CHELSEA travel to Leeds on Wednesday for a crucial clash from the Premier League. Sam Ingram (@SamIngram_) shares his views from Elland Road.
Leeds vs Chelsea | Wednesday 11th May 2022, 19:30 | Sky Sports
With Eddie Nketiah forcing his way onto the scoresheet twice in the opening ten minutes, Leeds fans would have been fearing the worst on the weekend. But, somehow, it ended only 2-1 to the Gunners, who faced a 10-man Leeds from the 27th-minute.
A few days on, another capital club will attempt to snatch a much-needed three points from Leeds’ grasp. Chelsea arrives in a different shape to Arteta’s Arsenal, who trail the Blues by one point. One win in five and on the back of a late capitulation at Stamford Bridge, Thomas Tuchel will be eyeing nothing other than maximum points on Wednesday.
Mainstays Ayling and Dallas will be missing from a defensive unit that will have to adopt a square peg in round holes approach at right-back. Twenty years have passed since Leeds had any joy up against Chelsea. If that’s to change, Jesse Marsch will need to come up trumps with a makeshift backline.
Not only do the travelling Chelsea players need a result in the league to fend off Arsenal, but they’ll be fighting for an FA Cup final starting spot, too. Considering recent form, you’d have to say that a large chunk of that eleven was up for grabs.
I previewed a profitable Leeds vs Arsenal preview for We Love Betting on Sunday. Taking the same suggested selection works again here. Leeds’ opponents to score two goals and the Whites to receive 20+ booking points. Rinse and repeat.
At 2.15, it’s an inviting offering from Skybet’s new bet builder function. Leeds recently surpassed Sunderland for the most yellows received in a Premier League season. The 1994/95 record stood for nearly twenty years until this fiery bunch from Yorkshire had their say.
Leeds have witnessed 95 cards flashed in their direction at a 2.72 per90 average from 35 Premier League fixtures.
Disciplinary issues aren’t the only worry for Leeds United. If Chelsea do find the net at Elland Road, it will be the twelfth fixture in succession where the home side fails to keep a clean sheet in front of a familiar crowd. Ten games without keeping a travelling team at bay stands as the leakiest run in 56 years.
Only Liverpool have scored more away from home than Tuchel’s men this term. The 36 mustered by Chelsea provides them with a 2.00 goals per90 figure from 18 games – something that should strike fear into makeshift Leeds setup. Additionally, Chelsea has hit two or more strikes in 10 of those 18 outings, making their side of the selection successful in 56% of travels.
In an attempt to fashion a long shot, I’ve decided on more of the same. December’s Stamford Bridge head-to-head saw Leeds clock up 50+ booking points with three goals conceded, suggesting the bigger priced play isn’t so outlandish.
It would be remiss of me not to mention Wednesday’s referee in a preview centred around cards. Although I’d fancy Leeds to force a referee’s hand no matter the appointment, Anthony Taylor has the whistle.
This season, Taylor’s 3.88 per90 average provides a solid footing to work with. Furthermore, 2.04 of that average is brandished towards the home side. So, more of the same from the man in black should set the stage for another profitable evening at WLB.
Best Bets
Leeds vs Chelsea – Leeds 20+ Booking Points and Chelsea 2+ Goals (23/20 SkyBet)
Leeds vs Chelsea – Leeds 30+ Booking Points and Chelsea 3+ Goals (5/1 SkyBet)
