Risky Cole Palmer decision made and Reece James absent in two changes for Chelsea vs Leeds

Chelsea take on Leeds United at Stamford Bridge this evening with head coach Liam Rosenior looking to make it five victories from as many matches in the Premier League

Reece James has not been included in Chelsea's matchday squad for this evening's Premier League fixture against Leeds United.

The Blues - looking for their fifth victory on the bounce in the league - are without their captain for a third successive match. James missed the defeat to Arsenal last week and the win at Molineux a few days later because of a knock.

James has recovered from his fitness issue but misses out tonight due to illness. Liam Rosenior confirmed during Monday's press conference that his skipper is suffering with a virus that has been going around the Chelsea camp for more than a month.

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Rosenior said: "Yes [it's the same bug]. Staff have been down, my coaching staff, staff around the club. Fortunately, only Reece from the playing staff is affected at the moment. It's something that we just keep trying to work on. I think it's the same for everyone at the moment."

Elsewhere, Robert Sanchez retains his place in goal for Chelsea. At right-back, it looks as if it will be Malo Gusto, with Josh Acheampong, Trevoh Chalobah and Marc Cucurella completing the defence for the hosts in a rainy west London.

Andrey Santos partners Moises Caicedo in the centre of the Blues' midfield. Cole Palmer starts back-to-back matches in the space of three days as Rosenior takes a risk with the 23-year-old's fitness.

Estevao Willian looks to be on the left wing, with Enzo Fernandez in the No.10 role. Joao Pedro leads the line for Chelsea as the Brazil international looks to continue his rich vein of form.

Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Acheampong, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Santos; Palmer, Fernandez, Estevao; Joao Pedro

Chelsea bench: Sharman-Lowe, Badiashile, Fofana, Sarr, Hato, Garnacho, Neto, Delap, Guiu

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