Thomas Tuchel's reign as Chelsea manager is off to a near-impeccable start.
After eleven matches, the Blues are unbeaten with the 47-year-old at the helm, winning eight and drawing three games across all competitions.
They have beaten Premier League champions Liverpool, La Liga champions-elect Atletico Madrid, whilst conceding just twice over this eleven-match span.
Clearly, Leeds United have a task on their hands in overcoming a team staffed with European stars and a manager whose previous employers are German and French giants.
That said, Tuchel will be without two of his key Chelsea players, including one of this season's most-relied-upon individuals.
Tuchel confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Chelsea will be missing Thiago Silva and Tammy Abraham through injury this weekend.
"Thiago had a little setback in training at the end of the session, the day before yesterday, he felt something around the same area he was injured. He will be out, the same for Tammy who still has the ankle pain," the German said.
Former PSG captain Thiago Silva has been imperious in defence for Chelsea, under both Frank Lampard and Tuchel.
The veteran centre-back has steadied the ship in a team who last season could not help but leak goals routinely. His loss is arguably greater than that of England international Abraham's given the attacking options Tuchel has to replace him.
Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud made light work of Leeds United's defence last time out, while summer signing Timo Werner is yet to burst into life in a Blues shirt, but appears perennially on the cusp of doing so.
From his brief time in England, Tuchel has been known to be refreshingly candid and open in interviews. His admission that Abraham and Silva would be unavailable was one that must have troubled him, owing to the length of his response regarding Abraham's knock.
"I'm a bit concerned because the pain from the tackle against Newcastle is still there. It's been a long time since he's been 100% free and comfortable in training.
"Even if he finishes in training, I can see he isn't 100% free. I have complete trust in our medical department and they will take care of him.
"Tammy had to leave the pitch during the warm-up yesterday and he will get all the time he needs. It's important he feels zero pain and then we can think about his comeback," Tuchel stressed.
With Abraham and Silva both absent, Tuchel will be expected to field three of Andreas Christensen, Kurt Zouma, Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger in a defensive trio which has worked wonders for the German upon his arrival.
