Pressured Chelsea hosts Leeds at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League, they want to end their dismal recent run of results.
With the Blues having won just two of their previous sixteen games, Graham Potter’s position as manager of the team appears to be in jeopardy. If the hosts suffer another humiliating loss on Saturday, his job may be on the line.
Thankfully for Potter, Leeds has only won one of their past 11 Premier League games, most recently at Elland Road against fellow struggling team Southampton, and just one of their last 12 away games in the league this year.
Chelsea vs Leeds betting predictions: under 2.5 goals
Although Leed has a dismal road record, it is tough to have any genuine faith in backing a Chelsea team that appears to lack attacking ideas after significant January investment.
The Blues’ lack of offensive firepower has undoubtedly contributed to their demise as they have scored just one goal in their last six games. In fact, they have only managed to score six goals in their last 15 games in all competitions, and none of their last 11 games saw more than one goal scored.
A tight game appears expected based on both teams’ recent inability to score goals. Leeds are similarly lacking in goals, with the Elland Road side failing to score in four of their previous six Premier League games. In their 1:0 victory over Southampton last weekend, the Lilywhites, now managed by former Watford manager Javi Gracia, showed a far more practical approach. The Spaniard will employ a more defensive style moving ahead, and with that, we anticipate a low-scoring match here. The Spaniard were previously a high-pressing attacking side that gave up far too many goals.
Given that Leeds have experienced this result in nine of their last 13 away PL games and in both of their most recent trips to the Bridge, there may be some value in selecting the BTTS wager. Of course, neither team has been particularly prolific in front of goal lately, but Chelsea will undoubtedly get past a Leeds team that has only managed one clean sheet in their previous 14 away games.
Yet, with Chelsea having experienced that result in each of their last seven games as well as in each of their previous six home games at the Bridge, the under 2.5 goal market appears to be the safest bet here. In five of Leeds’ previous six league games, there were fewer than 2.5 goals scored.
Chelsea Team News
With Thiago Silva expected to be hospitalized for an extended period of time, under-fire manager Potter has some difficult decision-making. The seasoned Brazilian joins Kanté, Broja, Mendy, Azpilicueta, and Pulii on the sidelines.
With their lackluster loss to Spurs last weekend, the Blues might make some adjustments, with players like Fofana, Zakaria, Mount, and Mudryk vying for spots in the starting lineup.
Leeds Team News
Gray, Dallas, and Rodrigo cannot be called upon by the Spanish head coach, who is anticipated to announce a stable starting lineup.
Key Facts Chelsea vs Leeds
- Under 2.5 goals have been scored in each of Chelsea’s last seven games.
- Under 2.5 goals have been scored in each of Chelsea’s last six home games.
- In five of Leeds’ past six Premier League games, there have been under than 2.5 goals scored.
- Just one goal has been scored by Chelsea in their last six games.
- In four of their last six Premier League games, Leeds has failed to score.
- The last two matches between these teams in London both ended in BTTS.
Additional predictions
- Both Teams to Score
- Chelsea to Win
- Under 3.5 Goals
Players to Watch
Mason Mount: The England midfielder may anticipate being reinserted into the starting lineup. This season, Mount has made 23 PL appearances but only scored three goals.
