Chelsea return to League Cup action on Wednesday night when they host Leeds United in the third round at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues began the competition with a 2-0 victory over Luton Town, while Leeds reached this stage by beating Nottingham Forest by the same scoreline. Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea suffered their first defeat of the season against Arsenal on Sunday, whereas Daniel Farke’s Leeds remain unbeaten in all competitions.
Match preview
Chelsea made an unbeaten start under Alonso, defeating Fulham and Brighton in their opening two Premier League matches before Sunday’s 2-1 loss at Arsenal. Morgan Rogers gave Chelsea an early lead at the Emirates, but goals from Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard turned the game around.
The League Cup offers Chelsea an immediate opportunity to respond, although Alonso is expected to rotate his squad with a Premier League meeting against Hull City coming up on Saturday.
Chelsea have a strong record in this competition against Leeds, progressing from all 10 of their previous domestic cup ties against the Yorkshire club. Their most recent League Cup meeting came in December 2012, when Chelsea won 5-1 at Elland Road.
Leeds have made a solid return to the Premier League. After beating Nottingham Forest in the League Cup, Farke’s side drew with Brentford and Brighton in their subsequent league matches. They have lost only twice in their last 16 competitive games, stretching back to March.
The visitors also have recent reasons for optimism against Chelsea. Leeds beat the Blues 3-1 at Elland Road last December and drew 2-2 at Stamford Bridge in February before Chelsea won the FA Cup semi-final between the sides 1-0 at Wembley.
Team News
Chelsea will be without Moises Caicedo, Marco Palestra, Emmanuel Emegha and Jordan Henderson. Caicedo has returned to training following his calf injury, but Alonso confirmed that he is not yet ready to play. Palestra is also still recovering, while Emegha and Henderson remain sidelined.
Levi Colwill is available after missing Sunday’s defeat to Arsenal because of a fitness issue. With Alonso expected to rotate, Mike Penders, Malo Gusto, Valentin Barco, Pep Chavarria and Colwill are among those in contention for starts.
In attack, Danny Welbeck is expected to retain his place after scoring in the previous round against Luton, while Estêvão and Jamie Gittens are also in contention for starts.
Leeds remain without Joe Rodon and Mateo Joseph. Daniel James is a doubt after suffering back and hamstring problems during the warm-up before the Brighton match, although scans showed no new serious injury. Ilia Gruev is also being assessed.
Farke is expected to rotate his side, with Jaka Bijol, Brenden Aaronson, Harry Wilson and Lukas Nmecha among those pushing for starts. New signings Michael Zetterer and Jean-Matteo Bahoya are also available.
Predicted Lineups
Chelsea predicted XI: Penders; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Gusto, Lavia, Barco, Chavarria; Estêvão, Palmer; Welbeck.
Leeds United predicted XI: Trafford; Elvedi, Bijol, Muharemovic; Bogle, Ampadu, Longstaff, Justin; Aaronson, Wilson; Nmecha.
When is Chelsea vs Leeds United?
Chelsea vs Leeds United will be played on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Stamford Bridge, London.
Kick-off is 8:00pm BST, or 12:30am IST on Thursday, September 10.
How to watch Chelsea vs Leeds United
In the UK, Sky Sports Main Event will show Chelsea vs Leeds United live, with streaming available through Sky’s platforms.
In India, the Carabao Cup is available to stream live on FanCode.
What we say: Chelsea 1-1 Leeds United, Chelsea win on penalties
Chelsea should have enough depth to control large portions of the game, but Leeds’ recent record suggests they can make this a difficult night for Alonso’s rotated side.
Farke’s team have already shown they can trouble Chelsea and have conceded only three goals in their four league matches this season. With both managers likely to make changes, the game could remain finely balanced through 90 minutes.
Chelsea’s greater depth and home advantage should ultimately see them through, but a penalty shoot-out could be required.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Leeds United, Chelsea win on penalties.
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