Leeds United return to west London on Saturday to take on bitter rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. It’s another Premier League game Leeds could do with winning if they are to pull themselves out of danger and they’ll be keen to pile the misery on the Blues, who are without a win in six.
Ahead of the contest, Leeds Live spoke to football.london’s Chelsea reporter Scott Trotter to get the inside track.
Things haven’t been going to plan at Chelsea under Graham Potter, what’s the mood like at Stamford Bridge right now?
Honestly, pretty bleak. Understandably there were boos at both half and full time following the game against Southampton, and perhaps even a degree of apathy by the end of the game away to Spurs. We're yet to see a toxic atmosphere at the stadium however, and in fairness to supporters they were brilliant at the start of the second period against the Saints when the football of the previous 45 minutes had given little cause for cheer.
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Graham Potter has few supporters in the fanbase at the moment given the Blues have not scored in six matches and are enduring the worst form in the league. Some will still hope to be converted, but results must improve to stand any chance of that.
Does Potter have to beat Leeds to keep his job?
Well, dropping more points certainly won't help. There doesn't appear to have been an ultimatum of any kind and he still has the support of the owners for the moment. However, given the strength of feeling a number of supporters will have about the Leeds rivalry, that combined with a mammoth game against Borussia Dortmund would seem an appropriate point to once again take stock of things.
How big is Saturday in terms of Chelsea’s Premier League campaign?
It depends whether you think there's anything left to play for in the Premier League for Chelsea. In my opinion they need to prove they have the quality not to be drawn further down the table. They need a performance of intent going into the game against Dortmund and also to signal to themselves that they can claim some wins before the end of the season. Soon comes a difficult finale and Chelsea are yet to beat a team above them in the table. So like has been said for what must be months now - massive game for Chelsea.
What gives you confidence Chelsea can end their rotten run and pick up the points this weekend?
In truth, it's difficult to find a lot of confidence. Their goalscoring record makes it difficult to foresee many wins but the defence has produced a stellar record. It's not been as highly regarded due to the pressure Chelsea's inability in front of goal has caused, but only two teams have conceded fewer goals.
What’s Chelsea’s biggest weakness and where can Leeds get at them?
If you haven't been able to tell already, it's in front of goal. Chelsea have been unable to come from behind very often at all in the last two seasons and as Leeds showed in the reverse fixture if they are put under pressure and into a battle teams will always have a chance.
How will Chelsea line up and how do you see the game going?
Predicting a team proves difficult with Graham Potter holding 31 senior options to pick from. Wesley Fofana could be set for his first start since returning from injury given Silva's absence and the likes of Reece James, Enzo Fernandez and Kai Havertz feel like locks for the contest. It could be a game for Mason Mount to start in to ensure the team know the temperature of the fixture and the success he has previously had in it.
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