Chelsea vs Leeds Preview
Chelsea have improved a lot under Xabi Alonso and have plenty of squad depth to compete in the domestic cups. Leeds face a step up in quality at Stamford Bridge and the Blues can secure an EFL Cup home win.
Key Stats - Chelsea Impress at Home
- Chelsea have won their last 4 home matches.
- Chelsea have won 7 of their last 8 home games against Leeds.
H2H
Leeds have a 41-40 advantage against Chelsea, alongside 31 draws.
Chelsea on the Up at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea are in strong recent form and have clicked under Xabi Alonso recently. The Blues have won five of their last seven in all competitions, including three home victories.
Alonso’s side were on a four match winning streak, starting with a 3-1 home victory against Real Sociedad. Chelsea continued their good form in 2026/27, winning 3-2 at Fulham and at home against Luton 2-0 and Brighton 4-3.
The west London team were then beaten 2-1 at Arsenal on Sunday. Morgan Rogers scored after just two minutes and Chelsea conceded either side of half time.
Leeds Rarely Win on the Road
Daniel Farke’s side are lacking long-term away form after failing to win in 19 of their previous 24.
The Whites ended the 2025/26 season with a 3-0 away defeat at relegated West Ham. They hit back by defeating Nottingham Forest 1-0 and 2-0 to start the new campaign.
Leeds’ mini winning run ended with a 1-1 home draw against Brentford. Farke’s team were outplayed, allowing 1.68 XG and facing 22 shots.
The Yorkshire outfit gave up a 1-0 lead and drew 1-1 at Brighton last time out. Jayden Bogle scored after 15 minutes before Leeds allowed 2.2 XG and conceded with 20 minutes remaining.
Predicted Starting Lineups & Team News
Chelsea (3-4-2-1): Mike Penders; Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix, Levi Colwill; Malo Gusto, Valentin Barco, Romeo Lavia, Pep Chavarria; Estevao, Jamie Gittens; Danny Welbeck
Defender Marco Palestra and midfielder Jordan Henderson are sidelined with injuries.
Moises Caicedo is an injury doubt. Xabi Alonso gave an update on the midfielder’s condition after the Arsenal game and said:
"Not long-term, but we talk about assessing the risk. Probably last week [against Brighton], we took him too early, and I don't want to make the same mistake."
Leeds (3-4-2-1): James Trafford; Nico Elvedi, Jaka Bijol, Tarik Muharemovic; Jayden Bogle, Ethan Ampadu, Sean Longstaff, James Justin; Brenden Aaronson, Harry Wilson; Lukas Nmecha
Defender Joe Rondon is ruled out through injury. Midfielder Illa Gruev is also out due to a knee issue.