The build up to this weekend’s FA Cup clash between Leeds United and Chelsea has had some surprises. This week, both teams played in the Premier League with each result having different implications.
Leeds drew with Bournemouth on Wednesday night, and now have 40 points in the Premier League. The Whites have all but secured their spot in the top flight in the next season with that result. Chelsea on the other hand, were beaten 3-0 by Brighton. The result prompted an emergency meeting between the club chiefs who decided to sack Liam Rosenior.
After a run of four league defeats without a goal scored, the club decided it was enough. Calum McFarlane will be the interim manager for the rest of the season, meaning that he will be in the dugout this weekend.
Alan Shearer gives verdict on Leeds vs Chelsea FA Cup clash
This FA Cup semi-final will mean a lot to both teams; Leeds have a chance to make history for the first time in over 35 years. And after sacking Liam Rosenior, Chelsea will be hoping Calum McFarlane can do enough to reach the final and save the club’s season. Alan Shearer has shared his thoughts on what could happen in the game.
”For Calum McFarlane, I know he worked with Rosenior as part of his team; but he did the Man City game before Rosenior was appointed and there was a big improvement in that game, when he took over. There will likely be an improvement from Chelsea under the interim manager, but there is huge pressure on those players to perform.” he said in his Metro Sport column.
Shearer then predicts a win for Leeds United at Wembley: ”Leeds are pretty much guaranteed Premier League football next year, so there is not as much pressure on them. For that reason, I am going to go for a Leeds win.”
”It will be a brilliant atmosphere. The pressure is huge on Chelsea, not so much on Leeds, so it could be a good day out for the Leeds fans.”
READ MORE: Leeds drop major team news hint ahead of FA Cup semi-final vs Chelsea
Everything is falling into place for Daniel Farke
Leeds have all the momentum going into this weekend; since returning from the international break, the Whites are unbeaten. They won the quarterfinal at the London stadium and gotten a huge win at Old Trafford. The draw against Bournemouth midweek could prove pivotal to their Premier League survival.
Chelsea on the other hand have had a terrible week. They are on a losing streak, and have gotten their manager sacked. The defeat to Brighton on Tuesday was humiliating seeing the events after the game. Calum McFarlane has a lot to do to get his side to compete this weekend after all that has happened.
