GRAHAM POTTER knows he’s in trouble at Chelsea.
The Blues boss was promised time to stamp his authority on the new-look squad – much like Mikel Arteta was trusted for his long-term project at Arsenal.
The trouble is, Chelsea have been utterly dreadful.
New owner Todd Boehly has wasted no time making big decisions since taking over from Roman Abramovich.
The American has already overseen the sacking of Thomas Tuchel – who helped the Blues win the Champions League – and a staggering £600million transfer splurge.
And just six months after Tuchel was given the boot, Potter may be set to follow.
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The ex-Brighton boss has been given two games to save his job, according to reports.
But, make no mistake, a massacre at home to fierce rivals Leeds this Saturday could see the Stamford Bridge axe swung once more.
The Yorkshire side are sitting just one point and one place above the relegation zone – but under new management following Javi Gracia’s arrival, they’ll be fighting tooth and nail to keep their Premier League status.
Incredibly, Chelsea only sit nine points above Leeds down in a barely-believable tenth place – all the more embarrassing given their outrageous spending.
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And don’t forget, Leeds battered the Blues 3-0 at Elland Road earlier this season – so they’ve got form.
At some point, something has to give.
Boehly won’t necessarily want to sack Potter.
But given the money thrown at the squad, for the former Seagulls man to boast the WORST record of any Chelsea boss in Premier League history is borderline humiliating for everyone involved at the club.
What is their form like?
Chelsea: Bad. Very, very bad.
The Blues haven’t won a match since the 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace on January 15.
Most-recently, Chelsea have lost back-to-back league games against Tottenham and Southampton, as well as the 1-0 Champions League defeat at Borussia Dortmund.
Leeds: Up and down.
They snatched a vital win against Southampton in their relegation six-pointer at the weekend to give their survival hopes a massive boost.
But they lost in their FA Cup fifth round clash against Fulham 2-0 midweek.
What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?
Chelsea: Thiago Silva was forced to leave the pitch on Sunday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after Harry Kane fell on the 38-year-old following a challenge from the Brazilian.
Christian Pulisic, N’Golo Kante, Cesar Azpilicueta, Edouard Mendy and Armando Broja will all be unavailable for the visit of Leeds on Saturday.
However, the Blues will welcome the return of Mateo Kovacic, who is expected to return to the squad.
Leeds: Gracia will certainly be without Rodrigo who is facing up to four weeks out after an injury picked up at the end of the FA Cup game against Accrington Stanley at the end of January.
Stuart Dallas remains a long-term absentee with a thigh injury.
Liam Cooper and Pascal Struijk are expected to be available for the trip to the Bridge. While, the Chelsea game should come too soon for Adam Forshaw.
Who will be the star men?
Chelsea: Joao Felix.
With approximately 100 forwards in the squad, it’s hard to know who could emerge from the shadows and be a hero.
While Mykhailo Mudryk aims to avoid falling foul of the “007 curse” – zero goals and zero assists in seven games – the likes of Noni Madueke, Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz will all be keen to impress.
But Felix has looked classy in fits and spurts since joining Chelsea and could be the one to watch.
Leeds: Willy Gnonto.
He’s looked so exciting this season, the Blues had better keep an eye on him.
Gnonto has managed only two goals in 13 Premier League games this season, but his performances have been electric.
When is Chelsea vs Leeds?
- Chelsea vs Leeds will take place on Saturday, March 4.
- The game will kick off at 3pm UK time.
- Stamford Bridge will be the venue.
Is Chelsea vs Leeds on TV?
- Unfortunately, the game won’t be shown live on TV in the UK due to the game being scheduled to play during the 3pm blackout.
- You can keep up to date will all the action on our SunSport live blog.
Odds
- Chelsea – 8/13
- Draw – 14/5
- Leeds – 9/2
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*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at the time of publication.
SunSport prediction
Chelsea 2 Leeds 1
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
