BBC Sport pundit Carlton Palmer is backing his former side Leeds United to pull off a shock result when they take on Chelsea at Elland Road on Wednesday night, based on what he’s seen from the Blues in recent weeks.
The Lowdown: Leeds stumbling towards relegation
The Whites haven’t been in a great run of form of late, having suffered a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal last weekend, and prior to that, were on the receiving end of a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City.
They have only taken one point from their last three fixtures, a record which has now seen them fall into the relegation zone.
Thomas Tuchel’s side also haven’t been performing to their usual standards in recent weeks though, having drawn and lost their last two matches against Wolves and Everton respectively.
Whilst this will offer some hope that the home side are capable of getting a result, Jesse Marsch will definitely be heading into this Premier League clash the more concerned of the two managers given the situation his team currently find themselves in.
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The Latest: Chelsea are on the beach
When speaking during an interview ahead of the game, the 56-year-old Palmer has seen enough from Chelsea to feel that they are guaranteed a top-four finish, which could present the Whites with the perfect opportunity to pick up all three points. Palmer told GiveMeSport:
“Leeds have Chelsea at home, and I think Chelsea are already on the beach, so that’s a game that they could get a result out of. And then Leeds have got Brighton at home and then Brentford away, which are winnable games on paper.”
The Verdict: Ayling will be a huge loss
Leeds are more than capable of taking something from this game, but they will have to do so without right-back Luke Ayling, who will now miss the remainder of the season after receiving a straight red for a two-footed tackle in the game against the Gunners.
The 30-year-old has been an essential part of the Yorkshire outfit’s backline this term, having averaged 2.8 tackles, 1.9 clearances, and 1.8 dribbles per top-flight 90 minutes, via WhoScored, showing just how much of an effect he can have at both ends of the pitch in that wing-back role.
Even though Ayling will be a huge loss to Marsch, the Whites need to try and capitalise on recent Chelsea’s defensive frailties and secure the victory if they want to give themselves a real chance of avoiding the drop at the end of May.
In other news… a journalist has confirmed that one major Leeds star will be unavailable to face Chelsea.
