Expect high intensity from Leeds – Tuchel
Follow live updates as Chelsea travel to Leeds in the Premier League today. Chelsea saw a win slip through their fingers as Tottenham rescued a late draw at Stamford Bridge last weekend but the Blues have the chance to add to their opening victory against Everton at Goodison Park against their old rivals Leeds this afternoon.
Jesse Marsch’s side were denied by Southampton last weekend but they opened their home campaign with a win against Wolves and will look to use the atmosphere of Elland Road to make life difficult for the visitors – who are without N’Golo Kante after the midfielder suffered a hamstring injury but will have Thomas Tuchel on the touchline despite being charged by the FA for his confrontation with Antonio Conte.
Both clubs have been busy in the transfer market this summer with Chelsea still expected to do plenty of business before the window closes. Raheem Sterling is out for his first Premier League goal for the Blues following his switch from Manchester City.
Follow live updates from Leeds vs Chelsea in the Premier League, below:
Leeds vs Chelsea: Confirmed lineups
The team news is in! Loftus-Cheek keeps his place at wing-back and it’s Conor Gallagher who gets the nod in central midfield to replace the injured N’Golo Kante for Chelsea. No surprises in the Leeds line-up, with Rodrigo up front after Patrick Bamford’s latest issue. Struijk continues at left-back.
Leeds XI: Meslier, Kristensen, Struijk, Koch, Llorente, Adams, Roca, Aaronson, Harrison, James, Rodrigo
Chelsea XI: Mendy, James, Silva, Koulibaly, Loftus-Cheek, Jorginho, Gallagher, Cucurella, Mount, Havertz, Sterling
Karl Matchett21 August 2022 13:03
Leeds vs Chelsea: the season so far
Two games in and these teams are level on points, goal difference and another stat which you won’t find by looking at the league table: giving up victories late on.
Wins on the opening weekend came for Chelsea at Everton, 1-0, and Leeds at home to Wolves, 2-1.
But last weekend they both drew 2-2: Leeds went two goals up away to Southampton before conceding twice in the final 20 minutes, while for Chelsea it was an injury time equaliser they couldn’t prevent against Tottenham – just after that controversial hair-pull moment.
Will they be separated today?
Karl Matchett21 August 2022 12:50
Frank Lampard can’t guarantee Chelsea target Anthony Gordon will remain at Everton
Frank Lampard has said he wants Anthony Gordon to stay at Everton and improve them rather than move to Chelsea – but admitted he could not guarantee the winger will still be at Goodison Park when the transfer window closes.
Everton rejected an offer, thought to be of up to £45 million, for the 21-year-old this week – but while Lampard believes Gordon has a huge value and is worth more than some players who have gone for high fees, he insisted that was not a negotiating ploy to get Chelsea to raise their bid.
Gordon missed a fine late chance to give Everton a win in their 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Frank Lampard can’t guarantee Chelsea target Anthony Gordon will remain at Everton
Gordon is set to feature for Everton agaisnt Nottingham Forest despite transfer interest from Chelsea
Karl Matchett21 August 2022 12:45
Thomas Tuchel handed suspended one-match ban for heated clash with Antonio Conte
However, Tuchel’s ban has been “suspended temporarily” pending written reasons that will be made available “in due course,” an FA statement said. Tuchel will therefore be on the touchline for his side’s match against Leeds on Sunday.
Tuchel has been fined £35,000 for the incident while Tottenham boss Conte has been hit with a £15,000 fine and has not received a ban.
Both managers were charged by the FA with improper conduct following the 2-2 draw in the Premier League last weekend, which saw Tuchel and Conte receive red cards at the full-time whistle.
Karl Matchett21 August 2022 12:38
Leeds vs Chelsea: Early team news
Leeds have defensive concerns with Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas definitely out, while Junior Firpo is also now sidelined. Liam Cooper remains a doubt though probably wouldn’t start this one even if he is fit for the squad. Patrick Bamford picked up another problem against Southampton so Rodrigo will likely start in attack.
Chelsea will be without Mateo Kovacic again, while fellow central midfielder N’Golo Kante is out after picking up a hamstring strain against Spurs last weekend. Thomas Tuchel shouldn’t have any other injury worries and must pick between Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell at left wing-back in one of several interesting line-up calls.
LEE – Meslier, Kristensen, Koch, Llorente, Struijk, Roca, Adams, James, Aaronson, Harrison, Rodrigo
CHE – Mendy, James, Silva, Koulibaly, Loftus-Cheek, Gallagher, Jorginho, Cucurella, Mount, Havertz, Sterling
Jamie Braidwood21 August 2022 12:30
George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism