Carabao Cup: Pochettino stands up for Chelsea after Gary Neville jibe
Chelsea are back in action this evening for the first time since their loss to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final as they welcome Leeds United for the FA Cup fifth round.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side were stopped from winning their first piece of silverware under the Argentine after Virgil van Dijk’s extra-time header rocketed Liverpool to a 1-0 victory at Wembley. Now the Blues must shake off that heartbreak and look to progress further in the next domestic cup comptition.
The FA Cup could be Chelsea’s final opportunity to ensure European football next season – due to their poor Premier League form – but they’ll need to get past a hihg-flying Leeds side. The Championship club are challenging for promotion back to the top flight but will hope for a strong cup run to keep up their winning momentum.
Daniel Farke’s side are currently on a run of nine straight league wins and 12 matches unbeaten in all competitions meaning they should pose a threat to Chelsea who will still be feeling the effects of Sunday’s final.
Follow all the action below plus get the latest odds and tips right here:
Farke giving same priority to FA Cup as Championship promotion push
Leeds United travel to Stamford Bridge looking to continue their fine form against Premier League opponents this evening as they face Chelsea.
Ahead of the match, Leeds boss Daniel Farke gave his thoughts to the media and claimed that he is giving the FA Cup as much priority as the Championship.
“I’m a big believer and I’ve mentioned it several times,” he said, “Cup competitions and especially the FA Cup, it’s probably the cup competition with the biggest history in whole western Europe.
“I think it’s always important for us that it has more or less really the same value and the same priority like the league.
“We want to represent our club in the best possible way and also in the FA Cup.”
Mike Jones28 February 2024 18:00
Mauricio Pochettino reveals message from Chelsea owners after Carabao Cup final defeat
Defeat at Wembley sparked further criticism of Pochettino and his expensively-assembled squad – including scathing comments from Gary Neville – as they failed to overcome inexperienced rivals who were missing a host of star names.
Mike Jones28 February 2024 17:55
Chelsea vs Leeds prediction
This game certainly has all the makings of a cup upset but perhaps league matters mean Leeds aren’t quite at the top of their game, which might mean a home win.
Mike Jones28 February 2024 17:50
Leeds’ early team news
Full-back Sam Bryam and centre-back Pascal Struijk are injured along with keeper Karl Darlow.
Right-back Connor Roberts is eligible to start this game despite being named on the bench for his previous club Burnley against Tottenham Hotspur in the third round.
Mike Jones28 February 2024 17:45
Chelsea’s early team news
Chelsea could make several changes from their Wembley defeat, with Noni Madueke and Mykhailo Mudryk among those who will hope to start, but Christopher Nkunku has been ruled out for “weeks” after an injury in the Carabao Cup final.
There could also be a change in goal as Robert Sanchez is fit again.
Mike Jones28 February 2024 17:40
How to watch Chelsea vs Leeds
Chelsea face Leeds in the FA Cup on Wednesday 28 February, with kick-off set for 7:30pm GMT.
This fixture will be broadcast free to air on ITV4. Viewers can also stream the match via the ITV X website and app from all devices. And get all the details of the FA Cup quarter-final draw here.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Mike Jones28 February 2024 17:35
Good evening!
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s FA Cup action as Chelsea host Leeds United at Stamford Bridge in the fifth round of the competition.
The Blues come into the match on the back of a heartbreaking loss in the Carabao Cup final just three days ago and it remains to be seen whether Mauricio Pochettino’s side can brush off the memories of that defeat in order to progress past a stubborn and in-form Leeds.
The Whites, who are chasing promotion in the Championship, are unbeaten in 12 matches and have won each of their last nine league games. They are second behind Leicester City and will be hoping to keep their winning momentum alive with a shock victory in London.
We’ll have all the updates, team news and match action throughout the evening so stick around as we build up to kick off at 7.30pm.
Mike Jones28 February 2024 17:30
