MOST people have written Chelsea off as genuine Premier League title contenders but they have made a decent start and will look to build more momentum when they visit Leeds United.
Only a controversial stoppage-time goal stopped the Blues from making it two wins from two last weekend in a stormy derby against Spurs that saw both managers clash on the touchline.
Thomas Tuchel's men dominated most of the game against a much-lauded Tottenham side and that bodes well for another top-four finish, especially with the club set to be active again before the transfer window closes.
The lack of a deadly striker cost them last weekend but Tuchel, who faces a long ban for his fight with Antonio Conte and comments about ref Anthony Taylor, will be confident they have enough firepower for an Elland Road win.
Leeds only just dodged the drop last term but have made a positive start too, picking up four points from games against Wolves and Southampton.
But Jesse March will also be frustrated it's not a perfect start after blowing a two-goal lead at St Mary's in a thriller that saw two bets land for our man Gabriel.
The American lost his two best players in the summer as Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha moved on but looks to have made some shrewd additions and this clash will give us a clue about how they will fare against the big guns this season.
How the bookies view it
Despite these sides having identical starts to the season, it's Chelsea who are odds-on favourites at a best 3/5 with SpreadEx. Leeds United are 26/5 with SBK while the draw pays 7/2 at Unibet.
Recent head to head
Chelsea have dominated this fixture in recent seasons, losing just one of the last 12 meetings. Both Premier League clashes ended in wins for the Blues last term, with a 3-0 victory at Elland Road (below) following a 3-2 triumph in London.
Players to watch
Brenden Aaronson looks like a good signing for Leeds on the evidence of the first two games. The American midfielder brings plenty of energy and also offers a goal threat, with Bet365 pricing him at generous 7/1 for anytime scorer.
Raheem Sterling has yet to get off the mark for Chelsea but has also looked lively so far. The former Manchester City winger is 23/12 at SBK to break his Blues duck.
Anything else catch the eye?
This fixture isn't as fiery as it was in the 1970s but we still had eight yellows and a red across the two meetings last term. Over 4.5 cards pays 5/4 at Unibet but it's probably wiser betting on individual players to fall foul of the ref. Tyler Adams will be in thick of the midfield battle and is 3/1 at SportNation to be carded.
Backing the Blues for corners on their last away day paid off for me as they racked up an incredible 16 against Everton. They added eight more against Spurs so I fancy Chelsea -2 in the corner handicap again here at evens with BetVictor.
Unibet always have interesting bets on player and team shots, with the 21/20 on offer for Rodrigo to have over 1.5 shots catching the eye here.
This English Premier League match between Leeds United and Chelsea will be played on Aug 21, 2022 and kick off at 14:00. Check below for our tipsters best Leeds United vs Chelsea prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
