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Chelsea vs Leeds: Carabao Cup Clash Preview, Predictions, and Lineups

The Blues are set to face Leeds United at Stamford Bridge in the third round of the 2026–27 Carabao Cup as midweek fixtures come around. Chelsea, having missed out on European competition this season, began their cup run earlier than usual, advancing past Luton Town two weeks ago in Xabi Alonso's first official home match as manager.

Leeds, under Daniel Farke, secured a solid away win against Nottingham Forest in the second round and enter the game unbeaten this season. They’ll be looking to cause an upset in London, confident in their form.

After Chelsea’s recent defeat to Arsenal marked the first loss under Alonso, being knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Leeds would be a tough blow early in his tenure. Chelsea would have preferred midweek Champions League action but must now focus on overcoming this challenging fixture.

Score Prediction: Chelsea Edges Leeds 2-1

Even if Alonso opts for significant changes from the weekend lineup, Chelsea's squad depth and quality should see them through. Several fringe players will want to make an impression and stake a claim for more regular Premier League appearances. The reduced schedule without European games makes cup matches an important opportunity for playing time.

This match carries weight for Chelsea’s season trajectory; an early exit could mean missing a key chance for silverware before September closes. Leeds will test Chelsea's defense, which has shown vulnerabilities, but we think the home side's top players will grind out a narrow victory to keep their cup hopes alive.

Key Stats Ahead of Kickoff

  • Leeds’ Record at Stamford Bridge: Chelsea haven’t lost at home to Leeds since 1999 and have won seven of the nine meetings there since then.
  • Scoring Trends: Chelsea netted 10 goals across their first four matches this season. Leeds has been defensively solid but hasn’t faced a team with Chelsea’s firepower yet. Leeds have scored just three goals in as many league games so far.
  • Carabao Cup History: Leeds have progressed beyond the third round only once since 2017–18. Chelsea, by contrast, have failed to advance past this stage only once in the last 15 years.

Predicted Starting Lineups

  • Goalkeeper: Penders
  • Defenders: Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill
  • Wingbacks: Gusto, Chavarría
  • Midfielders: Barco, Lavia
  • Attacking Midfielders: Estêvão, Rogers
  • Forward: Welbeck

Injuries to Marco Palestra, Jordan Henderson, Emmanuel Emegha, and especially Moisés Caicedo limit Alonso’s options. Roméo Lavia is expected to keep his spot, while Valentín Barco could get a chance to impress. Danny Welbeck may lead the attack aiming to score his second Carabao Cup goal for Chelsea. Estêvão might replace Cole Palmer on the right attacking midfield role.

  • Goalkeeper: Trafford
  • Defenders: Bijol, Elvedi, Muharemović
  • Wingbacks: Bogle, Justin
  • Midfielders: Ampadu (captain), Longstaff
  • Attacking Midfielders: Wilson, Aaronson
  • Forward: Nmecha

Joe Rondon and Mateo Joseph are sidelined, and Daniel James' fitness remains uncertain due to a back problem. James Trafford is likely to remain Leeds’ number one goalkeeper after moving from Manchester City. Jaka Bijol should return to defense, pushing James Justin to left wingback. Harry Wilson will start his second game since joining from Fulham, and USMNT forward Brenden Aaronson pairs with him behind striker Lukas Nmecha, who starts over Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Former Chelsea academy player Ethan Ampadu will captain Leeds.

Match Details

  • Location: London, England
  • Stadium: Stamford Bridge
  • Date: Wednesday, September 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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