Chelsea vs Leeds United Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips 28/02/2024

Odds via Tonybet

Chelsea vs Leeds United	February 28, 2024, 2:30 PM ET
Chelsea odds	-186
Leeds United odds	+500
Draw	+350
Over\Under	3 +100/ -120

Chelsea vs Leeds United. Shape of the Teams

Since Leeds was relegated from the Premier League, they have become one of the best teams in the Championship despite losing Raphinha, who transferred to Barcelona.

The investments in players like Ampadu and Ilia Gruev have paid dividends. They’ve contributed significantly to their position near the top of the Championship table. There’s no doubt that Leeds has been one of the best teams so far- they’re second in the Championship, and their last defeat dates back to December.

However, these statistics are useless when you’re up against Chelsea. Although the Blues are often deemed an institutional mess, the team also booted Unai Emery’s Aston Villa out of the FA Cup with a 3-1 victory.

However, it is unclear what that means for this clash. Chelsea has been plagued with injuries. As a result, Gallagher and Caicedo are expected to start in double pivot. These games are usually used for rotation, but you’d need fit players, which Chelsea currently lacks.

Proud of you, lads. We keep going together! 💙 pic.twitter.com/eYRDGpNCWZ
— Thiago Silva (@tsilva3) February 25, 2024

February has been a better month for Chelsea than the previous ones, halting Manchester City (1-1), winning against Aston Villa in the FA Cup, and securing a victory against Crystal Palace.

A game that had been great to judge Chelsea’s current level would have been the London Derby against Tottenham. Scheduled for last week, the game was postponed after Chelsea reached the final of the EFL Cup.

Chelsea vs Leeds United Main Match Info

Date and Kickoff Time: Wednesday, February 28, 2:30 PM ET
Stadium: Stamford Bridge
Location: London, England
Last match: Chelsea vs Leeds: 1-0 (March 4, 2023, PL)

Chelsea vs Leeds United, Prediction, Odds

Pick: Chelsea to win
Odds: -186 (Tonybet)

Chelsea are the favourites by default. Because when the difference in individual quality is that high, that’s what happens.

More importantly, the difference between the Championship and the Premier League is huge, which explains the existence of so-called ‘yo-yo’ clubs. Clubs that find success in the Championship but struggle to maintain their status in the Premier League, with Burnley as a striking example in this and the previous season.

This gap is particularly pronounced in teams’ offensive and defensive capabilities, with Premier League sides generally possessing more refined attacking talents and robust defensive setups. This is why I don’t expect the likes of Ilia Gruev&Co to shine tomorrow. Against players like Mudryk, Chilwell or Nkunku, the difference is simply too big.

Approaching the final stages.
🔵 0-0 🔴 [82] #CFC | #CarabaoCupFinal pic.twitter.com/qtaCsYJxbm
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 25, 2024

For Leeds, the task will be to mitigate this quality gap through tactical discipline, particularly in managing the space between their defensive pivots, which Chelsea is well-equipped to exploit.

Chelsea vs Leeds United Betting Tip

Pick: Chelsea to keep a clean sheet
Odds: +141 (Tonybet)

Watching a team that regularly gets exposed in the Premier League for its lack of organization up front and at the back, it might seem unnatural to believe that Chelsea could even think of keeping a clean sheet. But as previously mentioned – the difference in quality in attack and defence in both leagues is that big.

Additionally, there is one player who makes me believe that Leeds will be busier defending more than anything – Conor Gallagher.

Looking back on finals past… 🎞️
Conor Gallagher 🗯️#CFC | #CarabaoCupFinal pic.twitter.com/N6psrtewvQ
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 24, 2024

With Nkunku sidelined, Chelsea’s strategy against Leeds will likely lean more heavily on Gallagher’s shoulders. Without Nkunku’s presence to exploit open spaces, Gallagher’s influence in transitions becomes even more critical, which will be essential for Chelsea to maintain control of the game and penetrate Leeds’ defensive setup.

Playing at Stamford Bridge adds another layer of advantage for Chelsea, where the home crowd can act as the twelfth man. Away games are always tough – and there are not many reasons to believe tomorrow will be any different.

Disclaimer: Odds are accurate at the time of posting and subject to change. Please verify the latest odds on our platform before betting.