Ahead of Sunday’s clash with Chelsea at Elland Road, Leeds Live caught up with Football London’s Chelsea writer Scott Trotter to get the inside track on what Leeds United can expect.
How have Chelsea started the Premier League season under Thomas Tuchel?
It's been two games of contrasting performances for the Blues so far. Jorginho's penalty was all that separated Chelsea and Everton on the opening day of the term and the performance looked like players were still in pre-season trying to find fitness. However, given the Blues had won just one of eight trips to Goodison Park it was a significant three points.
The team that turned up against Spurs was a different prospect however. The Blues looked switched on, tactically astute and threatening, though they'd have preferred a better performance in front of goal. The trip to Leeds will be informative of whether that performance was a one-off or if they're ready to attack the season following some sluggish summer performances.
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After a number of well-documented changes in recent months, how would you describe the mood at Stamford Bridge at present?
This is actually a difficult one to answer. Last weekend's performance definitely gave a boost to supporters even if the refereeing performance did not. The new signings have impressed in early matches which certainly helps. Raheem Sterling adds something to the Blues attack that they've been missing, Kalidou Koulibaly looks every bit the perfect Antonio Rudiger replacement and Marc Cucurella has settled in exceptionally well so far.
It still feels like there is work to be done and the first actions of the new ownership will be judged quickly over the course of the season.
How would you rate the club’s transfer window so far?
There's little doubting that Chelsea have signed some quality this summer, spending big sums on players set for the first team and for the future. The initial impact of the players mentioned above has certainly been cause for enthusiasm but despite the signings there has certainly been an element of chaos.
Chelsea's less successful transfer chases have played out in public and seen Barcelona beat them to Raphinha and Jules Kounde meaning some of the summer has felt fairly scattergun.
The Blues have already spent more than £160million and seem intent on spending more in the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Wesley Fofana, so there will be little room to hide come September 1st. Whether it's immediately obvious or not, the figure spent will mean the club has to be challenging on all fronts. That is always the case at Chelsea but outside of the advantage Manchester City already have, there will be no easy excuses.
How do you expect Chelsea to line up this weekend?
Mendy, Azpilicueta, Silva, Koulibaly; James, Jorginho, Gallagher, Cucurella; Mount, Sterling, Havertz.
There will be some discussion over who plays on the right of Thiago Silva, with James fulfilling the role against Tottenham with Ruben Loftus-Cheek playing well at wing-back. Trevoh Chalobah has been linked with a loan away from the club, having played well against the Whites back in May meaning it's more likely between James and Cesar Azpilicueta for spot with the former possibly returning to his usual position.
Injuries to Mateo Kovacic and N'Golo Kante leaves some uncertainty in the middle of the park too, with Loftus-Cheek and Conor Gallagher battling for the space alongside Jorginho.
Who should Leeds fans be watching out for?
There are not too many unknowns in the Chelsea side and in May, Mason Mount showed all of his qualities in the Blues' win over Leeds. If he's up to speed, few will be more impressive than James however, while it's impossible to not be impressed by Koulibaly's passing contributions in addition to his defending.
How do you feel Leeds can cause Chelsea problems?
If the Blues do start with a back three of Azpilicueta, Silva and Koulibaly, the age and pace of the group may come into question despite the vast experience. That's not to say it's a backline incapable of keeping a clean sheet, there would be plenty of class on display. If Jesse Marsch's side can transition quickly to isolate those players high up the pitch, they could find themselves through on goal however.
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