**Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso will hope to continue his perfect home record when his side face Leeds United in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.**
The Blues were beaten 2-1 by Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday but won their opening home league game of the season against Brighton and Hove Albion, and have also beaten Luton Town in the cup at Stamford Bridge this term.
Here, we predict the XI that Alonso could select for the visit of the Whites.
Goalkeeper
----------
**Mike Penders** made his senior debut for the Blues in the previous round against Luton, and the Belgian is in line to start once again after keeping a clean sheet against the Hatters. Emiliano Martinez will remain Alonso’s first choice ‘keeper for Premier League games.
Defenders
---------
At the back, Alonso is likely to hand **Josh Acheampong** another start, after the Englishman impressed against Arsenal. The academy prospect looks set for a big season in west London. He could be joined by Levi Colwill, who was dropped to the bench for the Blues’ visit to The Emirates on Sunday.
Maxence Lacroix has started every game for Chelsea so far this season, and could therefore be rested with **Wesley Fofana** potentially replacing his fellow Frenchman at the back.
Midfielders
-----------
With Alonso likely to once again opt for a back three with wing-backs, **Pedro Neto** could be handed a start on the right. The Portuguese started against Arsenal and hit the woodwork just before half-time, having scored against Brighton in their previous league outing.
**Valentin Barco** is likely to return in midfield, with both Moises Caicedo and Jordan Henderson unavailable due to injury. Captain Reece James could be handed a rest, which might mean fellow right-back **Malo Gusto** could once again feature in midfield alongside Barco.
On the left, **Pep Chavarria** looks likely to start having been introduced as a substitute against the Gunners.
[](https://www.shoot.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/3D954M7-scaled.jpg)
Neto could start on the right for Chelsea (Photo: PA Images/Alamy)
Attackers
---------
Alonso surprised a few people when he selected both Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers to start against League One side Luton in round two, but the duo may drop to the bench for this clash. **Estevao** forced an own goal against the Hatters, and could be given the nod on Wednesday. **Jamie Gittens’** only appearance of the season so far came as a substitute against Luton, but the former Borussia Dortmund man may be given a start this time around.
**Danny Welbeck** marked his debut for Chelsea by netting their opener in the last round, and the Englishman is likely to start once again with Joao Pedro set to be rested ahead of a Premier League fixture against Hull City on Saturday afternoon.
**Predicted XI: Penders; Acheampong, Colwill, Fofana; Neto, Barco, Gusto, Chavarria; Estevao, Gittens, Welbeck**