Leeds United are back in action at Wembley for the first time since the 2024 play-off final, when they take on their rivals Chelsea in the semi-final of the FA Cup.
The fact that this is a reality that Leeds fans are currently living through is a testament to the phenomenal job Daniel Farke and his group of players have done this season.
Also, the fact that the German has a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts whilst also thriving in the Premier League goes to show how good the 49ers’ recruitment was for United last summer.
However, with top-flight safety near guaranteed, Farke’s side are just two games away from immortalising themselves at Elland Road.
Jayden Bogle to be benched for Leeds United’s trip to Wembley
Farke surprised everyone in midweek by fielding an extremely strong lineup against Bournemouth, with most expecting the German to rest the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor.
However, the duo started during the Whites’ 2-2 draw in midweek, and they are both expected to start again when Leeds walk out at Wembley.
Bogle was taken off at half-time during the game with the defender suffering a foot injury, and it is for this reason that the Englishman will likely drop to the bench, with James Justin sliding over from centre-back to cover at right wing-back for the semi-final.
This opens the door for Joe Rodon to return to the starting XI, after the Welshman made a substitute appearance against Bournemouth, proving that his ankle injury is a thing of the past.
Anton Stach may be able to make the bench for the game against Chelsea, but the game seems to have come around too soon for the German to slip back into the Whites’ engine room from the start.
Lucas Perri is also expected to retain his place in goal during the FA Cup tie, with the Brazilian being a large reason as to why Leeds have progressed this far in the competition.
The Leeds Press predicted XI: Perri, Justin, Rodon, Bijol, Struijk, Gudmundsson, Ampadu, Tanaka, Aaronson, Okafor, Calvert-Lewin
Data suggests Leeds United can be confident heading into the game against Chelsea
United have fared well so far when they have come up against their rivals from London in the Premier League, demolishing them at Elland Road before nicking a point against the run of play at Stamford Bridge.
Going into the semi-final on Sunday, Chelsea are a team in crisis, having just sacked their manager, Liam Rosenior, with the Blues in the midst of a terrible run of form, with seven losses in their last eight games in all competitions.
Calum McFarlane has since stepped in as interim manager for the second time this season, and data suggests that Leeds should be confident about coming up against him in the dugout.
- McFarlane has been in charge at Chelsea for two Premier League fixtures so far this season
- However, McFarlane failed to win any of them, picking up one point from the two games he took charge of against Manchester City and Fulham, respectively
- Although the draw against Manchester City was a positive result, the Fulham defeat is something Leeds will certainly take confidence from ahead of squaring off against McFarlane and Co. at Wembley (Sofascore)
On paper, Leeds are playing Chelsea at a perfect time, but Farke will know his side will have to be at their very best to cause an upset and progress into the final.
READ MORE: Former Chelsea star makes incredible Leeds admission ahead of Wembley clash – The Leeds Press
