Chelsea vs Leeds FA Cup Semi-Final Preview: 21:00 on April 26

Chelsea vs Leeds Preview: 21:00 on April 26. Predictions, expected lineups, and expert analysis for the FA Cup semi-final match between Chelsea and Leeds United.

Chelsea vs Leeds Match Preview

Chelsea enters the FA Cup semi-final amidst turbulent circumstances, with the BlueCo project facing significant criticism and ongoing instability. The dismissal of manager Liam Rosenior after just three months in charge, following a run of seven defeats in eight matches, indicates that the crisis at Stamford Bridge shows no signs of abating. More concerningly, in their last six defeats, The Blues failed to score even a single goal against strong opponents, clearly reflecting their offensive struggles.

During this transitional phase, interim manager Calum McFarlane has been tasked with leading the team at Wembley, hoping to revive the squad's morale. Chelsea boasts a respectable FA Cup record, frequently advancing deep into the competition and having reached the final 17 times. Their journey this season has been relatively smooth, facing only lower-tier opponents like Charlton, Hull, Wrexham, and Port Vale, scoring at least four goals in each match. However, Leeds presents a completely different challenge as they are Chelsea's first Premier League opponent in this tournament.

In contrast to Chelsea, Leeds United is maintaining stable form and high spirits. Daniel Farke's team is unbeaten in their last seven matches across all competitions, thereby securing a safe distance in the relegation battle. This achievement gives them considerable confidence ahead of their crucial match at Wembley, a venue where they have failed to score in their last three appearances.

Leeds has also impressed by eliminating a series of opponents to reach the semi-finals, including West Ham in the quarter-finals. While they do not possess many standout stars, they have a cohesive collective style with multiple goal-scoring players. However, history does not favor Leeds, as they have not featured in an FA Cup final for over half a century and often struggle at Wembley.

Despite their recent decline, Chelsea is still considered slightly superior due to their experience and squad depth. The return of key players like Palmer or Joao Pedro could help improve their attacking capability. Nevertheless, if they fail to quickly regain efficiency, The Blues could be punished by Leeds' disciplined and confident play.

Chelsea vs Leeds Squad Status

Chelsea: Estevao injured; Reece James, Jorgensen, Colwill, Bynoe-Gittens absent; Mudryk suspended; Palmer and Joao Pedro may return.

Leeds United: Ilia Gruev out for the season; Bogle, Bornauw, Stach availability uncertain.

Expected Lineups for Chelsea vs Leeds

Chelsea: Sanchez; Acheampong, Chalobah, Hato, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Palmer, Pedro, Neto; Delap

Leeds United: Perri; Struijk, Bijol, Rodon; Bogle, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson; Aaronson, Okafor; Calvert-Lewin

Chelsea's Recent Form

22/04/2026: Brighton 3-0 Chelsea (Premier League)

19/04/2026: Chelsea 0-1 Manchester Utd (Premier League)

12/04/2026: Chelsea 0-3 Manchester City (Premier League)

04/04/2026: Chelsea 7-0 Port Vale (FA Cup)

22/03/2026: Everton 3-0 Chelsea (Premier League)

Leeds' Recent Form

23/04/2026: Bournemouth 2-2 Leeds (Premier League)

18/04/2026: Leeds 3-0 Wolves (Premier League)

14/04/2026: Manchester Utd 1-2 Leeds (Premier League)

05/04/2026: West Ham 2-3 Leeds (FA Cup)

22/03/2026: Leeds 0-0 Brentford (Premier League)

Recent Head-to-Head History Between Chelsea and Leeds

11/02/2026: Chelsea 2-2 Leeds (Premier League)

04/12/2025: Leeds 3-1 Chelsea (Premier League)

29/02/2024: Chelsea 3-2 Leeds (FA Cup)

04/03/2023: Chelsea 1-0 Leeds (Premier League)

21/08/2022: Leeds 3-0 Chelsea (Premier League)

Chelsea vs Leeds Match Prediction

Chelsea holds an advantage in FA Cup experience, but their declining form means they are no longer dominant. Leeds, with their stability and confidence, could certainly spring a surprise.

Predicted Score: Chelsea 3-2 Leeds