Leeds United will have to go through Bournemouth midweek before their FA Cup clash this weekend. Even though the Whites have not confirmed their safety, there is some confidence around the club.
An eight-point gap from the bottom three is enough to give fans optimism heading into the final five games of the season. Daniel Farke’s side now have some breathing room before Wednesday night’s game. Leeds have picked up some form over the last week, with wins over Manchester United and Wolves. They will be hoping to get something against Andoni Iraola’s side before their game this weekend.
Danny Murphy and Simon Jordan agree on FA Cup semi-final verdict
Leeds’ FA Cup semi-final opponents Chelsea have had a very bad past 24 hours. The Blues lost 3-0 to Brighton in the Premier League on Tuesday night, and that result has sparked a lot of conversations around the club. Reports have suggested the future of Blues boss Liam Rosenior is in the balance, and he could be sacked just days before the semi-final.
This makes Leeds look like slight favourites heading into the game, but Danny Murphy and Simon Jordan disagree. The two discussed Chelsea’s chances heading into the game, and agreed that the Blues will turn up this weekend.
“Well on form [Leeds are favourites], but no, I would still say Chelsea are favourites, because of the quality of players,” Murphy said on talkSPORT.
“But their form is poor. Sometimes players though, if you play in a different competition, away from your stadium, it’s a different feeling at Wembley.
“Maybe they can play free, the pressure’s not the same. Maybe, they’ll rise to the occasion. I think they’ll turn up.”
“It’s an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, they’ll turn up,” Simon Jordan said, agreeing with Murphy.
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Leeds need to be wary of Chelsea this weekend
Leeds need to avoid complacency heading into the game, they cannot assume Chelsea’s poor form gives them an upper hand. The Blues beat Port Vale 7-0 in the quarter-final when they were under pressure following a few losses. And like Simon Jordan and Danny Murphy said, it will be a different feeling for the players. They will be under pressure to perform with a place in the FA Cup on the line, and Liam Rosenior will have something to prove is he is not sacked by then. Leeds will have to be at their best to get something out of the game this weekend.