Leeds United

Leeds United Daniel Farke, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "It was a tight game. They were able to find the back of the net. I think we nearly dominated at least one statistic more shots on target, more expected goals, more big chances missed. But it's also fair to say that the football in the first half we didn't have our best days. You could feel the boys were a bit too nervous today to be at their free-flowing best and for that we had a few unnecessary losses of the balls and assisted more or less to their two or three chances in the first half.

"We were not played out of the park even though it wasn't our best game in the first half. Credit to my players. We went for it and pressed higher and dominated more. Of course, you always have to be switched on for counterattacks. But the goalkeeper was able to get two great saves. And the defensive flow of Chelsea was there, it was top defensive behaviour. They always had an answer to all our questions that we asked. It's hard to take anyhow, but nevertheless, I'm proud of the cup run."

Hit play above to hear more from Farke or listen on BBC Sounds here

Did you know?

• Leeds have become the first ever club side to lose four successive matches without scoring at Wembley.

• Leeds have lost each of their last three FA Cup semi-finals (also 1977 and 1987) – more eliminations at this stage of the competition than in their previous six semi-finals (two).

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Chelsea's performance

What did you make of Leeds' display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Chelsea welcome top scorer Joao Pedro back from a minor calf injury, but Cole Palmer is only fit enough for a place on the bench.

The pair missed the 3-0 defeat at Brighton, which proved to be Liam Rosenior's final game in charge as head coach.

Now led by interim boss Calum McFarlane, they switch back to a back four, with Alejandro Garnacho and Tosin Adarabioyo coming into the side.

Chelsea XI: Sanchez, Gusto, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella, Caicedo, Lavia, Neto, Fernandez, Garnacho, Joao Pedro.

Subs: Sharman-Lowe, Acheampong, Fofana, Hato, Essugo, Andrey Santos, Palmer, Derry, Delap

Leeds' cup-goalkeeper Lucas Perri retains his place over Karl Darlow, who remains no1 in the Premier League.

They otherwise have the same XI which drew with Bournemouth on Wednesday.

The Whites are unbeaten in seven in all competitions.

Leeds XI: Perri, Justin, Bijol, Struijk, Bogle, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson, Aaronson, Okafor, Calvert-Lewin

Subs: Darlow, Roson, Bornauw, Longstaff, Stach, James, Gnonto, Piroe, Nmecha

I don't think Liam Rosenior was the biggest problem at Chelsea, although some of his decisions certainly did not help his cause.

I was at Amex Stadium on Tuesday, co-commentating on Rosenior's final game in charge, and the lack of effort some of the Chelsea players put in against Brighton was more damning on them than their manager.

Rosenior was right when he came out afterwards and said the performance was "unacceptable" but, sadly, when a manager is so critical of his players you know that is usually the end for him.

I hope Rosenior gets back into management soon and the state Chelsea are in is certainly not a reflection on him. The model the club's owners have gone for is part of the problem, as Rosenior's predecessors found out too.

It is left to Calum McFarlane to take charge for this game and we will have to wait to see who he has fit - and then which Chelsea side will turn up.

Leeds beat Chelsea at Elland Road in December and drew with them at Stamford Bridge in February.

Daniel Farke's side are not completely safe yet but they picked up another really good point late on against Bournemouth on Wednesday and they have got a lot about them. I am going for them to beat Chelsea at Wembley too.

Sutton's prediction: 1-2

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Leeds United are one game away from reaching their first FA Cup final since 1973. Jonathan Buchan, Adam Pope & Kaiser Chiefs' bassist Simon Rix preview the semi-final against Chelsea.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore more Leeds content on BBC Sounds

Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley (kick-off 15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Midfielder Ilia Gruev has a meniscus injury and will miss the remainder of the season. Farke said "it's not ideal and we all feel for him," but he should return in time for pre-season.

• Jayden Bogle "got a hit against his foot" but Farke is hopeful the right-back will be available for Sunday.

• Defender Sebastiaan Bornauw "rolled his ankle" in the warm-up to the Bournemouth game and hasn't trained since. Farke said "there's no ligament damage" so he expects him to return to group training on Friday.

• Farke said "we won't do anything too special for this game" in terms of preparation or "overload the players with special plans they have never executed" because they need to keep it as "normal" as possible.

• On carrying momentum in the game: "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."

• He said "in one game there's always a chance" to cause an upset, even as "underdogs".

• On opponents Chelsea: "We face a big name and play a side packed with top class players and unbelievable potential. We will stick to our DNA. We have to be brave, play on the front foot and threaten the opponents."

• He highlighted the benefits of Leeds having "unity and confidence" while Chelsea enter the fixture having sacked their second permanent manger of the season on Wednesday.

• On how his players might deal with the occasion: "I'm not concerned about the nerves because I trust my lads and my group. We have delivered in the past when there's been pressure. It's a big goal [to reach the final] and something we would like to do. If you are just one game away from the final then you want to reach that final."

• His message to the fans: "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."

Hit play above to hear more from Farke or listen on BBC Sounds here

Listen to live commentary of the FA Cup semi-final on BBC Radio 5 Live from 15:00 BST on Sunday.

Got a question about Leeds? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea have introduced a ticket promotion for their FA Cup semi-final, with hundreds of seats still available to season-ticket holders and members.

At Wembley Stadium on Sunday, additional tickets are available together. Supporters are also being allowed to purchase up to three tickets, rather than the usual one.

Some supporters suggested this was due to a lack of demand but Chelsea have explained the new tickets have been acquired through the Football Association (FA).

Any member who has held their membership since 5 April can purchase a ticket, even if they have never attended a Chelsea match before.

Chelsea have been on a five-game losing run without a goal — their worst such sequence since 1912 — which was extended by Tuesday night's 3-0 defeat at Brighton.

Leeds were also granted a small additional allocation and have sold out their tickets twice over. The Yorkshire club contesting their first FA Cup semi-final since the 1986–87 season.

The match is also steeped in history since the 1970 FA Cup final, infamously dubbed one of the dirtiest matches in the competition's history and sparked a North-South rivalry between the two clubs.

Among the touting companies that could profit is Vivid Seats, which is part-owned by Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly, and is already selling seats for up to £1,705.

We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's Premier League game between Bournemouth and Leeds.

Here are some of your comments:

Bournemouth fans

Chris: Once again we dominated a match, had numerous chances, got no luck from the officials and threw away two points! We should have won by three or four goals. We just cannot kill off teams, it is so frustrating. We should be comfortably in the European places this season but now it will be a scrap. A new striker has to be a priority for us this summer.

Terry: Positives were a great performance again and good goals. Jimenez is awesome, he's like a Duracell bunny and just keeps going. Hill was so unlucky after another solid game. We'll miss Senesi. I'm proud to be a Cherry. Negatives were VAR and officials.

John: I cannot believe that Evanilson's goal was not given, his hand was offside but you can't score with your hand! Also how does that Leeds goal count as the striker is offside and blocking Petrovic? It's madness! Overall another good display from the team.

Scott: The 2-2 draw still doesn't make sense, Bournemouth should've won 3-1 and would've been moved up to sixth place and chance for a European boost.

Andy: VAR again tried hard to ruin the game - ref was third rate at best. Cherries were the best team and result was injustice

Leeds fans

David: The great thing about this Leeds team is they never give up. Maybe we were lucky with the offside at the end, but it was an amazing strike by Sean Longstaff. Bournemouth definitely shaded it, but we showed true Yorkshire grit and resilience.

Jim: A well fought out game between two competitive teams. Leeds battled to the last minute. Delighted for Sean Longstaff, he's fighting hard to get back in the team, and what a great team spirit!

Chris: Leeds keep on improving and it's down to Daniel Farke who's found the way to get the best out of the team - not just with motivation but starting line-ups and earlier substitutions when needed. It's all part of the steep learning curve Leeds have been on in the Premier League. I have no doubt whatsoever Leeds are staying up this year as they'll take more points from the remaining games. The third-from-bottom position will go to the wire I think and Leeds might have a say against West Ham.

Sam Drury
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

What a few weeks it has been for Leeds, with reaching the magical 40-point mark just the latest big milestone checked off.

They were not able to make it three straight Premier League wins - but it might have felt as if they for those in the away end as Sean Longstaff's volley arrowed into the bottom corner.

Victory over Wolves on Saturday took them to the brink of safety - and a point here might just have completed the job.

Adding to their points tally did not seem likely when Bournemouth, having dominated the early part of the second half, went in front.

But Daniel Farke turned to his bench and the game changed. Lukas Nmecha quickly made life uncomfortable for the home defenders, while Wilfried Gnonto's quick feet and direct approach offered the visitors a different dimension to their attack.

It was the latter's effort that led to the goal for 1-1 and while Bournemouth dealt with the flurry that followed, Leeds had shown they could get at them.

There was not quite the same response when they fell behind again, with the home side twice coming close to extending their lead.

But Leeds regrouped. Ethan Ampadu's long throws had caused issues during the night and did so again as Longstaff levelled.

With an FA Cup semi-final to come this weekend, Leeds fans will hope the good times just keep coming.

Leeds boss Daniel Farke, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "I am experienced long enough in this world, we will celebrate when it's mathematically done. It's too early. We are on 40 points, seven games unbeaten in all competitions, so I am confident. Why should we lose the last four games?"

Leeds goalscorer Sean Longstaff, speaking to Sky Sports: "Bournemouth are the only team I seem to score against, but I'll take them when they come. I just tried to make sure I got half decent contact with the ball.

"In those situations, you don't really try and pick a spot, just hit it as hard as you can. That's the advice I got off Alan Shearer a few years ago."

On the game overall: "They are a good side. When you come here, the pitch feels tight and cramped, so people feel they have less time than they do. They're one of the best pressing teams in the league. We knew it was going to be tough. Everyone performed really well, and I think we deserved a point in the end."

On Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea: "All we can do is focus on us. We've been on a good run of form since the international break. We've not lost, so we're carrying on that confidence and, ultimately, we are a team that's together and we work so hard for each other. If we take out chances when they come, it could be a really special day for the football club."

Did you know?

• Leeds United are unbeaten in their last six away games in the Premier League (W1 D5), their longest run in the competition since going six without defeat from August to October 2001.

• Leeds United named an unchanged starting XI from one Premier League game to another for a ninth time this season, doing so more often than any other side this term.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Bournemouth's performance

What did you make of Leeds' display?

Come back on Thursday for a selection of your replies

Andoni Iraloa makes one change to the Bournemouth XI that won 2-1 at Newcastle on Saturday.

David Brooks comes in to captain the side with Rayan dropping to the bench.

Victory would take the Cherries up to sixth, four points behind Liverpool in the final Champions League spot.

Bournemouth XI: Petrovic, Jimenez, Hill, Senesi, Truffert, Scott, Christie, Brooks, Kroupi, Tavernier, Evanilson.

Subs: Mandas, Gannon-Doak, Adams, Smith, Diakite, Adli, Unal, Toth, Rayan.

Leeds boss Daniel Farke sticks with the same team that started both Saturday's 3-0 win over Wolves and the 2-1 victory at Manchester United last week.

Noah Okafor scored three times across those two games, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin's late penalty against Wolves ended the striker's six-game Premier League goal drought.

The Whites will move 11 points clear of the relegation zone with a win tonight.

Leeds XI: Darlow, Justin, Bijol Struijk, Bogle, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson, Aaronson, Okafor, Calvert-Lewin.

Subs: Perri, Rodon, James, Longstaff, Piroe, Nmecha, Bornauw, Gnonto, Buonanotte.

If sixth place does get you in the Champions League then Bournemouth are in with a great shout - they are in brilliant form.

The Cherries have just announced that Marco Rose will be their manager next season, but Andoni Iraola seems to be signing off in style.

Leeds are in decent shape too, after back-to-back wins over Manchester United and Wolves.

They are not mathematically safe yet but they soon will be, because they have been phenomenal when I have watched them recently. They are so well organised and their system works - there is a lovely balance to their team and they have got a goal or two in them.

Eli Junior Kroupi's stoppage-time goal denied Leeds a win at Elland Road in September, but at that stage of the season Leeds had a habit of fading late in games - not any more.

Their previous away performance, for their win at Old Trafford, was absolutely outstanding and I can see them giving Bournemouth a good game.

The Cherries are playing with lots of confidence too, however, and they have not lost in the league since the start of January. I am going with them to nick this one, and leave Leeds with a little bit more work to do.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Read the full predictions and have your say

Sophie Brown
BBC Sport journalist

Bournemouth host Leeds in a meeting of two in-form Premier League teams on Wednesday.

Cherries are unbeaten in their past 13 league matches, which is the best such run of any Premier League club this season, and are in firm contention to qualify for Europe for the first time.

That in a season which began with losing four of their first-choice back five from last season, and then their top scorer departed in January. In addition, last season's top scorer Justin Kluivert has not played since the beginning of the year because of injury.

Teenagers Rayan and Junior Kroupi have seamlessly stepped into the gaps left by Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo, with Kroupi becoming the first teenager to reach double figures in his maiden Premier League season since Robbie Keane in 1999-2000.

If there is room for improvement, it is in their home form. Bournemouth have won four of their past 10 league matches but all four victories have come away from Vitality Stadium. Meanwhile, they have drawn their past four at home - another stalemate would see them become the first Premier League club to draw five in a row at home since Burnley in 2021.

However, given this is the first home match since Andoni Iraola announced that he would be leaving at the end of the season, his side will be hoping to mark it with a win to end that run.

Leeds also seem to enjoy the spring season. They have won all of their past seven league matches in the month of April, keeping five clean sheets and conceding just twice.

Most recent - and arguably most important - was Saturday's 3-0 win over Wolves, which made it back-to-back league wins for the first time this season and earned three vital points which should secure their Premier League safety.

While not yet mathematically certain, but no team has ever been relegated after taking 39 or more points from their first 33 games of a 38-game Premier League season.

Leeds have lost just four of their 15 league games in 2026, with their form revival coinciding with that of Noah Okafor, who also happens to have scored in both of Leeds' away wins in the league this season.

The Swiss striker went 16 consecutive Premier League appearances without a goal or an assist between October and January, but has been involved in six goals across his past five appearances, with five goals and an assist. Only Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes has had more goal involvements since the beginning of February.

April has also provided a long overdue league victory at Old Trafford and a dramatic FA Cup quarter-final win over West Ham. A midweek win over Bournemouth would be the perfect way to prepare for Sunday's semi-final at Wembley, where Leeds are targeting a first FA Cup final for 53 years.

Leeds United are planning to hand 25-year-old Wales midfielder Ethan Ampadu a new contract at the end of this season. (Teamtalk), external

Want more stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Adonis Storr
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Daniel Farke has a wonderful problem: Bournemouth away midweek before the most prestigious match for Leeds since the Champions League semi-final 25 years ago.

Two outstanding results in the Premier League – a magnificent first league win at Old Trafford in 45 years and a professional performance against Wolves at the weekend, has seen Opta rate Leeds' chance of survival this season as 99.7%.

So with relegation all-but mathematically avoided, who do United risk on the south coast on Wednesday?

Should Farke field a weakened team or go full-strength?

If the German rests players, he runs the risk of losing the momentum accrued after the first back-to-back wins of the season.

But if he goes full-strength, he may unnecessarily risk key players ahead of the biggest game in some fans' lifetimes.

Ahead of the quarter-final, Farke said: "It's still not realistic for us to win the FA Cup, but who knows?"

Now, only two Wembley wins away, that old glittering silver trophy is tantalisingly close.

And should the German bring a major piece of silverware back to Leeds for the first time since 1992, he would have firmly stepped out of the shadow of many managers who preceded him, including Marcelo Bielsa.

The battle plan for the midweek fixture must be to stay healthy and keep the momentum going. But that is easier said than done against a Bournemouth team who are enjoying their longest unbeaten run in the Premier League.

Whatever Farke decides to do on Wednesday will probably divide opinion and he will only be universally praised if the team comes out unscathed and ready for battle on Sunday. A fierce rival and a chance to play in an FA Cup final is looming, but Leeds must take care of business first.

Find more from Adonis Storr at The Roaring Peacock, external

Millie Sian
BBC Sport journalist

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Premier League game against Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium (kick-off 20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• There are no fresh injury concerns and, barring any setbacks, centre-back Joe Rodon should be available having recovered from an ankle injury.

• Daniel James (adductor) is back in training, but the winger will need "session after session" before making a return.

• Anton Stach is still waiting to return first-team training, though. The midfielder will not travel with the squad to Vitality Stadium and Farke added it is "difficult to say" if he will be available for Leeds' FA Cup semi-final this weekend.

• Farke added: "It is a crunch-time point in the season so I will push that he comes back into team training as soon as possible. It's a question of days not weeks, but he has to be 100% fit otherwise it makes no sense to bring him back."

• Farke praised his whole squad for stepping up when called upon this season, adding: "When a player like Anton [Stach] or Joe [Rodon] isn't available, it's a chance for others to shine. The players that have come in have done really well, with more or less every player already having the chance to be in the starting line-up or chip in with our good results."

• The Leeds boss said his side has "achieved a lot" in the past week, but "nothing is done yet" and it is important to "keep the foot on the gas" because "momentum can change pretty quickly" in top-flight football.

• He added: "We know we're in a good moment right now and we're on more than just a good path, but we still need and want more points. We want to ride on this wave a bit longer."

• The FA Cup semi-final on Sunday will not bear any impact on his approach to Wednesday's Premier League game: "It is one battle after another for us. We are just focused on our next game so nothing will distract us. Until Thursday morning, our only topic is Bournemouth."

• Farke said Andoni Iraola has done a "fantastic job" at Bournemouth, transforming the club into "an established Premier League side which is improving year on year".

• On Bournemouth's strengths, he said: "They have depth, threats in their offence, really good midfield players and quality in defence. It is no coincidence if you're 13 games unbeaten at this level, it will be a very tough trip. We have to be 100%, we cannot afford even 1% less than that."

• Everyone must "stay humble" and "not get carried away by emotions" despite coming in off the back of "one of the best couple of weeks in the club's modern history", with two important fixtures ahead. Farke continued: "We will celebrate when there is something to celebrate. For now, it is crucial that we use the confidence, feel-good factor and momentum."

• When asked to cast his memory back to November, when Leeds were in a much tougher position, he replied in jest: "I don't want to go back to November, if I'm honest, it's nice outside! The sun shining and the cherry blossom is out, it's much nicer in April."

Follow all of Tuesday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Got a question about Leeds? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts