Chelsea vs Leeds United: Match preview, predicted line-ups, team news and prediction

They could also etch their name into the record books by becoming the first side to score four or more goals in five straight FA Cup games.

Chelsea and Leeds have met six times in the FA Cup, with the Blues winning every tie, most recently in the fifth round of the 2023/24 campaign.

In contrast to the Blues’ struggles, Leeds have hit a strong run of form, recording seven games without defeat across all competitions and edging away from relegation in the top flight.

The Whites will be determined to halt their Chelsea’s progress, having made history as the first newly promoted side to reach the FA Cup semi-finals since Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2018/19.

Should they overcome Chelsea and reach the FA Cup final for the first time since the 1972/73 season, Leeds will be dreaming of a first FA Cup triumph since the 1971/72 campaign.

Team news

McFarlane confirmed that Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro had trained in his pre-game press conference and could feature in the semi-final clash.

However, Estevao Willian is sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a hamstring injury, joining Reece James, Levi Colwill, Jamie Gittens and Filip Jorgensen in the Blues’ infirmary.

Leeds will be without Ilia Gruev, while Jayden Bogle, Sebastiaan Bornauw and Anton Stach are doubtful.

Predicted line-ups

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez, Gusto, Chalobah, Hato, Cucurella, Santos, Caicedo, Fernandez, Palmer, Neto, Joao Pedro.

Leeds United (3-4-2-1): Perri, Struijk, Bijol, Rodon, Bogle, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson, Aaronson, Okafor, Calvert-Lewin.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Leeds United.