Chelsea face Leeds United on Wednesday evening with a place in the League Cup fourth round at stake.
The Blues are looking to respond immediately at Stamford Bridge after Sunday’s derby defeat at Arsenal.
Chelsea are favourites, but manager Xabi Alonso needs his players to stay mentally strong.
Their opponents have lost just two of their last 16 games in all competitions.
Match preview
Alonso has warned his Chelsea players to expect an intense contest against Daniel Farke’s side.
Leeds have already shown they can be awkward opponents, holding Chelsea to a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge earlier this year after coming from two goals down.
However, Chelsea have an outstanding record against the Whites on home soil.
The Blues have won seven and drawn two of their last nine games against Leeds at Stamford Bridge, with their last defeat coming back in December 1999.
Chelsea have also progressed from all ten of their previous domestic cup ties against Leeds, giving Alonso’s side plenty of reason to be confident.
The Blues have conceded seven goals in their opening three Premier League matches, and Alonso is desperate for his side start keeping clean sheets.
Match stats
Chelsea have won 20 of their last 23 League Cup ties at Stamford Bridge, losing only twice.
The Blues have also won their last four home cup meetings with Leeds, including a 3-2 FA Cup victory in 2024.
Leeds are unbeaten in their four games this season and have conceded only twice.
Chelsea team news
Chelsea ace Levi Colwill is fit and available after missing Sunday’s defeat to Arsenal through a fitness issue. The 23-year-old could be saved for the Premier League.
Moises Caicedo is sidelined with a calf problem. Marco Palestra, Emmanuel Emegha and Jordan Henderson are also unavailable.
Valentin Barco impressed in the second-round victory, and he could be rewarded with another start after Alonso desrcibed him as a ‘fighter‘.
Chelsea could make several changes while still naming a strong enough side to progress.
Chelsea predicted starting XI (3-4-2-1)
Mike Penders; Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix, Jorrel Hato; Malo Gusto, Romeo Lavia, Valentin Barco, Pep Chavarria; Estevao Willian, Jamie Gittens; Danny Welbeck.