Chelsea vs Leeds: Carabao Cup Clash Preview and Predicted Lineups
After experiencing their first loss under Xabi Alonso, Chelsea face Leeds United at Stamford Bridge in the third round of the 2026–27 Carabao Cup. Without European competition this season, Chelsea started their cup journey earlier than usual, easily dispatching Luton Town two weeks ago in Alonso’s debut match at home.
Leeds have also impressed, comfortably defeating Nottingham Forest away and remaining unbeaten so far this season under manager Daniel Farke. They arrive confident that an upset at Stamford Bridge is possible.
Chelsea’s recent defeat to Arsenal makes this game especially important. Exiting the Carabao Cup now, especially to a team seen as less strong, would cast a shadow over Alonso’s early days in charge. The Blues had hoped to be competing in the Champions League midweek but instead must overcome this challenging fixture.
Score Prediction: Chelsea Narrowly Prevail
Even if Alonso rotates his squad heavily after the weekend’s match, Chelsea still hold the quality advantage and should move on. Fringe players will push hard to prove themselves for more Premier League minutes, making this cup tie critical for their opportunities.
This encounter could shape Chelsea’s season trajectory. An early cup exit would mean losing a key chance at silverware before September ends. The pressure is on, with Leeds presenting a threat to Chelsea’s sometimes shaky defense. Still, we think Chelsea’s key players will grind out a close victory to keep their cup hopes alive.
- Leeds’ Record at Stamford Bridge: Chelsea haven’t lost at home against Leeds since 1999, winning seven of nine matches there.
- Attacking Form: Chelsea have netted 10 goals in four games this season. Leeds have been solid defensively but haven’t faced Chelsea’s level yet. Leeds have scored only three goals in three league matches.
- Carabao Cup History: Leeds have passed the third round just once since 2017–18. Chelsea have failed to advance past this stage only once in 15 years.
Prediction: Chelsea 2–1 Leeds
Projected Chelsea Lineup
Alonso will rotate players due to injuries sidelining Marco Palestra, Jordan Henderson, Emmanuel Emegha, and most notably Moisés Caicedo. Roméo Lavia is expected to continue in midfield, with Valentín Barco earning a start to push for more league appearances.
Pep Chavarría and Malo Gusto might fill wingback roles, supporting what could be Chelsea’s strongest central defense trio. Danny Welbeck is likely to lead the attack aiming for his second Carabao Cup goal. Estêvão may replace Cole Palmer on the right side of the No. 10 role.
- Chelsea Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Penders; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Gusto, Barco, Lavia, Chavarría; Estêvão, Rogers; Welbeck.
Expected Leeds Lineup
Leeds remain cohesive under Farke. Joe Rondon and Mateo Joseph are unavailable, while Daniel James’s status is uncertain due to a back problem. James Trafford is set to start in goal, continuing his role since joining from Manchester City.
The backline looks stable, with Jaka Bijol returning and James Justin shifting to left wingback, replacing Gabriel Gudmundsson who recently recovered from injury. Harry Wilson may make his second start since joining from Fulham, with Brenden Aaronson alongside him. Lukas Nmecha could lead the line instead of Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Ethan Ampadu, a former Chelsea academy player, will captain Leeds at Stamford Bridge.
- Leeds Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Trafford; Bijol, Elvedi, Muharemović; Bogle, Ampadu, Longstaff, Justin; Wilson, Aaronson; Nmecha.
Match Details
- Location: London, England
- Stadium: Stamford Bridge
- 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
