Manager-less Chelsea take on Leeds United at Wembley on Sunday afternoon in the second of the FA Cup semi-final ties.
Liam Rosenior was finally relieved of his duties just four months after taking charge of the Blues following a thumping 3-0 defeat away at Brighton & Hove Albion – on an evening my Bet of the Day landed.
That result means Chelsea have now lost each of their previous five Premier League fixtures, all without scoring, meaning they’ve slipped down to eighth position, with their hopes of Champions League qualification virtually over.
Chelsea only win in their previous eight matches did come in this competition, as they thrashed League One basement dwellers Port Vale 7-0 at the Bridge.
After knocking out Championship opposition in their opening three ties, Leeds edged past fellow Premier League side West Ham United in the quarter-finals on penalties after blowing a two-goal lead inside 90 minutes.
Daniel Farke’s men also managed to stretch their unbeaten streak in the Premier League to five games in midweek, as they twice came from behind to draw 2-2 away at Bournemouth.
Survival looks almost guaranteed for the Whites now, as that point at the Vitality moved them nine points clear of the relegation zone.
How the bookies view it: Blues unconvincing favourites
Despite losing seven of their previous eight matches in all competitions, Chelsea have been installed as favourites to reach the final, with bet365 pricing them at just 4/7 To Qualify, with the win inside 90 minutes 11/10.
Leeds are 5/4 to reach their first FA Cup final since 1973, with the win in regulation time 12/5.
Head to head: Leeds with the advantage this season
Leeds are unbeaten in both of their Premier League meetings with Chelsea this season, winning 3-1 at Elland Road at the beginning of January, before coming from two goals down to draw 2-2 at Stamford Bridge two months later.
These two clubs famously met in the 1970 FA Cup final, with Chelsea winning 2-1 in a replay at Old Trafford after a 2-2 draw at Wembley 18 days before.
Players to watch: Look no further than Noah
Noah Okafor has been in terrific form for Leeds over the past couple of months, scoring four times and providing three assists across his previous eight appearances for the Whites.
One of those goals included the equaliser at Stamford Bridge when the two sides last faced off, and the Swiss international appears good value at 21/10 at bet365 to Score or Assist.
Backed a player to find the net? Check our Goalscorer Betting guide to see how the markets work and where to find value.
Predicted line-ups:
Chelsea are still without the injured Filip Jorgensen, Levi Colwill, Reece James, Estevao and Jamie Gittens, whilst Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro are doubts.
Leeds will be missing the injured Ilia Gruev, whilst Jayden Bogle, Sebastian Bornauw and Anton Stach are all doubts.
Chelsea: Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella, Santos, Caicedo, Neto, Garnacho, Fernandez, Pedro
Leeds United: Perri, Rodon, Bijol, Struijk, Justin, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson, Aaronson, Okafor, Calvert-Lewin
Anything else catch the eye?
Chelsea decided to bin Liam Rosenior in midweek following a dismal four months in charge of the club, and you would think they would get some sort of boost.
However, unlike their opponents, Leeds arrive in this clash in good form and full of confidence, and the 11/8 on offer for them just to qualify appeals to me.
As alluded to, Daniel Farke’s men are also unbeaten in both Premier League meetings with the Blues this season, and have an ideal opportunity to reach a first FA Cup final in 53 years.
GambleAware