Leeds Utd v Chelsea Match Day Thread
Leeds United v Chelsea
Sunday 21st August at 14:00 hrs | Elland Road
Patrick Bamford, Joe Gelhardt, Luis Sinisterra, Liam Cooper and Adam Forshaw all face a race against time to be fit for the visit of Chelsea on Sunday. The quintet would certainly add both firepower, and experience to their squad when they need it most, especially when considering Chelsea's strength in depth.
With five games over a two-week period, Leeds gaffer Jesse Marsch didn't want to take any chances with injury, so when Patrick Bamford picked up a knock at St Mary's, he was hauled off. Unfortunately for Leeds, fellow striker Joe Gelhardt had suffered a dead leg in training, and with the busy schedule ahead of them, it was decided that the 20yo shouldn't make the trip down to the South Coast last weekend.
Captain Liam Cooper is in a similar position. He missed the whole of pre-season with an Achilles injury, and although he returned to training two weeks ago, is not yet 100% fit. He is expected to start on the bench on Sunday, as is Luis Sinisterra. The Columbian winger has yet to make a real impact at Leeds; its fair to say that his injury, during his first start for Leeds (v Crystal Palace in Australia last month, after just 15 minutes) couldn't have come at a worse time. He enjoyed a cameo role at the weekend, and is expecting a longer run out against the Blues. Adam Forshaw completed 45 minutes for the U21's on Monday, he too can expect to make Sunday's squad, albeit, from the bench. Junior Firpo, Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas are all sidelined.
Chelsea have problems of their own. Midfielder duo Mateo Kovacic and N’Golo Kante have been ruled out, so Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Connor Gallagher are set to deputise. Azpilicueta is set to return to right back duties, allowing Reece James moving to switch back to his more familiar left back role. Raheem Sterling looks set to lead the line against the Whites.
Be more secure streaming games this season! Get NordVPN with 68% off + 3 months free...
