Chelsea’s revival under Rosenior has been swift and convincing. After failing to win any of their final five league games before his appointment, the Blues have responded with four straight Premier League victories, propelling themselves back into the Champions League conversation.
Rosenior has already passed several early tests, steering Chelsea through a demanding run of London derbies. Wins over Brentford (2–0), Crystal Palace (3–1) and West Ham United (3–2) showcased both control and resilience, before Saturday’s 3–1 triumph at Wolves added another layer of confidence. Cole Palmer stole the headlines at Molineux, becoming the first player in Premier League history to score three first-half hat-tricks, underlining his growing influence as Chelsea’s creative heartbeat.
That league success helped soften the disappointment of their EFL Cup semi-final exit to Arsenal, which remains the only real blot on Rosenior’s early record. Chelsea sit fifth in the table, just one point off the top four and four clear of Liverpool in sixth. Victory here would strengthen their push for Champions League qualification and see Rosenior become the first Chelsea manager since Maurizio Sarri in 2018 to win his first three home league games in charge.
The only concern is Chelsea’s midweek league form. They are yet to win a Premier League match played in midweek this season (D2, L1), including a 3–1 defeat at Elland Road in December. That result will give Leeds belief, even if Stamford Bridge has historically been an unhappy hunting ground for them.
Leeds travel south aiming to complete a league double over Chelsea for the first time since their title-winning 1991–92 campaign. Daniel Farke’s side come into the game boosted by a 3–1 home win over Nottingham Forest, where an explosive opening spell effectively decided the contest. Goals from Jayden Bogle, Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin put Leeds firmly in control before a late consolation from Lorenzo Lucca.
That victory was an important response to a heavy defeat against Arsenal and continued an encouraging run of form. Leeds have lost just twice in their last 12 league matches, a dramatic improvement on the struggles of the opening months. As a result, they sit 16th, six points clear of the relegation zone with 13 games to play.
However, their away record remains a major concern. Leeds have lost seven of their 12 Premier League matches on the road and have collected just seven points away from home, a tally bettered only by Burnley and Wolves. Their recent history at Stamford Bridge offers little encouragement either, having lost their last six league visits there, with their last top-flight win at the ground coming back in 1999.
Injuries & Suspensions
Chelsea remain short in a few areas. Jamie Gittens and Tosin Adarabioyo are both sidelined with hamstring injuries, while Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia continue to recover from thigh problems. Levi Colwill is still absent as he works his way back from a serious knee injury.Filip Jorgensen’s fitness is uncertain, though Robert Sanchez is expected to continue in goal regardless. Andrey Santos is a doubt after picking up a knock against Wolves, but there is better news in defence, with Reece James pushing for a return after missing the last two matches.
Cole Palmer, fresh from his historic hat-trick, is expected to operate just behind Joao Pedro once again, carrying Chelsea’s main creative threat.
For Leeds, Dominic Calvert-Lewin is set to continue leading the line and has already scored home and away against Chelsea this season, a rare feat previously achieved by Mark Viduka. Facundo Buonanotte, who began the season at Chelsea before moving to Leeds, was left out last weekend for tactical reasons and may again miss out.
With Daniel James and Lukas Nmecha back available, Anton Stach appears to be the only notable absentee, leaving Farke with close to a full-strength squad.
Possible Starting Lineups
Chelsea:Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Estevao, Palmer, Neto; Joao Pedro
Leeds United:
Darlow; Rodon, Struijk, Justin; Bogle, Aaronson, Ampadu, Gruev, Gudmundsson; Calvert-Lewin, Okafor
Expert Prediction
Chelsea 2-1 Leeds
