Premier League 2025-2026: Chelsea-Leeds, the likely lineups
At 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, the curtain opens on the 26th day of the Premier League, with Stamford Bridge hosting one of the four challenges of the English evening, that between Chelsea and Leeds. Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea, fresh from a convincing away win against Wolves, is in excellent form and aims to consolidate fifth place in the standings to secure the European zone. On the other side, Daniel Farke’s Leeds arrive at Stamford Bridge in search of salvation points.
Chelsea comes to this challenge dragged by a Cole Palmer in a state of grace, fresh from a hat trick in the last round. Rosenior, however, has to deal with a series of unavailable players that complicate his rotations in no small way. The latest forfeit concerns captain Reece James, struck down by a bout of flu that will almost certainly keep him out: in his place is ready Malo Gusto on the right flank. Colwill will still be missing in defense: the central pair Fofana-Chalobah will almost certainly be confirmed. The midfield remains the most solid department, despite Lavia’s absence, while in attack, in support of Joao Pedro on the left flank, it is a struggle between Garnacho and Pedro Neto for a starting jersey.
Leeds comes to Stamford Bridge in full emergency: Struijk’s forfeit deprives Farke of his defensive leader, forcing him to redesign the defense to contain the Blues’attack. Also in the midfield weighs the absence of Anton Stach; the keys to the game will therefore pass to Gruev, who will be called upon to do a job of extreme sacrifice to limit Chelsea’s play, while alongside him Ampadu will act as a dam to try to protect a defensive department that has appeared vulnerable in recent outings. Up front, on the other hand, Calvert-Lewin will grit his teeth, representing the’only hope to try to unhinge the Blues’ defense and snatch salvation points.
Probable lineups
CHELSEA (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez; Estevao, Palmer, Neto; Loao Pedro. All. Rosenior.
LEEDS (3-5-2): Darlow; Bijol, Rodon, Justin; Bogle, Aaronson, Ampadu, Gruev, Gudmundsson; Calvert-Lewin, Okafor. All. Farke.
