Leeds v Chelsea: Becchio set to inspire home victory

Leeds and Chelsea have a rivalry that stretches back decades

One of English football's most famous grudge matches takes place in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday as Leeds entertain Chelsea...

Leeds v Chelsea, Wednesday 19:45, Sky Sports 1, Match Odds: Leeds 4.94/1, Chelsea 1.845/6, The Draw 3.9n/a

The cup that keeps on giving this season is back for its latest stirring instalment as these two long-term rivals clash for the last spot in the Capital One Cup semi-finals, where whoever progresses won't be too unnerved by facing one of Bradford, Aston Villa or Swansea. 

There's the small matter of this eagerly anticipated grudge match first though and, on paper at least, Chelsea are the favourites. That is hardly surprising considering the European champions will arrive at Elland Road boasting a squad teeming with talent in all departments and costing a pretty penny too.

However, we have already seen what the application of some good old fashioned Yorkshire grit can achieve against Champions League regulars and Championship Leeds, let's not forget, have already accounted for Premier League duo Everton and Southampton en route to this showdown.

Added to the positives column for Neil Warnock's side is the fact that the Blues arrive jaded from a long journey to the Club World Cup in Japan, still harbouring disappointment at becoming the first European entrant to fail to land the trophy since 2006.

Leeds are in their best form of the season as well, winning four of their last five league matches and, all things considered, the Whites may not get a better chance to get one over their rivals than this. 

Leeds Total Goals

A real feature of Leeds' Capital One Cup campaign has been their ability to find their net on a regular basis. They've banged in an average of three per game across the four rounds - all played at Elland Road - including three against Southampton last time out.

A Chelsea defence missing John Terry always look vulnerable and that will be amplified at Elland Road because Gary Cahill is suspended and, with John Obi Mikel, Oriol Romeu and Ramires all out, David Luiz may be required in midfield. If Leeds can penetrate early in the game, it could be a long night for Rafa Benitez's men.

To Score 

There are several candidates who could potentially bag goals for the hosts, though their Argentinian hitman Luciano Becchio has to top the list.

Becchio adds a touch of class to this Leeds side and 14 goals from just 24 appearances this season make the striker the main threat to Chelsea's backline. 

Best Bet: Back Leeds to score two or more goals @ 3.613/5
Other Recommended Bet:  Back Luciano Becchio to score @ 3.412/5