Chelsea FC confirmed their starting lineup for the Carabao Cup third round clash with Leeds United, with Estevao named in the XI. The match kicked off at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, September 10, 2026. Manager Xabi Alonso made several changes from the side that lost to Arsenal, giving opportunities to younger players in the cup competition.
Alonso's selected lineup saw Penders start in goal behind a back four of Malo Gusto, Levi Colwill, Maxence Lacroix, and Josh Acheampong. The midfield trio featured Chavarria, Kobe Watson, and Estevao. The attacking line was completed by Valentin Barco, Jamie Gittens, and Danny Welbeck. The bench included experienced options like Reece James, Cole Palmer, and Pedro, offering Alonso significant firepower if needed. This selection reflects Chelsea's strong squad depth as they compete on multiple fronts this season.
Visitors Leeds United, managed by Daniel Farke, arrived at Stamford Bridge unbeaten in their Premier League campaign. Their starting eleven featured Zetterer in goal, with a defensive line of Justin, Bijol, Muharemovic, and James. The midfield was anchored by Ethan Ampadu and Sean Longstaff, with Bard, Wilson, and Aaronson supporting striker Lukas Nmecha. Their substitutes included players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor, indicating their own intent to progress in the cup. Leeds' strong league form, including a recent draw with Brighton, made them a dangerous opponent.
Chelsea entered the match looking to bounce back from a 1-2 defeat to Arsenal in their previous outing. Defensive solidity had been a concern, with the team managing just one clean sheet in its last four games across all competitions. That shutout came against Luton Town in an earlier cup round. The Carabao Cup represents a key opportunity for silverware, especially with Chelsea currently sitting fourth in the Premier League table. They have six points from three games, with a record of two wins and one loss.
The cup match comes during a busy period for the Blues. They have scored eight goals but conceded seven in the league so far, resulting in a +1 goal difference. They trail leaders Manchester City by three points in the early title race. The squad is also dealing with several absentees, including Moisés Caicedo, Jordan Henderson, and Marco Palestra, who are currently sidelined. Fans can monitor the full injuries list for updates on their returns. Alonso's rotation for this game was a necessary move to manage player workload. Chelsea's next Premier League fixture is a home match against Newcastle United on January 2, 2027. The full schedule is available on the club's fixtures page.
