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Leeds v Chelsea predictions: Back Blues to grind out win in Yorkshire

Hosts could suffer first defeat of the season

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel
Chelsea boss Thomas TuchelCredit: Alex Caparros - UEFA

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Leeds v Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Main Event & Premier League, 2pm Sunday

Best bet

Chelsea to win and under 3.5 goals
1pt 6-4 BoyleSports

Team news

Leeds
The hosts will be without Junior Firpo, Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas. Patrick Bamford and Liam Cooper are unlikely to feature.

Chelsea
N'Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Armando Broja are sidelined for the Blues.

Match preview

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel was quick to downplay his touchline bust-up with Tottenham boss Antonio Conte at the end of the 2-2 draw between the sides last Sunday but the tussle showed just how disappointed the German was with the result.

In a fiery contest at Stamford Bridge, the Blues looked much sharper than their London rivals and came moments away from a crucial win before Harry Kane grabbed a 96th-minute equaliser.

Even more frustrating for Chelsea was that summer signing Marc Cucurella was fouled by Cristian Romero when defending a corner before that goal and Tuchel's men deserved more from the game.

But on Sunday they can get back on the winning trail at Leeds, who spurned a two-goal lead themselves against Southampton last time out.

Jesse Marsch should be pleased his side have made the most of a fairly soft start with four points from two matches but the way the Yorkshire club's energy levels dropped against the Saints will be concerning.

And although their preferred approach of allowing opposing teams possession and operating with a press could suit playing against a side like Chelsea, Marsch's men have allowed 29 shots in their first two games and could be out of their depth in this one.

Even with N'Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic missing, Chelsea should once again run the midfield and can grind out a low-scoring win at Elland Road.

Rodrigo has made a great start to the season for Leeds with three goals in two Premier League matches but they are likely to be missing their main man up top - Patrick Bamford - against the Blues.

Chelsea have started the season well but are yet to see any of their forwards score with their three league goals coming from midfielder Jorginho and defensive pair Reece James and Kalidou Koulibaly.

Summer addition Raheem Sterling looked lively against Spurs and it is surely only a matter of time before he is in the goals for his new club but as Tuchel still searches for his best attacking combination, the visitors may have to settle for a narrow victory.

Chelsea secured their third-placed finish in last season's Premier League with 21 wins but 14 of those successes featured under 3.5 goals - including the corresponding fixture with Leeds - and they are not renowned for blowing teams away.

The season is still in its infancy and both sides can be expected to approach this match with an element of caution so opt for an away win and under 3.5 goals in West Yorkshire.

Key stat

Chelsea conceded only 11 goals in 19 away matches in last season's Premier League.

Inside info

Leeds

Penalty taker Rodrigo
Assist ace Jack Harrison
Set-piece aerial threat Diego Llorente
Card magnet Rodrigo

Chelsea

Penalty taker Jorginho
Assist aces Mason Mount, Reece James
Set-piece aerial threat Kalidou Koulibaly
Card magnet Jorginho


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