Both Premier League sides have a place to play for in the fourth round as Chelsea travel to Stamford Bridge to meet Leeds United in the Carabao Cup third round. Two clubs levelled out to different aims at the beginning of the season but with ample confidence are heading into the fixture, one of the prestigious matches in the round.
Chelsea came into the match looking to bounce back as they were beaten for the first time of the season 2-1 against Arsenal in the Premier League. The Blues have been attacking in form early this season under manager Xabi Alonso, though they are likely to be rotating the squad with a mix of league and cup games. Chelsea also had a good run against Leeds in the domestic cup, having taken each home game of the League Cup so far.
Daniel Farke’s Leeds United side has powered to a solid campaign so far and are still a toughie to tackle. But the Whites advanced to this stage with a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest and they hope to continue their stellar away form. Meanwhile Farke has also been keeping his Premier League focus but emphasised the importance of the League Cup.
Chelsea are set to miss out on Moisés Caicedo, Jordan Henderson, Marco Palestra and Emmanuel Emegha with the quartet expected to miss due to injuries, with a number of notable first-team players expected to be rested. Youngsters like Estêvão Willian, Jamie Gittens and Geovany Quenda are also among those looking to make their debut and Danny Welbeck is also in the frame after his goal in the previous round.
The Leeds’ concerns over injuries are no less. One Joe Rodon and Daniel James continue to be held back by hamstring injury while Ilia Gruev will be on late fitness test before kick-off. Farke is expected to bring in new signings or players from his squad.
There’s a potential for it to be a tight contest, with Chelsea so thin up front and Leeds so disciplined along the defense. Of course if it’s at their home, Chelsea have the advantage but Leeds have been impressively resilient so far this season and think they have what it takes to cause the Blues an upset.
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