Chelsea vs Leeds United – Predicted lineup and team news

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·9 September 2026

Chelsea vs Leeds United – Predicted lineup and team news

Chelsea return to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday for a Carabao Cup third-round meeting with Leeds United, six months on from the two sides’ FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

Xabi Alonso’s side are looking to bounce back from their first defeat of the season and continue a domestic cup run that has eluded the club since their last EFL Cup triumph in 2015. A place in the fourth round is at stake against a Leeds side unbeaten in four matches, and Alonso has already confirmed a couple of enforced absences that will shape his selection.

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Jordan Henderson (wrist) and Emmanuel Emegha remain unavailable for Wednesday’s tie. Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra are also missing, with Alonso saying neither midfielder is ready to return following recent injury setbacks: “No, not yet. Still not ready to go… not the moment to take too early risk.” Levi Colwill, however, is back in contention having been an unused substitute at Arsenal through a minor fitness issue.

With Caicedo and Palestra sidelined, Alonso is expected to rotate his front three, with Danny Welbeck, who scored in the previous round against Luton, in line to lead the line. Estevao Willian, Geovany Quenda and Jamie Gittens are among those competing for a place in attack, while Mike Penders, Malo Gusto and Pep Chavarria are contenders to feature at the back as Alonso manages his squad across three competitions.