Last Word on Football brings you the latest team news and predicted lineups as Chelsea take on Leeds United in the semi-final of the FA Cup at Wembley Stadium. Following Liam Rosenior’s sacking, the desperately out-of-form Blues will be led by interim manager Calum McFarlane, who will hope to inspire Chelsea to a first FA Cup final since 2022. For opponents Leeds, who are now nine points clear of the relegation zone, victory would set up their first FA Cup final in 53 years, rounding off an incredible first season back in the top flight.
Chelsea vs Leeds United: FA Cup Semi-Final Team News & Predicted Lineups
Read more: Cole Palmer Injury Status vs Leeds Confirmed
Date: Sunday 26th April 2026
Venue: Wembley Stadium
Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
Last Meeting: Chelsea 2-2 Leeds (10th February 2026, Premier League)
Referee: Jarred Gillet
Current Odds: Chelsea 6/5, Leeds 5/2
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea interim manager McFarlane confirmed that Estevao will miss the remainder of the season with a hamstring injury, which could also see the teenage winger miss this summer’s World Cup.
McFarlane also said Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro are ‘in a good place’ after training this week, and added that the club ‘will make a decision’ as to whether they are fit to start.
When asked about Rosenior’s tenure, he said: “It’s not my place to say what’s gone wrong and what’s gone right. All I’m thinking about is Leeds.”
“It’s a massive game. All our focus is on improving the team performance for Leeds.”
The interim boss also confirmed that he had no knowledge of his role after the end of the season.
On the semi-final, McFarlane said: “Everyone’s excited, the whole group, the whole club. Leeds and Chelsea is always a big game, there is a rivalry there.
“For me, it’s a game of football and you try and make it as normal as possible to hopefully get the best performance and result.”
Leeds United Team News
Read More: Tottenham Relegation Battle: Five Players Who Could Decide Spurs’ Fate
In his pre-match conference, Whites boss Daniel Farke confirmed midfielder Ilia Gruev will miss the remainder of the season with a meniscus injury.
Jayden Bogle is a slight doubt for the semi-final, with the right-back suffering ‘a hit against his foot’, but the club are hopeful that he will be available.
On the occasion, the Leeds manager said: “We won’t do anything too special for this game” or “overload the players with special plans they have never executed”, stating that his side need to keep it as ‘normal’ as possible.
He added: “Everyone is in a good mood because we have nothing to lose, and it’s just another chance to write a bit more into this chapter of history. We can travel in a good mood with confidence.
“We travel with respect but not fearful.”
On the fans, he said: “Our supporters are the biggest asset of this club and a key role in our success in the last couple of years. Enjoy that we are back in the big time and in the spotlight.
“Sing out loud and be proud. Together with them we will try to work on another surprise and another magical night.”
Chelsea Predicted Lineup
GK: Robert Sanchez
RB: Malo Gusto
CB: Wesley Fofana
CB: Trevoh Chalobah
LB: Marc Cucurella
CM: Moises Caicedo
CM: Andrey Santos
RW: Cole Palmer
AM: Enzo Fernandez
LW: Pedro Neto
ST: Joao Pedro
Leeds United Predicted Lineup
GK: Karl Darlow
CB: James Justin
CB: Joe Rodon
CB: Pascal Struijk
RWB: Jayden Bogle
LWB: Gabriel Gudmundsson
CM: Ethan Ampadu
CM: Ao Tanaka
AM: Noah Okafor
AM: Brenden Aaronson
ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Featured Image Credit:
SmartFrame – News Images
