Fans’ preferred lineup against Leeds United: Let’s hope Palmer & JP are good to go

TL;DR

Chelsea fans are eager to see if Cole Palmer and João Pedro will be fit to play against Leeds United in the FA Cup semifinal. The preferred lineup features a 4-2-3-1 formation with key players ready to step in if needed.

Key points

Cole Palmer and João Pedro's fitness is uncertain
Chelsea's preferred lineup is a 4-2-3-1 formation
Backup options include Marc Guiu, Liam Delap, and Jesse Derry

ChelseaLeeds United

Chelsea's English midfielder #10 Cole Palmer (L) celebrates with Chelsea's Brazilian striker #20 Joao Pedro (R) after scoring their second goal from the penalty spot during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Leeds United at Stamford Bridge in London on February 10, 2026. (Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / | AFP via Getty Images The head coach may be different, but the squad remains the same as it was. So the scope of changes for today’s FA Cup semifinal is naturally limited. It’s these same players who got us to this point who will now have to try and do something better. Is it possible to have a new (interim) manager bounce twice in one season? What if it’s the same (interim) manager both times? And if yes, could we just rotate interim managers? In any case, the big question for today is whether Cole Palmer and João Pedro will be passed fit to play. They are our two best attacking players, to be sure, and even with their uncertain status, they get in to the WAGNH Community’s starting lineup. Surrounding them are all the usual suspects. We had a close race in defense, where (51%) just edges out (50%) for the spot next to , and a less close one in attack, where (55%) relegates (36%) to the bench. **4-2-3-1 (65%)** Sánchez (92%) | (88%), Hato (51%), Chalobah (85%), (67%) | Santos (55%), (96%) | (81%), Enzo (89%), Palmer (57%) | João Pedro (59%) If JP or Palmer cannot go, we’ve got the likes of (23%), (22%), and (18%) waiting in the wings. Others getting a decent amount of votes include (34%), (31%), and (22%).

Q&A

Will Cole Palmer and João Pedro play against Leeds United?

Their fitness for the match is uncertain, and fans are hoping both will be available.

What is Chelsea's preferred lineup against Leeds United?

The preferred lineup is a 4-2-3-1 formation featuring Sánchez, Cucurella, Hato, Chalobah, Gusto, Santos, Caicedo, Neto, Enzo, Palmer, and João Pedro.

Who are the backup options if Palmer or João Pedro can't play?

Marc Guiu, Liam Delap, and Jesse Derry are among the players waiting to step in if Palmer or João Pedro are unavailable.

Fans’ preferred lineup against Leeds United: Let’s hope Palmer & JP are good to go

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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