Chelsea are set to take on Leeds United in the third round of the Carabao Cup at Stamford Bridge tonight - but there has been a delay to kick off
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Stamford Bridge(Image: (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images))
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Chelsea’s Carabao Cup clash against Leeds United has been pushed back 15 minutes. The game at Stamford Bridge will now kick-off at 8.15pm rather than 8pm.
However, due to a fatality on the Underground near Stamford Bridge, the game was pushed back 15 minutes. A statement from Chelsea confirmed: “There will be a 15 minute delay to kick-off for our Carabao Cup third-round tie with Leeds United tonight. The match will now begin at 20:15 BST.”
It is the third time in four seasons that Chelsea and Leeds have clashed in cup competitions, with Chelsea winning the FA Cup fifth round in 2024 and the semi-finals in April. Leeds have not won at Stamford Bridge since a 2-0 victory in the Premier League in December 1999.
Xabi Alonso has made nine changes to his starting line-up for tonight’s game. And speaking ahead of the game, the Spaniard said: “We have an intense first week of the calendar, few games, and all of them they are ready.
“We need them to feel that they are an important part of the team and that anyone can play, and they have to be ready, so it's good from the start, and as well that players from the bench they can have a good impact as well.
“We need a top team performance today against a very intense team as Leeds as they demand a lot, and hopefully we will have a good game.”
Reggie Watson, who makes his professional debut at just 16, take the reins in the middle of the park, and Alonso explained what it is about the 16-year-old that has caught his eye since he arrived at the club.
He said: “He's one of those players that all the coaches like: responsible, very reliable, focused on the game.
“You see that he has a football background from family, so it's a great day for him. I mentioned in the team talk that we have all been Reggie Watson one day, and hopefully he will enjoy it.
"My advice to him is that he deserves to be there because of what he has shown, because of his football, because of his mentality during pre-season when he did really well.
“We want to encourage the Academy as well, that they see the players have a chance in the first team.”