Chelsea return to Stamford Bridge this weekend looking to vanquish memories of their 1-0 defeat to Southampton at their west London home. On that day, the Blues suffered the sting of being defeated by a relegation candidate and seeing the Saints complete a league double to earn one third of the total points they have achieved this season.
Defeat to Spurs last weekend will have been even more difficult for the Blues' faithful to take but upon returning to their home, they will be tasked with facing similar demons to the last time they played hosts. While hoping to earn a win after being winless in six, and hoping to add to their goal tally having netted once in that time, Chelsea find themselves in a familiar situation.
Much like Southampton, Leeds find themselves firmly in a relegation battle and with a new head coach in Java Gracia. Like the Saints, the West Yorkshire side comprehensively defeated Graham Potter's side early in the season, as goals from Brendan Aaronson, Rodrigo Moreno and Jack Harrison delivered Chelsea's first loss of the campaign.
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Leeds Live's Leeds United correspondent Will Jackson believes the Whites faced Chelsea in a perfect scenario back in August but ultimately what made them so good that day, cost them quickly.
"That August day seemed to be the perfect storm," said Jackson. "Elland Road was bouncing, there was optimism in what Jesse Marsch was doing and Chelsea just didn’t have the mental strength to deal with it at the time.
"Teams immediately worked Leeds out after that game and it was clear that there was no plan B, as they went eight games without a win and found themselves entering a relegation battle without any real traction.
"Weaknesses in wide areas were regularly exposed and Leeds had no answer at times for a simple long ball into the space in behind as teams by-passed their chaotic pressing style. They found themselves relying on individual brilliance at times but when that failed, so did Leeds, and Marsch ultimately paid the price."
The difficulties of the season saw Marsch relieved of his duties in early February and just over two weeks later, Javi Gracia arrived at Elland Road. The former Watford boss' usual approach is clearly not in the same vein as predecessors Marsch and Marcelo Bielsa, and that has played out in his short time at the club.
Jackson said: "Well, it’s still early days given Gracia is only just coming to the end of his first week in the job, but it’s clearly not as aggressive. Leeds have tried to play a slightly more possession-based game, but they seem more structured at the back and they created plenty of chances last time out against Fulham in the FA Cup. They couldn’t actually score any of them, which has been a big problem since the World Cup break, but it is hoped that will come in time under Gracia."
Leeds have scored just once in their last four matches, against Southampton, but still see playing Chelsea as an opportunity. Pressure to survive may dictate as much, but Jackson notes that Gracia has hopes to replicate elements of Southampton's display against the Blues.
"There’s pressure on every game Leeds play between now and the end of the season," he said, "They’re in the relegation mire and they’ll look at a trip to Stamford Bridge as an opportunity to pick up points, just as Southampton did a couple of weeks ago.
"Gracia has studied that game closely in the build-up to Leeds’ clash with the Saints last week and he’ll look to replicate some aspects of their performance, you’d think. Regardless of opposition, though, Leeds will be confident of kicking on."
However, being among the clubs in the relegation mire - Leeds sit 17th and one point ahead of Everton - means there are deficiencies. Chelsea will need to take advantage of them if they hope to kickstart the season once again.
Gracia's team denied Fulham opportunities midweek despite a 2-0 defeat from spectacular goals, which will be of concern to the Blues. Williams reckons that Chelsea could test the composure of Leeds' backline if they press well.
He said: "To Leeds’ credit, they have made defensive strides in recent weeks but there is still the odd lapse in concentration, particularly when they begin to tire in games. Manchester United had to wait until the 80th minute to finally open Leeds up last month at Elland Road, while a glaring error in judgement from Illan Meslier gave Everton the points at Goodison.
"Fulham found chances hard to come by in midweek but scored two gorgeous goals from range that Meslier could do little about. If I were Chelsea, I’d be looking to press high and ask questions of the backline’s composure when in possession."
The visitors have threats of their own too, primarily Wilfried Gnonto at the moment. The 19-year-old has netted just twice in the Premier League but will look to take advantage of Chelsea's changing backline given the injury to Thiago Silva.
"Wilfried Gnonto has carried the most threat over the last few months," noted Jackson. "His energy and unpredictability on the ball off the left has been a joy to watch and he’ll be looking to make a real impact in the capital, if he is given the time and space to do so.
"Patrick Bamford can be a huge threat on his day, too, but Leeds have struggled for goals whilst top scorer Rodrigo has been on the sidelines."
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