As fans make their return to the stadium, Stamford Bridge will see Leeds United play in front of 2,000 odd home fans.
Chelsea and Leeds are facing off for the first time in league since May 2004. As a manager, Chelsea boss Frank Lampard already has a history against Leeds. He could add another chapter to that this weekend with victory sufficient to temporarily take his side top of the Premier League table.
Lampard’s managerial meetings with Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds always seem to be notable; Spygate to the Championship playoffs and now to the return of fans. Chelsea certainly look like more credible challengers now than they did earlier this season, which is largely down to their improvement in defence.
Meanwhile Leeds have proven themselves more than capable of breaching the best defense in the league already this season. But Chelsea have only ever lost three home matches against promoted opposition in the Premier League era. The record stands unrivalled 68 of their 83 such contests.
Not much injury concerns for Lampard as he can largely stick to what he has been using so far. This should mean returns for Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, N’Golo Kante, Mason Mount, Thiago Silva, Reece James, Kurt Zouma and Chilwell after sitting out in midweek.
Leeds have good news as Llorente is back from groin injury and Harrison is also supposed to be good news. Pablo Hernandez and Jamie Shackleton are also expected to turn out for the Under-23s
Chelsea possible starting lineup: Mendy; James, Zouma, Silva, Chilwell; Kovacic, Kante, Mount; Ziyech, Giroud, Werner
Leeds United possible starting lineup: Meslier; Ayling, Koch, Cooper, Dallas; Raphinha, Klich, Phillips, Alioski; Harrison; Bamford
