Chelsea return to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday for a Carabao Cup third-round meeting with Leeds United, six months on from the two sides’ FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. Xabi Alonso’s side are looking to bounce back from their first defeat of the season and continue a domestic cup run that has eluded the club since their last EFL Cup triumph in 2015. A place in the fourth round is at stake against a Leeds side unbeaten in four matches, and Alonso has already confirmed a couple of enforced absences that will shape his selection.Chelsea team newsJordan Henderson (wrist) and Emmanuel Emegha remain unavailable for Wednesday’s tie. Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra are also missing, with Alonso saying neither midfielder is ready to return following recent injury setbacks: “No, not yet. Still not ready to go… not the moment to take too early risk.” Levi Colwill, however, is back in contention having been an unused substitute at Arsenal through a minor fitness issue.With Caicedo and Palestra sidelined, Alonso is expected to rotate his front three, with Danny Welbeck, who scored in the previous round against Luton, in line to lead the line. Estevao Willian, Geovany Quenda and Jamie Gittens are among those competing for a place in attack, while Mike Penders, Malo Gusto and Pep Chavarria are contenders to feature at the back as Alonso manages his squad across three competitions.Chelsea predicted lineupChelsea possible starting XI (3-4-2-1): Penders; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Gusto, Lavia, Barco, Chavarria; Estevao, Palmer; WelbeckWhen will the match kick off?The Carabao Cup third-round match kicks off at 20:00 BST on Wednesday, 9 September 2026.How to watch Chelsea vs Leeds United?The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event in the UK.Read more – Chelsea duo ruled out as Alonso delivers injury updateSee also – The favourites to win the UEFA Champions League in 2026/27Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTokThe post Chelsea vs Leeds United – Predicted lineup and team news appeared first on The Football Faithful.