Leeds United have taken a big step towards securing Premier League survival after their 3-0 win over Wolves on Saturday, and they now have the opportunity to reach the FA Cup final when they face Chelsea at Wembley next weekend.
The Whites return to league action on Wednesday night with a trip to Bournemouth. However, an eight-point gap above the relegation zone means they can already afford to have one eye on the FA Cup semi-final.
Chelsea come into the tie in poor form, having lost their last five matches in all competitions, and they still have a league game against Brighton tonight before Sunday’s clash with Leeds United.
On top of that, Liam Rosenior is dealing with several injury concerns, giving him plenty to think about ahead of the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley next weekend.
The Chelsea boss makes “massive” admission ahead of the Leeds clash
Rosenior is under pressure at Chelsea due to their woeful run of form and has already been warned of dire consequences if his team lose to Leeds at Wembley.
However, the Chelsea boss has indicated that his team need to embrace the pressure of playing in an FA Cup semi-final and admitted that this is a massive week for the Blues.
He made the surprise admission that Leeds are a team in form, but feels these are the kind of occasions that should get the best out of a manager or players, given what is at stake.
Rosenior said in a press conference: “Massive week; it’s what you are in football.
“Some key games.
“We have got a huge game tomorrow night, and then we are going to an FA Cup semi-final against a Leeds team in form.
“That’s why you are in football for, and that’s what we want.
“Now is the time for us to deliver, and that’s what we have to work towards.”
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Farke’s side will fancy themselves at Wembley
Chelsea have found life difficult against Leeds this season. They were beaten 3-1 at Elland Road late last year and then held to a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge in February.
Leeds, on the other hand, have enjoyed those meetings, taking four points from a possible six against one of their traditional rivals.
A Wembley semi-final presents a very different challenge, though, and Chelsea might have the advantage when it comes to players with experience in high-pressure occasions.
Even so, those previous results will still linger in the background, and Leeds will head into the game confident they can overcome a Chelsea side that is struggling for both form and fitness.
