Rosenior’s impressive start boosted by favourable fixtures
Liam Rosenior has responded strongly to early doubts about his appointment as Chelsea head coach. In just five weeks his side has secured seven wins from nine matches across all competitions. On Saturday Cole Palmer delivered a club record fourth Premier League hat-trick helping Chelsea to victory. Rosenior became only the second English manager to win his first four league games in charge joining Craig Shakespeare who achieved five with Leicester in 2017 before later being sacked. Rosenior remains cautious knowing how quickly momentum can shift. His relative inexperience at elite level has raised questions but a run of kinder fixtures has helped. Chelsea have faced teams from the bottom six in five straight Premier League games with Leeds and Burnley next. Their record against lower-table sides ranks third best in the division. The real challenge lies ahead starting with a trip to Arsenal on 1 March.
Leeds aim for rare double after impressive reverse win
Leeds United stunned Chelsea earlier this season with a 3-1 victory at Elland Road in December. That result marked one of only two league defeats Chelsea have suffered against current bottom-eight sides this campaign alongside Brighton. Leeds extended their perfect record in Friday night home games to five wins from five by beating Nottingham Forest. Manager Daniel Farke praised the performance as massive and celebrated taking four points from his previous two meetings with Rosenior during the 2023-24 Championship season when Rosenior managed Hull City. Leeds seek their first league double over Chelsea since the 1991-92 title-winning campaign. Historically Chelsea have dominated at home winning the last six league encounters against Leeds with the visitors’ most recent victory at Stamford Bridge dating back to December 1999.
Leeds struggle on the road in Premier League
Leeds have struggled significantly away from home this season collecting just seven points from 12 away games. Only Wolves and Burnley have worse away records in the division. Leeds earn a lower proportion of their total points on the road than any other team. In their past 25 Premier League away fixtures they have won only two both against Wolves in March 2023 and September this season. This poor travelling form contrasts sharply with their strong home performances particularly under lights. Chelsea will look to exploit this weakness as they pursue another home win to maintain their momentum under Rosenior. The fixture promises intensity with Leeds desperate for points to climb away from danger and Chelsea aiming to build on recent success before tougher tests arrive.
