Jermaine Beckford and Tony Dorigo on Leeds United’s prospects in the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley.
Jermaine Beckford and Tony Dorigo have much in common as they head to Wembley.
Both ex-Leeds United stars; both having represented the club on the hallowed turf; both are also working the match as pundits – Beckford for TNT Sports and Dorigo for LUTV.
Both also know there’s no chance of being impartial, even Dorigo with his Chelsea roots.
And both firmly believe Leeds will book their place in the FA Cup final on a particularly huge day for Dorigo who is set to receive his England legacy cap before kick-off.
Beckford is the more bullish of the pair – predicting a 3-1 for Daniel Farke’s Whites as he tells the YEP; “I can’t wait, what a game. I’m a little bit disappointed that it’s not the final.
“But what an amazing opportunity for Leeds to really put it to them.
“Chelsea have been on a ropey run. We’re in great form, they’re not in great form.
“Performance-wise, Leeds look far better suited coming into this game than Chelsea and I genuinely think that we’ll be able to go through.
“This is a great time to play against Chelsea and their confidence is at an all time low.
“I know Chelsea are a far better side than Wolves but if you look at the way Leeds started that game against Wolves – in the first 15/20 minutes they were completely smothering them, dominated possession amd moved the ball really quickly.
“Everything about the passing, the crossing, the movements were really, really snappy. We got a nice early goal.
“If we are able to do that, that will put immense pressure on Chelsea, the fans will start to turn eventually if they’re not able to get the ball back or maintain possession and I think we’ll be able to cause an upset.
“It would be amazing if we are able to do it.
“As a Leeds fan, a semi-final against Chelsea as well, there’s only one other team that I would rather beat at this stage of the competition and we beat them a couple of weeks ago!
“But it’s going to be an amazing atmosphere and I can’t wait to see Leeds run out 3-1 victors. I’m calling it, 3-1.”
Pressed on how easy it would be to be neutral or otherwise on TNT, Beckford quipped: “I’m on with Joe Cole again and he’s Chelsea.
“He’s not afraid to tie his colours to the mast so I’m not afraid to do the same. We will be respectful, but also everybody knows where my bread is buttered.”
As a former player for both Leeds and Chelsea, Dorigo also has a bit of a balancing act to deal with.
But Dorigo’s foot is very much in the Leeds United camp, the former left back working the match for LUTV and also full of belief that Farke’s men will go through.
Dorigo tells the YEP: “I think it’s wonderful. It’s special to play as a player but for the fans it’s the sort of thing they will remember forever and a day.
“The rivalry with Chelsea is also huge and I know that more than most changing from one to another.
“Leeds are in a really good position and it makes this game something you can actually really look forward to rather than thinking this is a bit of fly in the ointment knowing that we have got to have Premier League survival.
“The way we are playing, we quite clearly have a great togetherness whereas Chelsea can blow hot and cold and their recent form has been awful. Then they have injuries and everything else. I think we have got a great chance. We can go out there with a bit more freedom and really give it our all.
“I just look back to that first 45 minutes at Old Trafford and that’s the best I have seen us play not just this season but for a few years easily and with anything like that we are going to give any team trouble.
“Chelsea have got some talented players but the last thing I’d be doing is getting on to that pitch with any sort of trepidation.
“I’d be going out there thinking we have got a great chance here. I can only see one goal in it either way and let’s hope it goes our way – 2-1 because I think they will score.”
Pressed on his own personal Leeds and Chelsea juggling act, Dorigo reasoned: “I have a lot of lovely memories with both clubs and it’s going to be a special day.
“Both clubs mean a heck of a lot to me but certainly for this one I will be in just the one corner; the white corner for sure.”