Silva could return for Chelsea after he missed their last two matches with a groin injury.
Benoit Badiashile (groin), Marc Cucurella (ankle), Reece James, Lesley Ugochukwu (both hamstring), Wesley Fofana (ACL), Carney Chukwuemeka (knee) and Romeo Lavia (knock) remain ruled out.
Leeds could be without Georginio Rutter after he suffered a hip injury during their Championship win over Leicester.
Patrick Bamford, Crysencio Summerville (both ankle) and Dan James (knock) are doubts but Sam Byram (hamstring) could return
Karl Darlow (thumb), Pascal Struijk (foot) and Stuart Dallas (thigh) remain absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Chelsea host Leeds at 7:30pm GMT on Wednesday 28 February at Stamford Bridge, live on ITV4 in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Chelsea are unbeaten in eight FA Cup meetings against Leeds across five separate ties (W5, D3).
- Leeds are winless in their three previous FA Cup visits to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (D1, L2).
- Chelsea have kept clean sheets in two of their three previous FA Cup matches at home to Leeds, during which they scored six goals and conceded one goal.
- Chelsea have kept clean sheets in each of their two FA Cup matches at home this season (W1, D1).
- Leeds have lost each of their last six FA Cup ties against top-flight opposition (L6).
Prediction
Having suffered the agnony of extra-time defeat in the Carabao Cup Final, Chelsea now must quickly reset because they did incredibly well to soak up Liverpool’s pressure aside from a late extra-time corner, yet they just weren’t clinical enough with their own chances through a bit of bad luck.
Leeds though will surely view this as their chance to reach the Quarter-Finals if can get at Chelsea quickly with their high-energy attack, but it is important that they’re aware of the Blues’ counter-attacking pace and do a job defensively to wear the Blues down physically if can’t strike early.
Daniel Farke’s Whites also hold the fitness advantage the longer this game wears on because if they can frustrate Chelsea, I do feel like they might do another smash-and-grab as Leicester found out to their cost last weekend but they will need to bring their best clinical game.
Chelsea on the other hand will make changes with players like Noni Madueke and Christopher Nkunk set to start, which could well be the difference on top of motivation knowing that this is their only chance of silverware this season now.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Leeds
Result: Chelsea 3-2 Leeds
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