Chelsea vs Leeds United prediction made as two reasons for FA Cup success given
Chelsea will look to turn their poor form around when they face Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday
Chelsea face Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday (Image: Warren Little/Getty Images)
Former Leeds United striker Paul Dickov has claimed the Yorkshire club are “expected” to overcome Chelsea in their forthcoming FA Cup semi-final encounter. The Whites have the chance to reach the FA Cup final for the first time in more than 50 years on Saturday, but must eliminate the eight-time winners of the competition at Wembley.
Despite Leeds sitting 15th in the Premier League table with Chelsea eighth, just eight points separate the two sides. Currently enduring a five-match losing streak without a single goal to their name, the Blues parted ways with Liam Rosenior earlier this week, while Leeds are enjoying an unbeaten run stretching five matches.
The stark contrast in fortunes between the two clubs has prompted Dickov — who had a brief spell at Elland Road in 2010 — to install his former side as favourites for the tie.
Leeds have claimed four points from Chelsea this season, beating them 3-1 at home before fighting back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Stamford Bridge in February. Speaking to MrQ, the former Scotland international said: “Yeah, I think you have got to think of Leeds as genuine contenders for the FA Cup.
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“If you’re looking at the poor form of Chelsea at the moment and the good form of Leeds, then Leeds are probably expected to win the match this weekend and get to the FA Cup final. After that, you never know, it’s a bit like Crystal Palace last year.
“If Manchester City beat Southampton, and you can never assume that, then you have to remember that Leeds have given Manchester City two really tough games this season.
“So Leeds have got themselves a great chance in the semi-finals, and I would say a great chance in the final too.”
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Speaking ahead of Saturday’s fixture, Leeds boss Daniel Farke acknowledged that Chelsea may have a point to prove following Rosenior’s dismissal, but insisted his side are capable of beating any team in the division.
“We prepare to face a really strong, a really dangerous side – the side who is the favourite, the German said.
“But, we have also shown against the top sides… we are even capable to bring in performance and to deliver a result. We know, if we have a top day and we deliver in a perfect way it’s one day, one game. There’s always a chance.
“This is also against the reigning champion of the Club World Cup and of course, we’re not the favourite in this game. There’s no doubt about this. But we also know that we play this game in a good moment.”
