The stage is set for a fascinating cup tie as Chelsea entertain Leeds United at Stamford Bridge tonight.
Xabi Alonso's side will be looking to return to winning ways after having their 100% Premier League record ended by champions Arsenal on Sunday, while Leeds United will be aiming to continue their impressive start to the season by causing an EFL Cup shock.
Despite a 2-1 defeat at the Emirates, Chelsea certainly seem to be moving in the right direction under Xabi Alonso and it will be interesting to see how seriously his side take this competition considering they have no European football following a disappointing 2025/26.
Leeds United have followed up back-to-back league and cup wins at Nottingham Forest with successive draws against Brentford and Brighton, so will be confident they can be competitive in this game and potentially take another step towards a first major domestic trophy since 1992.
The hosts remain relatively short of midfield options with Moises Caicedo and Jordan Henderson sidelined, while Marco Palestra continues to miss out.
Daniel Farke has made a number of changes from the weekend stalemate at Brighton and is still without trio Ilian Gruev, Joe Rodon and Mateo Joseph.
Chelsea XI
Penders, Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill, Gusto, Watson, Barco, Chavarria, Estevao, Gittens, Welbeck.
Leeds United XI
Zetterer, Bard, Justin, Muharemovic, Bijol, Ampadu, Longstaff, James, Wilson, Aaronson. Nmecha.
