Chelsea vs Leeds: Carabao Cup Clash Preview and Lineup Predictions

The Blues face a crucial test at Stamford Bridge as they welcome Leeds United for the third round of the 2026–27 Carabao Cup. Chelsea’s campaign started early due to missing out on European competitions, with their first official match under Xabi Alonso ending in a solid win over Luton Town two weeks ago.

Leeds, undefeated so far this season, advanced comfortably past Nottingham Forest in the second round. Daniel Farke's side arrives confident, hoping to cause an upset on London soil.

After Chelsea’s recent defeat against Arsenal, suffering another loss against Leeds in the cup would be a harsh blow for Alonso’s reign. The Blues had hoped to be competing in the Champions League midweek but instead must focus on overcoming a tough Leeds side.

Score Prediction: Chelsea Narrowly Prevail

Even if Alonso opts for major squad rotation following the Arsenal game, Chelsea’s superior quality should see them through. Fringe players will push hard to impress and earn Premier League minutes, making this cup tie significant given the reduced fixture load without European games.

This match could shape Chelsea’s season trajectory. Exiting the Carabao Cup early would mean losing a key chance for silverware before September ends. Leeds’ defense has been solid, but they have yet to face a team with Chelsea’s firepower. Scoring goals is Leeds’ best shot at an upset, though they’ve only netted three times in three league matches so far.

Leeds’ Stamford Bridge record: Chelsea haven’t lost at home to Leeds since 1999, winning seven of nine meetings there.

Attacking stats: Chelsea have scored 10 goals across four matches this season. Leeds, strong defensively, need to break through against a robust Blues side.

Carabao Cup history: Leeds have passed the third round just once since 2017–18. Chelsea have only failed to move past this stage once in the last 15 years.

Prediction: Chelsea 2–1 Leeds

Chelsea Predicted Lineup Against Leeds

Injuries to Marco Palestra, Jordan Henderson, and Emmanuel Emegha keep them out, while the absence of Moisés Caicedo is particularly challenging for Alonso. Roméo Lavia is expected to hold his midfield spot. Valentín Barco could feature as Alonso looks to give him more playing time.

Pep Chavarría and Malo Gusto might start as wingbacks alongside a solid center-back trio. Danny Welbeck is likely to spearhead the attack, aiming for his second Carabao Cup goal with Chelsea. Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer started the previous cup game; Estêvão may come in to replace Palmer, playing on the right as a No. 10.

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

Leeds Predicted Lineup Against Chelsea

Leeds maintain a tight unit under Farke. Joe Rondon and Mateo Joseph are unavailable, while Daniel James’s participation is uncertain due to a back issue. James Trafford is set to remain the starting goalkeeper after joining from Manchester City.

The defense may stay unchanged except for Jaka Bijol returning, pushing James Justin to left wingback, replacing Gabriel Gudmundsson who recently recovered from injury. Harry Wilson could make his second start since arriving from Fulham, with USMNT forward Brenden Aaronson partnering him. Lukas Nmecha might lead the line over regular starter Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

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

• 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, 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