Chelsea’s poor league run and sudden change of head coach frame a tense FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United at Wembley on Sunday, with Daniel Farke expecting a strong reaction from the London club despite recent results and the departure of Liam Rosenior earlier this week.

Chelsea dismissed Rosenior after a 3-0 Premier League loss to Brighton on Tuesday, a result that extended their top-flight losing streak to five matches, all without scoring. Their only victory in the last eight games in all competitions came in the FA Cup quarter-final, a 7-0 win over League One Port Vale.

Leeds reached this FA Cup semi-final by edging West Ham on penalties in the previous round, earning the club a first appearance at this stage since the 1986-87 campaign, when Billy Bremner’s side lost 3-2 to Coventry City. Leeds last contested the final in 1972-73, more than five decades ago.

Recent visits to Wembley have brought little joy for Leeds, who have suffered three straight defeats there without finding the net. Those losses came in the 1996 EFL Cup final, the 2008 League One play-off final and the 2024 Championship play-off final, underlining a challenging record at the stadium.

Leeds are unbeaten against Chelsea in the Premier League this season, with one win and one draw from their two meetings. It is the seventh season in which the clubs have met at least three times in all competitions, yet Leeds have never previously avoided defeat in all such games during a single campaign.

The Opta supercomputer rates Leeds’ prospects at Wembley at 29.5% for victory over Chelsea this weekend, while the London side are given a 45.1% chance of progressing. That leaves the remaining simulations pointing towards a draw after 90 minutes and the need for extra time or penalties.

Calum McFarlane will guide Chelsea for the rest of the season, beginning with this semi-final, after stepping in following Rosenior’s exit. Farke believes the change on the bench could free the Chelsea squad mentally, turning the match into a dangerous test for Leeds despite the Blues’ recent struggles.

“When some top-class players are showing the basics and have no excuses, then it can be a really, really dangerous side, Farke said. For that, I expect a Chelsea side who will be back to their best. I expect a side who will try to prove that it’s a fresh start, and right now the burden has been lifted, and they want to show what they’re capable of. But we have shown also against the top sides that we’re capable of bringing a performance and to deliver a result. We are greedy also to be successful in this game.”

Farke is comfortable with Leeds carrying underdog status against a squad filled with high-profile players and big transfer fees. The head coach stressed that league form may have limited impact in a one-off semi-final, and highlighted Leeds’ belief gained from competitive displays against elite opponents this season.

“We play a side which is packed with top-class players, with unbelievable potential, Farke added. Chelsea have one of the most talented squads in world football, I would say. So many exciting players, exciting young players, who can develop. Of course, they are probably not happy with their recent results, but I think in this game, an FA Cup semi-final, it doesn’t play so much of a significant role what happens in the league. We are a bit the underdog anyhow, but also the underdog who has a chance.”

With Chelsea looking for a reset under McFarlane and Leeds seeking a first FA Cup final appearance since 1973, both clubs enter Wembley with contrasting histories and current form, yet each retains clear motivation as they chase a place in one of English football’s showcase fixtures.