Leeds United are preparing for a momentous occasion ahead of facing Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley later this afternoon.
The Whites will play their first FA Cup semi-final in nearly four decades today, and have a chance to reach the final for the first time in more than 50 years.
They will be taking on a Chelsea side that have lost their last five Premier League games without scoring a goal and sacked their manager last week.
Daniel Farke has been insistent that his side are still the underdog despite playing a Chelsea side who have been in their worst run of form in the league in more than 114 years.
‘This is how Leeds will trouble Chelsea’ – Tony Cascarino
Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino has delivered a blunt verdict on where the Blues are vulnerable and how the Whites can take advantage of it.
He stressed that Chelsea’s weakness is their central defence and feels Leeds’ strength lies in how Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor will get behind the defence.
The former striker insisted that is exactly how Leeds will try to exploit the soft underbelly of this Chelsea team.
Cascarino said on talkSPORT this morning: “If you look at where Chelsea’s weakness is, it’s in the heart of that defence.
“They have looked really poor.
“Calvert-Lewin and Okafor, who plays on the left, will drive behind Chelsea’s centre-halves.
“That’s one of Leeds’ strengths, and that’s what Leeds will try to utilise.”
The Whites must grab this chance
Chelsea have found Daniel Farke’s team a tough opponent this season. They were beaten 3-1 at Elland Road and later held to a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge in February.
Leeds, meanwhile, have made the most of those meetings, taking four points from a possible six against a long-time rival.
The mood around this semi-final has shifted, though, particularly after Chelsea chose to part ways with Rosenior. That decision has prompted many to rethink how the game at Wembley could unfold.
Semi-finals come with their own pressure, and Chelsea still have players who know how to handle big occasions. Even so, their recent dip in form, doubts over confidence and fitness, and the managerial change have all added a sense of uncertainty.
Those earlier results will still be fresh in the memory, and Leeds will head into the game believing they can get the job done. Right now, more than ever, they are being viewed as slight favourites to edge past the Blues.
