Chelsea host Leeds United at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night as Xabi Alonso’s side look to reach the fourth round of the Carabao Cup and respond immediately to their first defeat of the season.
The Blues return home only three days after losing 2-1 at Arsenal, while Leeds arrive in west London unbeaten across their opening four competitive matches.
Kick-off is at 8pm BST, with Chelsea’s official match guide confirming the game will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event.
Chelsea vs Leeds team news
The biggest Chelsea fitness question remains Moises Caicedo.
Caicedo missed Sunday’s defeat at Arsenal after suffering another setback following his return against Brighton.
Alonso subsequently admitted Chelsea may have brought the Ecuador international back too quickly and made clear he did not want to repeat that mistake.
ReadChelsea’s latest Moises Caicedo injury update explains why a Carabao Cup return only three days after Arsenal appears unlikely.
With Hull City visiting Stamford Bridge on Saturday, Chelsea have little reason to gamble with one of their most important players unless he is fully ready.
Rotation elsewhere looks highly likely.
Alonso made significant changes during the previous round against Luton Town, when Mike Penders, Malo Gusto, Pep Chavarria, Valentin Barco, Estêvão Willian and Danny Welbeck were among those handed opportunities.
That makes several of those players leading candidates to return on Wednesday.
Our updated Chelsea predicted XI vs Leeds has Alonso making sweeping changes, with Penders returning in goal and Estêvão, Geovany Quenda and Jamie Gittens potentially supporting Welbeck in attack.
Levi Colwill should also come into consideration after remaining unused during the defeat at Arsenal.
Leeds without Joe Rodon at Stamford Bridge
Leeds have already suffered one significant defensive blow.
Daniel Farke has confirmed Joe Rodon will miss the game after suffering a hamstring injury.
The official Leeds United injury update revealed the Wales international is expected to be sidelined for around eight to ten weeks.
Farke described Rodon’s absence as a major blow and suggested James Justin could be required more regularly in central defence as a result.
ReadChelsea’s full Leeds team news ahead of Chelsea looks at Rodon’s absence and the other availability questions Farke must consider before travelling to Stamford Bridge.
Leeds should still arrive with confidence.
They remain unbeaten this season, while our look at Leeds’ form before facing Chelsea shows why Alonso’s rotated side cannot afford to underestimate Wednesday’s opponents.
Chelsea predicted XI vs Leeds
Alonso has decisions to make throughout his team, but the short turnaround from Arsenal should encourage significant rotation.
Predicted Chelsea XI:
Penders; Gusto, Lacroix, Colwill, Chavarria; Barco, Lavia; Quenda, Estêvão, Gittens; Welbeck.
Estêvão is particularly difficult to overlook.
The Brazilian impressed in Chelsea’s previous Carabao Cup tie before producing another dangerous cameo against Arsenal.
David Raya needed an excellent fingertip save to prevent Estêvão from equalising late at the Emirates.
ReadChelsea has already examined why Estêvão has given Alonso a major selection decision before Leeds, and Wednesday represents another obvious opportunity to start the Brazilian.
Quenda and Gittens were unused substitutes at Arsenal and should also be fresh.
Using that trio would allow Alonso to manage the workloads of Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Pedro Neto after a demanding afternoon at the Emirates.
Welbeck is another strong candidate.
The summer signing started the previous round and scored against Luton before playing only the closing stages at Arsenal.
João Pedro has started all three Premier League matches so far, making this another sensible opportunity for Alonso to rotate his centre-forward.
Is Chelsea vs Leeds on TV?
Yes.
The official Chelsea broadcast information confirms Chelsea vs Leeds will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event.
Subscribers can also stream the game through Sky Go.
The match takes place at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday 9 September, with kick-off at 8pm BST.
Supporters can also follow minute-by-minute updates and live audio commentary through Chelsea’s website and official app.
ReadChelsea’s Chelsea next-match guide has the complete fixture and television information.
Chelsea have strong cup history against Leeds
Chelsea also carry an encouraging cup record into Wednesday.
The clubs have met several times in the League Cup, with Chelsea unbeaten in those encounters.
One of the most memorable came in December 2012 when Leeds led at Elland Road before Chelsea produced a dominant second-half response to win 5-1.
ReadChelsea’s complete Chelsea vs Leeds head-to-head guide looks at the rivalry, recent meetings and Chelsea’s strong cup record against Wednesday’s opponents.
Alonso will nevertheless know history guarantees nothing.
Leeds have started the season well and Chelsea are likely to field a significantly changed side following the demanding trip to Arsenal.
Victory would send the Blues into the fourth round and provide the immediate response Alonso will want after suffering his first defeat of the campaign.
