Calum McFarlane returns to the dugout as crisis-stricken Chelsea face Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.
The Chelsea coach is in for his second spell as interim boss this season, stepping up again following Liam Rosenior’s dismissal on Wednesday evening. Rosenior was relieved of his duties after a catastrophic run of seven defeats in eight matches, though that sole victory came in the previous round against Port Vale.
Leeds arrive in fine late-season form, with recent wins over Manchester United and Wolves easing their relegation fears considerably. Daniel Farke’s side sit 15th on 40 points, nine points clear of the bottom three with four games remaining, and are unbeaten in seven matches across all competitions.
Chelsea’s Crisis Deepens
The Blues find themselves in dire straits after seven defeats in their last eight games. They have failed to score in each of their last six matches against top-flight opposition, a woeful run that ultimately sealed Rosenior’s fate just three months into a six-year contract.
Chelsea’s official statement announcing Rosenior’s departure stood out for declaring a period of ‘self-reflection’ before appointing a new long-term head coach. Andoni Iraola and former Blues midfielder Cesc Fabregas are believed to be among the frontrunners.
Despite their struggles, Chelsea have scored 20 FA Cup goals this season – more than any other team. They enjoyed a favourable route to Wembley, dispatching four lower-tier teams in Charlton Athletic (5-1), Hull City (4-0), Wrexham (4-2 after extra time), and Port Vale (7-0), scoring at least four goals in every game.
Chelsea have won all six previous FA Cup ties against Leeds, most recently in the 2023-24 fifth round. They have won 10 of their previous 12 FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley, losing only to Manchester City in 2013 and 2024. This represents their 29th FA Cup semi-final and 65th major semi-final overall.
The Blues are seeking to reach the FA Cup final for the sixth time in the past 10 seasons and 17th overall. Only Manchester United (22) and Arsenal (21) have reached the final more often.
Leeds’ Resurgence
Leeds are in their first FA Cup semi-final for 39 years – the longest gap between semi-finals in competition history, equal with Leicester City. In the time since Leeds last played a semi-final in 1986-87, Chelsea have contested 17 semi-finals and 13 finals.
Farke’s side have found the equilibrium Chelsea lack, stringing together seven unbeaten games with four clean sheets. Their Premier League form has been equally impressive – five matches without defeat have dragged them away from the relegation zone.
Leeds laboured through the cup, requiring penalty shootouts to overcome Birmingham City and West Ham United. However, they avoided defeat in both Premier League meetings with Chelsea this season, drawing 2-2 at Stamford Bridge in February after a goalless stalemate earlier in the campaign.
Their only two previous appearances at the new Wembley ended in 1-0 defeats in the 2008 League One play-off final and 2024 Championship play-off final. They have also failed to score in their last three Wembley visits, stretching back to 1996, with Eric Cantona the last Leeds player to net at the venue in the 1992 Charity Shield.
The 1970 FA Cup final is the only other time these sides have met at Wembley, with Chelsea winning 2-1 after extra time to lift the trophy for the first time.
Team News
Chelsea
Estevao will miss the rest of the season after suffering a serious hamstring injury against Manchester United. “Estevao unfortunately won’t play for us this season,” McFarlane confirmed. “That’s really unfortunate for him, especially for someone so young and talented.”
However, there was positive news on Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro. “Joao and Cole have trained. They’re in a good place. We hope they could both start. They’ll train tomorrow and we’ll make a call,” McFarlane said.
Reece James and Levi Colwill remain sidelined, though the latter is closing in on a return after appearing in recent Under-21 matches. Jamie Gittens and Filip Jorgensen are in danger of missing the rest of the season.
Leeds
Ilia Gruev will miss the remainder of the season with a meniscus injury. Anton Stach hasn’t returned to team training yet but Farke is hopeful of having the midfielder available. Sebastiaan Bornauw and Jayden Bogle have slight knocks but are expected to feature.
Leeds have conceded 11 goals from the 90th minute onwards this season, more than any other Premier League team across all competitions.
Head-to-Head
Chelsea have progressed from all six previous FA Cup ties against Leeds. The last meeting was February’s 2-2 Premier League draw at Stamford Bridge.
Form Guide
Chelsea
Seven defeats in last eight matches across all competitions. Failed to score in last six games against top-flight opposition. Interim boss McFarlane returns after Rosenior’s dismissal.
Leeds
Unbeaten in seven games (four wins, two draws, one penalty shootout victory). Five Premier League matches without defeat with three clean sheets. Sitting comfortably nine points clear of relegation.
Predicted Lineups
Chelsea: Sanchez; Acheampong, Chalobah, Hato, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Palmer, Pedro, Neto; Delap
Leeds: Perri; Struijk, Bijol, Rodon; Bogle, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson; Aaronson, Okafor; Calvert-Lewin
Prediction
Chelsea’s attacking woes against Leeds’ defensive solidity and superior form create a fascinating dynamic. The Blues’ perfect record against Leeds in the FA Cup contrasts sharply with their current crisis. Leeds’ inability to score at Wembley is concerning, but Chelsea’s six-game goalless run against top-flight teams suggests they’re equally vulnerable. Expect a tight, low-scoring affair.
We say: Chelsea 1-1 Leeds (Leeds win on penalties)
- Kick-off: Sunday, 3:00 PM BST
- Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
- Referee: Jarred Gillett
- VAR: Paul Howard
- Last Meeting: Chelsea 2-2 Leeds, February 10, 2026, Premier League
- How to watch: TNT Sports 1 (coverage from 2pm BST); HBO Max app/website (live stream)
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