Leeds United manager Daniel Farke could see the scrutiny over his position further intensify after Opta delivered their prediction for the game against Chelsea.
Despite an improved performance against Manchester City, reports have suggested that Daniel Farke could be sacked as Leeds manager if they lose both games against Chelsea and Liverpool.
Farke could elect to stick with the 5-3-2 formation that served his side so well in the second half against City, as Dominic Calvert-Lewin came off the bench to spark his side into life.
Leeds have a poor recent track record against Chelsea, having won just once in the Premier League against the Blues since 2003, in a worrying omen for Farke.
Now, Opta have predicted that Leeds will fall to another defeat on Wednesday night, which would only serve to ramp up the pressure on the under-fire Leeds boss.
Prediction time for Leeds United v Chelsea
Leeds United predicted to lose Chelsea clash
Farke has several tough selection decisions to make, with Dan James ruled out of the fixture through injury and Justin James suffering a knock against Man City.
However, according to Opta, there is little that Farke can do to prevent the pressure on his position building further, with Chelsea made overwhelming favourites for the game.
Chelsea are given a 60.3% chance of continuing their recent strong track record against Leeds and claiming a victory at Elland Road.
A draw is deemed to be the second-most probable outcome, at 20.6%, while Leeds have been given a 19.1% chance of ending their run of four consecutive defeats with a win.
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Leeds injuries and doubts:
- Dan James (out – hamstring)
- Sean Longstaff (out – calf)
- Anton Stach (doubt – concussion)
- James Justin (knock – doubt)
- Sebastiaan Bornauw (knee – doubt)
Chelsea injuries and doubts:
- Moises Caicedo (out – suspension)
- Mykhailo Mudryk (out – suspension)
- Levi Colwill (out – knee)
- Romeo Lavia (out – thigh)
- Dario Essugo (out – thigh)
- Reece James (doubt – fitness)
Leeds United must beware Chelsea’s high press
Leeds changed to a more direct approach to end the defeat against Manchester City, and the stats from the season to date show that the same tactic could help avoid trouble against Chelsea.
According to the stats maintained by Opta, although Chelsea only rank in mid-table for most pressing sequences, sitting 13th with 131 in total, they are particularly effective when pressing in the final third.
Enzo Maresca’s side currently lead the competition for the most high turnovers ending in shots, with 22 from 86 attempts, which also gives them the best percentage of high turnovers ending in a shot, with 25.58%, interestingly ahead of Leeds in second.
Chelsea’s impressive high press:
| Metric | Total | Premier League rank |
| Pressed Sequences | 131 | 13th |
| Total High Turnovers | 86 | 11th |
| Shot Ending High Turnovers | 22 | 1st |
| % Shot Ending High Turnovers | 25.58% | 1st |
| Goal Ending High Turnover | 2 | =2nd |
With two goals from high turnovers, Chelsea have the joint second most in the Premier League, behind Liverpool with three.
As a result, Farke should avoid the temptation to revert to the 4-3-3 he has preferred this season, and stick to the more direct approach that served Leeds so well in the second half at the Etihad.
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