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Chelsea vs Leeds: Carabao Cup Clash Preview and Lineup Predictions

Chelsea Hosts Leeds in Carabao Cup Third Round

Chelsea looks to recover quickly after suffering their first loss under Xabi Alonso when they welcome Leeds United to Stamford Bridge for the 2026–27 Carabao Cup third round.

Without European competition this season, Chelsea's Carabao Cup journey began earlier than usual. The Blues comfortably defeated Luton Town two weeks ago in Alonso's inaugural home match. Meanwhile, Leeds cruised past Nottingham Forest on the road, maintaining an unbeaten record so far and believing they can cause a surprise in London.

The recent defeat to Arsenal was a setback for Chelsea, and bowing out of the cup to a lower-ranked side shortly after would be a harsh start for Alonso's tenure. Though Chelsea would prefer Champions League fixtures midweek, they face the task of overcoming a confident Leeds squad determined to extend their strong run.

Score Prediction: Chelsea Narrowly Edge Leeds

Even with likely rotation following the Arsenal game, Chelsea holds the advantage in talent and should move forward in the tournament. Several squad players will see this as a chance to impress and stake claims for league minutes, especially given fewer matches without European distractions.

This fixture carries weight for Alonso’s side; an early exit would remove a key opportunity for silverware before September concludes. The pressure to perform rests firmly on Chelsea's shoulders. Leeds have quality attackers who could test Chelsea’s defensive vulnerabilities, yet the hosts are expected to grind out a tight win.

  • Leeds’ Record at Stamford Bridge: Chelsea has not lost at home to Leeds since 1999, winning seven of nine meetings there.
  • Goal Scoring: Chelsea netted 10 goals across four games this season. Leeds' defense has held strong but hasn't faced a club of Chelsea's caliber; with just three goals in three league matches, outscoring the Blues is Leeds' best hope.
  • Carabao Cup Track Record: Leeds have only moved beyond the third round once since 2017–18, whereas Chelsea failed to progress just once in 15 years.

Prediction: Chelsea 2–1 Leeds

Expected Chelsea Lineup

Injuries to Marco Palestra, Jordan Henderson, Emmanuel Emegha, and especially Moisés Caicedo limit Alonso's options. Roméo Lavia is likely to keep his midfield spot, while Valentín Barco may get a chance to prove himself.

Pep Chavarría and Malo Gusto could fill wingback roles alongside a solid center-back trio. Danny Welbeck is set to lead the attack, aiming for his second Carabao Cup goal. Estêvão might replace Cole Palmer on the right wing, with Morgan Rogers continuing from the last cup match.

  • Chelsea Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Penders; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Gusto, Barco, Lavia, Chavarría; Estêvão, Rogers; Welbeck

Leeds Projected Lineup

Leeds remains a well-organized team under Daniel Farke. Joe Rondon and Mateo Joseph are sidelined, with Daniel James doubtful due to a back injury.

James Trafford should continue in goal after arriving from Manchester City. The defense might feature Jaka Bijol returning, shifting James Justin to left wingback, replacing Gabriel Gudmundsson. Harry Wilson is expected to start again, joined by Brenden Aaronson, while Lukas Nmecha could lead the line instead of Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Former Chelsea youth Ethan Ampadu will captain the visitors.

  • Leeds Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Trafford; Bijol, Elvedi, Muharemović; Bogle, Ampadu, Longstaff, Justin; Wilson, Aaronson; Nmecha

Match Details

  • Location: Stamford Bridge, London, England
  • Date: Wednesday, Sept. 9
  • Kickoff Time: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
  • Referee: Jarred Gillet

Broadcast Information

  • United States: Paramount+
  • Canada: DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada
  • Mexico: ESPN Mexico, Disney+ Premium
  • United Kingdom: Sky Go UK, NOW, SKY GO Extra, Sky Ultra HD, Sky Sports Main Event

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