Xabi Alonso has announced his starting XI for this evening’s Carabao Cup tie against Leeds United as Chelsea look to make a deep run in the competition.
The Spanish manager has named a youthful lineup, with only Josh Acheampong and Maxence Lacroix retaining their places from Sunday’s Arsenal game. The substitutes’ bench looks strong, with Geovanny Quenda the only player named among the substitutes who did not start at the Emirates.
In goal, Mike Penders comes in as expected to replace Emi Martinez, giving the young Belgian another opportunity to showcase his ability and push for more regular first-team action next year.
The biggest surprise is the inclusion of Reggie Watson, providing another chance to see the latest youngster emerging from Chelsea’s Cobham conveyor belt. He is joined in midfield by the more experienced, but still young, Valentin Barco. It is unlikely that Reece James and Romeo Lavia will be risked, given their injury history and the demands of playing two games in four days.
Levi Colwill also returns to the squad after regaining full fitness. He forms part of the centre-back pairing that started against Fulham and could well be Chelsea’s first-choice partnership moving forward.
Your Blues to face Leeds United in the #CarabaoCup! #CFC pic.twitter.com/636SOiUXVB
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 9, 2026
For Leeds, their XI is much changed from their regular starting lineup, with former Chelsea man Ethan Ampadu featuring in the side and bringing some valuable Premier League experience to the team.
From our predicted XI, we can say we got eight players right from Xabi Alonso’s team sheet, including both wing-backs and the striker. Just call me the manager from now on!
The Lineups
Chelsea: Penders; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill (c); Gusto, Watson, Barco, Chavarria; Estevao, Welbeck, Gittens
Chelsea substitutes: Martinez, Fofana, James, Hato, Quenda, Neto, Rogers, Palmer, Joao Pedro
Leeds United: Zetterer; Bard, Justin, Muharemović, Bijol; Ampadu, Longstaff, James, Wilson, Aaronson; Nmecha
Leeds Substitutes: Trafford, Bogle, Gudmundsson, Elvedi, Tanaka, Stach, Okafor, Bahoya, Calvert-Lewin
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