Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
The Chelsea Chronicle have predicted the Chelsea XI who will start against Leeds United in the EFL Cup, with a change of formation expected for the Blues.
Xabi Alonso has been wedded to his back three system in the Premier League since taking over, however they suffered their first defeat of the season against Arsenal at the weekend.
There will be plenty of personnel changes for the Blues, however face the test of an unbeaten Premier League side in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
Estevao Willian's minutes
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He must be included more Estevao, he is a great talent, but if not given more game time he will certainly leave for other clubs if he doesn’t get that.He is very young but definitely a gifted player.Chelsea cannot afford to lose someone with his capabilities at all.Please Alonso include him in the team regularly for all our sakes.Anne-Marie Brown.
Predicted Chelsea XI vs Leeds United
We are expecting Alonso to shift to a back four for this game, and here’s who we think will start at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
Mike Penders will replace Emi Martinez in goal. The League Cup unfortunately looks one of the few areas the Belgian will get to start this season.
Playing right-back in a back four, Malo Gusto will start and still look to get forwards and help out the attack.
Wesley Fofana will return to the right of a back two, with him looking uncomfortable on the other side when he lined up against Arsenal.
This role will be filled by Levi Colwill, who will hopefully be fit after being deemed unable to feature against the Gunners on Sunday.
Pep Chavarria has looked bright whenever given an opportunity since joining in the summer, and will come in to start in the EFL Cup.
Arsenal FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League 2026/27
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Valentin Barco has been overlooked in midfield in favour of two different right-backs recently, but will get his chance to feature in this one.
He will be joined by Romeo Lavia, who was surprisingly subbed off after just 60 minutes against Arsenal.
Superstar young talent Estevao Willian will come into the starting side. Despite being handed limited Premier League minutes so far, he looked the most dangerous player on the pitch late on at the Emirates.
Joao Pedro will move back from the striker position to start in the number 10 role, with a substitution to allow Cole Palmer to come on later in the game.
Geovany Quenda is yet to start a competitive game for Chelsea, but will be keen to make an impression as he is given a start here.
Up front, Danny Welbeck will be looking to add to his goal in the last round of this competition with another opportunity against Leeds.