Chelsea faced Leeds United at Elland Road in a Premier League showdown. Manager Enzo Maresca made five changes to the starting lineup after their 1-1 draw with Arsenal. Moises Caicedo was suspended after being sent off in the previous match, while Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia, and Dario Essugo were sidelined due to injuries.
With a packed schedule, Maresca opted to rotate the squad against Leeds, who are currently 18th in the league table. The confirmed Chelsea lineup was:
Chelsea: Sanchez; Chalobah, Tosin, Badiashile, Cucurella; Andrey Santos, Enzo (c); Estevao Willian, Joao Pedro, Gittens; Delap
Chelsea substitutes: Jorgensen, Acheampong, Gusto, James, Hato, Neto, Garnacho, Palmer, Guiu
The Leeds-Chelsea Rivalry: A History of Hatred
Beyond the game itself, the match carried significant weight due to the long-standing rivalry between Leeds and Chelsea. The tension between these two clubs stretches back decades, fueled by controversial matches and intense competition.
The rivalry predates the infamous 1970 FA Cup final. Many Leeds fans trace the animosity back to the 1967 FA Cup semi-final, where Chelsea's victory was marred by controversial refereeing decisions. A disallowed goal for Leeds, where the Chelsea wall wasn't the mandated 10 yards away, remains a sore point.
The 1970 FA Cup Final: Fueling the Fire
The 1970 FA Cup final and its replay only intensified the rivalry. The replay, played at Old Trafford, was a brutal affair, with tackles flying in and the game teetering on the edge of chaos. This match is often cited as a prime example of the fierce animosity between the two clubs.
While Leeds spent time in the Championship and even League One, the dislike between the fans never faded. Any encounter between these teams is guaranteed to be a passionate and intense affair.