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Leeds v Chelsea Odds, Preview and Tips

Game time & date: 1630 BST, Sunday August 21
Location: St James’ Park, Newcastle
Last result between the two: City 5-0 Newcastle, Premier League, May 2022
Broadcast: Sky Sports Main Event & Premier League

Both of these teams have taken four points from their first two games, with Leeds fans hoping for a stronger season after they narrowly avoided relegation back to the Championship last season.

For Chelsea, a summer of upheaval off the pitch has been followed by a win at Everton and a thrilling 2-2 home draw with London rivals Tottenham. The Blues are heavy favourites in the Leeds v Chelsea betting odds, reflecting the fact they ran out 3-0 winners at Elland Road at the end of the 2021-22 season.

Defensive issues still evident for Leeds

Leeds had one of the worst defences in the Premier League last season and even though they are sitting pretty in the top half of the table, they have not kept a clean sheet in their past seven league games.

Jesse Marsch’s side were in complete control at Southampton last weekend after Rodrigo’s double gave them a 2-0 lead. But Leeds allowed the hosts to come back and claim a draw in extremely hot conditions on the south coast thanks to goals from Joe Aribo and Kyle Walker-Peters. That indicated that there is still work to do for the American to patch up a defence that is still far leakier than he would like it to be.

Leeds matches are almost always packed with entertainment: There have been over 2.5 goals scored in six of their past seven league games. The 8/11 with 888Sport for over 2.5 goals is therefore definitely well worth a look, with the same bookie’s 7/4 on over 3.5 goals also well worthy of consideration as well.

Tuchel delight despite derby draw

Thomas Tuchel declared himself the happiest coach in the world despite Chelsea’s dominant display against Tottenham not being enough to claim three points in a tempestuous London derby a week ago.

Kalidou Koulibaly’s first goal for the club, a stunning volley from fellow new signing Marc Cucurella’s corner, had given Chelsea the lead, which Reece James restored after Spurs had hit back to equalise.

Despite concerns over a striker shortage at Stamford Bridge following the departures of flops Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku, Chelsea’s new look attack has made a strong start this season. One issue could be the ongoing fitness concerns over N’Golo Kante, who seemed to pick up an injury last weekend. Tests are needed to examine the extent of Kante’s hamstring problem, but he will likely miss this game.

Chelsea have scored three times in three of their four Premier League meetings since Leeds were promoted back to the top-flight. Spurs did expose some weaknesses in the Chelsea back line, though, so the Blues to win with both teams to score is a standout bet at a price of 21/10 with 888Sport here.

On the correct scores market, the 14/1 at 888Sport for 3-1 looks like one of the best options to consider.

Predictions

Chelsea have work to do in the transfer market but it is hard to argue with the Blues being strong favourites in the Leeds v Chelsea betting odds to win considering they have looked good this season.

Leeds’ defensive weaknesses are likely to be exposed again with the 8/11 with 888Sport for over 2.5 goals a good place to start for a bet here, with the 7/4 on over 3.5 goals also worth considering.

Those looking to side with the Blues can take Chelsea to win with both teams to score at 21/10 with 888Sport, while the 14/1 on Chelsea to win Sunday’s game at Leeds by a score of 3-1 appeals as well.

Author: Jamie Smith