Chelsea vs Leeds LIVE: Carabao Cup match stream, confirmed team news, lineups and fan reaction
Chelsea take on Leeds United this evening in the third round of the Carabao Cup. While all their other Premier League rivals begin their European campaigns this week, the Blues, who did not finish in any European place last season, continue their quest for domestic silverware. Xabi Alonso’s men breezed past Luton Town in their second round encounter to book their place here this evening.
Leeds are the visitors to Stamford Bridge this Wednesday, with Daniel Farke’s side having beaten Nottingham Forest last time out to earn their crack at Chelsea. They arrive in the capital ninth in the Premier League table after a win and two draws to open their new campaign.
The Yorkshiremen have beaten Forest away and drawn with Brentford and Brighton and Hove Albion in their first league encounters of the season. They take on Newcastle United next on Monday, while Chelsea will host newly-promoted Hull City on Saturday. Keep up to date with all the latest from Stamford Bridge with our live blog below.
Chelsea vs Leeds latest news
Live updates
What has Alonso said about Watson?
The teenager was a prominent figure on Chelsea’s pre-season tour, getting plenty of first-team minutes.
This is what the Blues’ manager had to say about him...
Debut under the lights
16 years of age...
What was I doing then?
Dom Smith at Stamford Bridge
What a vindication for Reggie Watson's impressive pre-season displays on Chelsea's tour this is.
He makes his senior debut from the start tonight at the age of 16. Alongside him is Valentin Barco and ahead of them Danny Welbeck, in what is a much-changed line-up from Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea are expected to take this competition seriously, and yet he has danced with the devil with this XI. Will it pay off?
Front three switch-up
A complete shake-up in the final third for the hosts, with the new-look, first-choice trio of Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers all having to settle for places on the bench this evening.
Jamie Gittens, Danny Welbeck and Estevao all get chances to impress against Premier League opposition here.
Big call!
After all the talk about Chelsea’s midfield pivot, it is a very inexperienced pair that Alonso has placed his trust in this evening.
Valentin Barco gets his first start, while Reggie Watson, the academy graduate, gets the nod alongside him.
Obviously no Caicedo - Enzo Fernandez has long gone - and Reece James nor Malo Gusto are shifted into the middle either.
Leeds lineup
: Zetterer; Justin, Muharemovic, Bijol, Bard; Ampadu, Longstaff, Aaronson; James, Nmecha, Wilson
: Trafford, Bogle, Gudmundsson, Elvedi, Tanaka, Stach, Okafor, Bahoya, Calvert-Lewin
Chelsea lineup
: Penders; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Barco, Watson, Chavarria; Estevao, Gittens; Welbeck
: Martinez, Fofana, Hato, James, Neto, Palmer, Quenda, Rogers, Joao Pedro
Alonso reveals Caicedo injury latest
Xabi Alonso has revealed Moises Caicedo’s injury is a calf problem and that Jordan Henderson is in the “last stage of his recovery”.
The Chelsea manager has also confirmed whether Kendry Paez is in his plans for the season.
Chelsea have been without Caicedo for three of their four matches in all competitions this season, and Alonso admitted to having made a “mistake” by rushing the Ecuadorian back to the pitch against Brighton when the player lasted only 14 minutes off the bench before being forced off in pain.
Chelsea make Satpayev decision
Injured summer signing Dastan Satpayev will receive medical treatment at Chelsea before returning to complete his loan spell at Burnley.
The 18-year-old forward from Kazakhstan joined Chelsea this summer on a pre-agreed transfer from Kairat Almaty, and was soon shipped off to Burnley in the Championship.
When is the Carabao Cup draw?
The Carabao Cup fourth round draw takes place next week, with the potential of some blockbuster ties in store.
But when will Chelsea find out who they could play in round four, should they win here?
