Chelsea vs Leeds: Carabao Cup Clash Preview and Lineups

Chelsea Host Leeds in Carabao Cup Third Round

Chelsea face Leeds United at Stamford Bridge in the 2026–27 Carabao Cup third round, aiming to recover after their first loss under manager Xabi Alonso. The Blues began their cup journey early due to missing out on European competitions this season, comfortably defeating Luton Town in Alonso's debut match at home.

Leeds United also advanced easily, beating Nottingham Forest away. Under Daniel Farke, Leeds remain unbeaten this season and hope to cause an upset at Stamford Bridge.

Following a defeat to Arsenal that marked Alonso's initial loss, Chelsea cannot afford another setback against Leeds. An early cup exit would mar Alonso’s start at Chelsea and add pressure on the team to perform.

Score Prediction

Even if Alonso rotates his squad, Chelsea hold a quality advantage over Leeds. Fringe players will be eager to impress amid limited Premier League minutes this season without European fixtures. This cup tie carries weight as losing here would deny Chelsea a shot at silverware before September ends.

Leeds possess threats that could exploit Chelsea's defensive vulnerabilities, but we think the Blues will grind out a narrow win to stay in the competition.

• Leeds’ record at Stamford Bridge: Chelsea haven't lost at home to Leeds since 1999, winning seven of nine games played there.
• Attacking form: Chelsea have netted 10 goals in their opening four matches; Leeds have scored just three in three league games but are defensively solid.
• Carabao Cup history: Leeds have passed the third round only once since 2017–18. Chelsea have failed to progress past this stage only once in the last 15 years.

Predicted Score: Chelsea 2–1 Leeds

Chelsea Expected Lineup

Injuries to Marco Palestra, Jordan Henderson, and Emmanuel Emegha persist, with Moisés Caicedo still sidelined. Due to limited midfield options, Roméo Lavia is likely to start again, alongside Valentín Barco, who aims to earn more league appearances.

Pep Chavarría and Malo Gusto may fill wingback roles, supporting what could be Chelsea’s strongest center-back trio. Up front, Danny Welbeck looks set to lead the attack, seeking his second Carabao Cup goal for the club.

Meanwhile, either Morgan Rogers or Cole Palmer might be replaced by Estêvão to operate 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 Lineup

Joe Rondon and Mateo Joseph remain unavailable. Daniel James faces uncertainty with a back injury that kept him out recently.

James Trafford is expected to continue as Leeds’ starting goalkeeper after arriving from Manchester City. The defense may only see Jaka Bijol return to replace a teammate, with James Justin moving to left wingback in place of the injured Gabriel Gudmundsson.

Harry Wilson could make his second start since joining from Fulham, supported by USMNT forward Brenden Aaronson. Up front, Lukas Nmecha might start over regular striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Former Chelsea academy player Ethan Ampadu will captain Leeds 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, 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