Xabi Alonso has made nine changes to his Chelsea side for tonight’s Carabao Cup clash with Leeds United, with 16-year-old Reggie Watson handed his competitive senior debut.
Mike Penders starts in goal at Stamford Bridge, while Levi Colwill returns to the side and captains Chelsea.
Maxence Lacroix and Josh Acheampong also start in defence, with Malo Gusto and Pep Chavarria completing a heavily changed back line.
The biggest surprise comes in midfield.
Watson starts alongside Valentin Barco after previously being involved with Alonso’s senior squad during pre-season.
🚨 CHELSEA XI TO FACE LEEDS.
Penders starts. Colwill captains. Estêvão gets his chance. 🇧🇷💙
Thoughts on the team? 👀 #CFC pic.twitter.com/ywPeSVSJ34
— ChelseaReport (@chelsreport_) September 9, 2026
Reggie Watson handed Chelsea debut
Watson’s selection is the standout decision from Alonso.
The 16-year-old was part of Chelsea’s 27-man pre-season tour squad alongside several established first-team players.
He has since continued his rise through the academy and was named among the substitutes when Chelsea beat Luton Town 2-0 in the previous round.
Tonight represents his first competitive senior start.
Chelsea already have significant young depth around the first-team group, with ReadChelsea’s Premier League squad breakdown highlighting how several Under-21 players can be selected without occupying senior registration places.
Watson now gets the opportunity to show Alonso he belongs in that wider picture.
Estevao and Gittens start behind Welbeck
Chelsea have also rotated heavily in attack.
Estêvão Willian starts alongside Jamie Gittens, while Danny Welbeck leads the line.
Welbeck scored on his Chelsea debut in the 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Luton.
Estêvão also impressed in that tie before producing another lively cameo against Arsenal.
ReadChelsea recently looked at why Estêvão has given Alonso a major Chelsea selection decision, and tonight gives the Brazilian another chance from the start.
Barco also returns after impressing in the previous round, when his performance gave Alonso another Chelsea midfield option.
Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro are all among the substitutes.
Colwill captains Chelsea on return
Colwill returns straight into Alonso’s XI and wears the armband.
The defender missed the defeat at Arsenal but was declared available again ahead of tonight’s tie.
His return gives Chelsea additional experience in a side containing several younger and less established players.
Lacroix provides further senior experience alongside him, while Penders, Acheampong, Watson and Estêvão all underline the amount of youth Alonso is willing to trust.
Confirmed Chelsea team vs Leeds
Chelsea: Penders; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill (c), Gusto; Watson, Barco, Chavarria; Estevao, Gittens; Welbeck.
Substitutes: Martinez, Fofana, Hato, James, Neto, Palmer, Quenda, Rogers, Joao Pedro.
Chelsea face Leeds at Stamford Bridge with kick-off at 8pm BST.
The winner will progress to the Carabao Cup fourth round, with ReadChelsea’s Chelsea vs Leeds head-to-head guide detailing the Blues’ strong historical record in the fixture.
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