Chelsea vs Leeds Predictions

• Leeds have scored at least twice in four straight games
• Chelsea created 1.85 xG in their first game under Calum McFarlane in January
• There have been eight goals shared across the two league clashes between these two sides this term

Chelsea’s McFarlane era begins again

Chelsea threw Calum McFarlane into the deep end when he was named interim manager for their visit to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in January. Now they’ve raised the stakes, sacking Liam Rosenior and reinstating McFarlane for a visit to Wembley.

McFarlane will be the third man to oppose Daniel Farke in the dugout for Chelsea this term. The dying embers of Enzo Maresca’s reign brought a 3-1 defeat at Elland Road in December, while Rosenior oversaw a foreboding collapse from 2-0 up to draw in February’s clash at Stamford Bridge.

Now McFarlane is aiming to mastermind a victory over the Blues’ big rivals of the 60s and 70s. That could set up a full-circle moment for McFarlane, crossing paths with Guardiola at Wembley.

Leeds can add to Chelsea’s blues

While McFarlane could yet cap his second interim spell with a trophy, this in-form Leeds side are more than capable of causing Chelsea problems again. They’re unbeaten in seven, scoring at least twice in each of their last four games.

Forward Noah Okafor has scored three goals across his last three appearances for Leeds, while he found the net against Chelsea in February. He’ll spearhead this Leeds side with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and the Swiss striker looks good to get on the scoresheet.

Will Rosenior’s sacking get Chelsea firing?

While the Chelsea board’s long-term vision has given way to an Alan Sugar impression, this latest firing could be exactly what they need to get their blunt forward line back in form.

The Blues have failed to score in six of their last seven, only finding a way past League Two-bound Port Vale in that time. They’ve lost five straight Premier League games to nil, but there’s encouragement in McFarlane’s return.

His sole game in charge saw Chelsea create 1.85 Expected Goals at the Etihad, creating three big chances in a game where City were clearly second-best. He should be able to bring improved performances from Chelsea’s attackers here, so both teams to score is the standout bet.