Leeds United manager Daniel Farke is on the cusp of proving almost everyone wrong by securing Premier League survival after the 2-2 draw at Bournemouth.
Sean Longstaff’s late goal earned Leeds a draw, and they have now hit the proverbial 40-point mark that is seen as the sign of Premier League safety for one more season.
Leeds are not mathematically safe yet, but no one is expecting the Whites to go down from here, and they are now looking forward to the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday.
Chelsea’s decision to sack Liam Rosenior earlier today has added more drama ahead of their Wembley showdown. However, Farke is not suffering from any sense of complacency.
Daniel Farke insists Leeds are the underdogs despite the Liam Rosenior sacking
Chelsea’s patience snapped after their abject 3-0 defeat at Brighton, and the club decided to part ways with the young manager who had turned on his players by the end.
The Blues are in a historic run of bad form, and Leeds are looking like the favourites to beat a Chelsea side who have looked bereft of any confidence in recent weeks.
Farke has insisted that he hadn’t thought about Rosenior’s sacking and is still expecting Chelsea to be the favourites, given the quality in their squad.
He believes Chelsea have the players to turn it on and Leeds are still the underdogs ahead of the FA Cup semi-final showdown at Wembley.
Farke said on Sky Sports: “I have not thought one second about it, but I see a squad full of potential and unbelievable talent.
“It’s no coincidence that in the summer they won the Club World Cup. When the team is on it, it can be a very dangerous team.
“We are the underdog, but it’s a situation we know from the league, and we want to deliver in the best possible manner.”
The Whites have a huge chance on Sunday
Chelsea have had a difficult time against Leeds this season, losing 3-1 at Elland Road late last year before being held to a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge in February.
Leeds, on the other hand, have taken full advantage of those meetings, picking up four points from a possible six against one of their traditional rivals.
That said, a Wembley semi-final is a completely different challenge, and Chelsea might have the edge when it comes to players who are used to handling high-pressure occasions.
Even so, those earlier results will still linger. Leeds will go into the game confident that they can get the better of a Chelsea side currently struggling with form, confidence and fitness.
Right now, Leeds are somewhat surprisingly heading into the FA Cup clash as favourites to beat the Blues.
