Leeds’ Championship promotion push takes a backseat this midweek with FA Cup taking centre stage for Daniel Farke’s men, taking on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

It’s a game where the away side will have nothing to lose, coming into the clash as underdogs against Mauricio Pochettino’s no-doubt deflated Blues after their EFL Cup heartbreak on Sunday.

Ethan Ampadu set to return to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday

One of Leeds’ players of the season so far, arguably the best signing of 23/24, is Ethan Ampadu – who joined the club permanently from Chelsea.

Initially playing as a midfielder and dictating virtually every game in the Championship that he played in, he has more recently dropped into centre-back to similar outstanding effect, including seven clean sheets in nine league games in 2024.

A £7million signing from the Blues, Ampadu has proven to be one of the best value-for-money additions that Leeds have made in recent memory.

Where will Leeds finish in 23/24?

Leeds beat significant competition for Ampadu – Journalist

Some of the pre-match focus between Chelsea and Leeds is unsurprisingly on those former Chelsea players currently in the Leeds setup, Ampadu being the most notable one.

The Standard journalist Nizaar Kinsella has shared this insight into Ampadu since swapping Stamford Bridge for Elland Road:

Chelsea could have done with Ampadu this season

So much investment has gone into Chelsea’s midfield under Todd Boehly, just over £360million to be more specific.

Meanwhile, they are yet to really demonstrate that their midfield is good enough to compete for a European place, all while Ampadu is producing incredible performances on a consistent basis.

The fact we only paid £7million is absurd, and surely Chelsea will be regretting not giving him more chances to showcase his clear talents.

The big updated Stuart Dallas quiz – Can Leeds United fans score 20/20?