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2021/22 English Premier League
Matchday 16
Chelsea v Leeds United
Stamford Bridge
London, England
Saturday, 11 December 2021
Kick-off is at 15h00
Chelsea will be looking to keep the pressure on their
English Premier League title rivals when they welcome Leeds United to Stamford Bridge on December 11.
The Blues suffered a shock 3-2 defeat at West Ham on December 4 which allowed Manchester City and Liverpool to leapfrog them in the table to occupy pole position and second place respectively.
The reverse to their neighbours from across London halted an eight-match unbeaten run for Thomas Tuchel's side, who have a chance to reclaim top spot with victory over the Whites.
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Tuchel is convinced he can sort out the issues that led to them dropping points against the Hammers and Manchester United, insisting his players need to think better on their feet.
"It's details and you can always solve the details. There is no need to question the big picture and no need for major doubts," he was quoted as saying on the club's official website.
"In my opinion, it's obvious why we did not have the result that we wanted against Man United and West Ham so it's about details. That's why I think we can sort it out straightaway.
"Nobody wants to make mistakes but it won't help if we just say 'hey, don't make mistakes anymore'. We have to go through it and we need to be better in decision-making in crucial moments of matches to be able to have clean sheets or concede a maximum of one."
Leeds have struggled to replicate the form that saw them finish ninth on their long-awaited return to the top flight last season, with Marcelo Bielsa's team sitting 14th in the standings after taking just 16 points from their opening 15 fixtures.
A 2-2 draw against newcomers Brentford on December 5 made it three games on the spin without defeat for the West Yorkshire outfit, who will be searching for their first victory over the west Londoners since 2002.
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Patrick Bamford scored on his return to action as he came off the bench to snatch a last-gasp equaliser against the Bees, having been sidelined since September 17 with an ankle injury.
The 28-year-old striker could be in line to face his former employers, and Bielsa praised the impact he made late on to snatch a valuable point.
"In the centre of the pitch where he [Bamford] came on, it was difficult to find the ball. But finally, he gave us the equaliser, which for our expectations is very valuable given how we got it," the Argentine tactician said.
"The players that are used to scoring are usually in the right place at the right moment. What we value about this goal is the opportunism of it."
Chelsea ran out 3-1 victors in the corresponding fixture last term, while the tie at Elland Road ended goalless.
Head-to-Head (Last Five Premier League Meetings)
Matches - 5
Chelsea - 3
Leeds - 0
Draws - 2
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