MaplePitch Logo

Chelsea vs Leeds: Carabao Cup Clash Preview and Lineups

Chelsea face Leeds United in the third round of the 2026–27 Carabao Cup, looking to recover after their first defeat under Xabi Alonso. The Blues began their cup run earlier than usual due to missing out on European football, comfortably dispatching Luton Town two weeks ago in Alonso’s first home match. Leeds, unbeaten so far this season, overcame Nottingham Forest away in the second round and will be confident of causing an upset in London.

After losing to Arsenal recently, Chelsea cannot afford another setback against Leeds, as an early exit from the Carabao Cup would dampen Alonso’s fresh start. Though missing out on Champions League action means a lighter schedule, this tie presents a tough challenge that Chelsea must overcome.

Score Prediction: Chelsea Edge It 2–1

Even with potential changes to the starting lineup, Chelsea hold the upper hand in quality and should advance past Leeds. Several squad players will look to impress and stake a claim for Premier League minutes under Alonso, with cup games offering vital chances to shine.

This match carries significant weight, with elimination meaning missing a valuable trophy opportunity before September ends. Leeds have capable players who can exploit Chelsea’s defensive vulnerabilities, but the hosts’ key performers are likely to grind out a narrow win to keep their cup hopes alive.

  • Leeds’ Record at Stamford Bridge: Chelsea have not lost at home to Leeds since 1999, winning seven of the nine meetings there.
  • Scoring Form: Chelsea have netted 10 goals in their opening four matches. Leeds’ defense has been solid but untested by a side of Chelsea’s caliber. Leeds have scored just three goals in their first three league games.
  • Carabao Cup History: Leeds have only gone beyond the third round once since 2017–18, while Chelsea have passed this stage in all but one of the last 15 seasons.

Prediction: Chelsea 2–1 Leeds

Chelsea Expected Lineup vs. Leeds

Injuries to Marco Palestra, Jordan Henderson, and Emmanuel Emegha persist, with Moisés Caicedo also absent, forcing Alonso to adapt his midfield. Roméo Lavia is set to retain his spot, and Valentín Barco may feature to push for more league appearances.

Wingbacks Pep Chavarría and Malo Gusto might start alongside a strong center-back trio. Danny Welbeck is expected to lead the attack, aiming for his second Carabao Cup goal with Chelsea. Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer started against Luton, but Estêvão could replace Palmer as the right-sided No. 10.

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

Leeds Likely Starting XI vs. Chelsea

Leeds remain a united squad under Daniel Farke. Joe Rondon and Mateo Joseph are unavailable, and Daniel James’s participation is doubtful due to a back problem. James Trafford should keep goal after joining from Manchester City.

The defense might see Jaka Bijol return, pushing James Justin to left wingback instead of Gabriel Gudmundsson, who has only recently recovered from injury. Harry Wilson could make his second start since signing from Fulham, with USMNT forward Brenden Aaronson supporting him. Lukas Nmecha may start up front over Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Former Chelsea academy player Ethan Ampadu will captain the team at Stamford Bridge.

  • Leeds predicted lineup (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, September 9
  • Kickoff Time: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
  • Referee: Jarred Gillet

Broadcast Info

  • 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

Related News