Sutton & Merson agree on Chelsea vs Leeds prediction amid Potter sack claim

Chelsea news: The Blues take on Leeds in Premier League action this weekend where three points are crucial for both teams

Chelsea welcome Leeds United to Stamford Bridge in a must-win Premier League game to ease the pressure on Graham Potter. After just one victory so far in 2023, Potter's job at the Blues is under significant threat - although he still retains the support of co-owner Todd Boehly, at least for now.

The following two games, which also includes the Champions League second leg against Borussia Dortmund, could become make or break for Potter. Up against a relegation-threatened team, Chelsea should be favourites - although the same was true about the visit of Southampton last month and that game ended with an away victory.

As always, several pundits have provided a prediction for the clash with Chris Sutton and Paul Merson both delivering their thoughts ahead of the game.

Chris Sutton - BBC Sport

"This is one of those games where I honestly don't have a clue what to expect," Sutton wrote in his BBC Sport predictions column

"Of course Chelsea should win it, but I've been saying that most weeks about Graham Potter's side and I have been wrong to think they will start playing better.

"There is a staggering statistic flying around that Real Madrid have scored more goals in England than Chelsea this year which sounds silly but is true - Potter's side have only found the net four times in 11 matches in 2023, while Real hit five when they went to Anfield last month.

"At the other end, Thiago Silva's injury is a huge blow for the Blues but Leeds are not exactly free-scoring either, with only one goal in their past four games. All of this makes me think that, whoever wins this one, one goal will be enough."

Sutton's prediction: 1-0

Paul Merson - Sportskeeda

"It's a huge game. This is not really the game that Chelsea's focus is on," Merson wrote in his Sportskeeda predictions column. "They have to beat Dortmund next week in the Champions League. But surely, they've got to win this one against Leeds United. Tottenham Hotspur put them to the sword last weekend.

"It's such a tough game for Chelsea but I back them to win this one. They've won just two of their last 16 matches. That's appalling for a club of Chelsea's stature. They must win this one.

"In my opinion, Graham Potter's future will be decided on Tuesday after the game against Dortmund. It's the only competition the Blues are in right now. Who will replace him? People say Pochettino might. But he used to manage Tottenham Hotspur and that could make him a no-go."

Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Leeds United

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