Chelsea vs Leeds United prediction made as two reasons for FA Cup success given

The Whites have the opportunity to reach the final of the FA Cup for the first time in over 50 years on Saturday but must get past the eight-time winners of the competition at Wembley. Despite Leeds sitting 15th in the Premier League table with Chelsea eighth, only eight points separate the two clubs.

Currently on a five-match losing streak with no goals scored, the Blues dismissed Liam Rosenior earlier this week while Leeds are riding an unbeaten run stretching five games. The contrasting fortunes between the two sides have led Dickov - who enjoyed a brief stint at Elland Road in 2010 - to brand his former side as favourites in the clash.

Leeds have taken four points from Chelsea this season as they defeated them 3-1 at home before coming back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Stamford Bridge in February. Speaking to MrQ, the ex-Scotland international said: "Yeah, I think you have got to think of Leeds as genuine contenders for the FA Cup.

"If you’re looking at the poor form of Chelsea at the moment and the good form of Leeds, then Leeds are probably expected to win the match this weekend and get to the FA Cup final. After that, you never know, it’s a bit like Crystal Palace last year.

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"If Manchester City beat Southampton, and you can never assume that, then you have to remember that Leeds have given Manchester City two really tough games this season. So Leeds have got themselves a great chance in the semi-finals, and I would say a great chance in the final too."

Dickov also cited the form and talent of Dominic Calvert-Lewin who has scored 12 goals across all competitions this season. Describing him as a "nightmare to play against", Dickov said should the Englishman remain fit for the rest of the season, there could be a celebration in store for the Leeds fans.

He added: "I am really pleased for Dominic [Calvert-Lewin] this season. He’s suffered so much with injuries over the last few years, and he has taken a lot of stick, but he has put himself under great discipline to get back to where he is.

"This season, he has looked fresh, looked fit, looked strong, and he has looked hungry again, which he has not been for the last few years. Calvert-Lewin is a different option up top compared to what most Premier League teams have, and he is a nightmare to play against.

"Obviously, we all know he is big, he is strong, and he is good in the air, but he causes defenders a lot of problems in plenty of other ways. If he stays fit for the rest of the season and keeps banging in goals, then Leeds fans are going to end the season smiling."

Speaking ahead of Saturday's fixture, Leeds boss Daniel Farke admitted Chelsea may have a point to prove following Rosenior's sacking but insisted his side can defeat any team in the division. "We prepare to face a really strong, a really dangerous side - the side who is the favourite, the German said.

"But, we have also shown against the top sides… we are even capable to bring in performance and to deliver a result. We know, if we have a top day and we deliver in a perfect way it’s one day, one game. There’s always a chance.

"This is also against the reigning champion of the Club World Cup and of course, we're not the favourite in this game. There's no doubt about this. But we also know that we play this game in a good moment."