Contents
- Competition: EFL Cup
- Date: 9th September 2026
- Kick-off: 20:00 UK / 21:00 CEST
- Venue: Stamford Bridge
One of English football’s most bitter, historical rivalries writes its latest chapter in the EFL Cup. Chelsea host Leeds United, with the visitors desperate for revenge after the Blues knocked them out of the FA Cup semifinals just a few months ago. Historically, there is not much separating these two giants. Chelsea enter as heavy home favorites, but their recent defensive lapses will give a fearless, high-pressing Leeds side plenty of confidence. Expect a fierce, high-tempo battle under the lights. Chelsea should edge it, but cup ties always invite chaos.
Chelsea vs Leeds United Head to Head (H2H) stats
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Chelsea
1 : 0
Leeds United
FA Cup
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Chelsea
2 : 2
Leeds United
Premier League
-
Leeds United
3 : 1
Chelsea
Premier League
-
Chelsea
3 : 2
Leeds United
FA Cup
-
Chelsea
1 : 0
Leeds United
Premier League
-
Leeds United
3 : 0
Chelsea
Premier League
Chelsea hold a clear advantage over Leeds United across their last 10 meetings, securing six wins to Leeds’s two. Intense battles are the norm for these historic rivals, with matches averaging 3.00 goals. Crucially, the Blues remain unbeaten in their last six encounters at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea team overview
Chelsea enters this one on the back of a tough 2-1 London derby defeat away against Arsenal. The Blues look eager to redirect that frustration directly at their old rivals.
Honestly, watching Xabi Alonso’s men get pulled apart defensively after Morgan Rogers scored a brilliant 77-second opener was deeply frustrating, but it shows this side is still a work in progress.
Remembering their EFL Cup run last season, they agonizingly fell just short in the semifinals over a two-legged tie against the same Gunners. So far in the league, they’ve picked up six points from three games with wins over Fulham and Brighton.
Back at Stamford Bridge, their home form remains stellar. The Blues have won each of their last three home games across all competitions, including a solid 2-0 EFL Cup second-round win over Luton Town.
João Pedro has been key, chipping in with two goals and two assists this season. Luckily, there are no fresh injury worries, though Moisés Caicedo remains sidelined.
Last matches of Chelsea
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Arsenal
2 : 1
Chelsea
Premier League
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Chelsea
4 : 3
Brighton & Hove Albion
Premier League
-
Chelsea
2 : 0
Luton Town F.C.
Carabao Cup
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Fulham
2 : 3
Chelsea
Premier League
-
Chelsea
3 : 1
Real Sociedad
Club Friendlies 1
Chelsea lineup
Goalkeeper
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26
Emiliano Martínez
Defenders
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3
Wesley Fofana
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5
Maxence Lacroix
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6
Levi Colwill
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27
Malo Gusto
Midfielders
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45
Roméo Lavia
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10
Cole Palmer
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21
Jorrel Hato
Forwards
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7
Pedro Neto
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9
João Pedro
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17
Morgan Rogers
Leeds United team overview
Leeds United prepare for this one on the back of a hard-fought 1-1 away draw against Brighton. The Whites will absolutely fancy their chances of causing an upset in London.
Honestly, watching Daniel Farke’s men intensely press opponents right from the opening whistle has been a joy, and I really think their tactical identity looks far more settled than it did at this point last year.
Looking back, their EFL Cup journey last season ended abruptly in the first round. Things are much brighter now, though.
The Whites have quietly ground out five points from three league matches. On the road, their form is formidable. They remain unbeaten in their last three away fixtures in all competitions, including an impressive 2-0 EFL Cup victory at the City Ground.
Rapid winger Daniel James has been a major spark, netting a vital one goal in their cup run so far. Fortunately, they’ve got a clean bill of health, meaning nobody is missing through injury.
Last matches of Leeds United
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Brighton & Hove Albion
1 : 1
Leeds United
Premier League
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Leeds United
1 : 1
Brentford
Premier League
-
Nottingham Forest
0 : 2
Leeds United
Carabao Cup
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Nottingham Forest
0 : 1
Leeds United
Premier League
-
Leeds United
4 : 0
Augsburg
Club Friendlies 3
Leeds United lineup
Goalkeeper
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1
James Trafford
Defenders
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2
Jayden Bogle
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15
Jaka Bijol
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5
Tarik Muharemović
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24
James Justin
Midfielders
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4
Ethan Ampadu
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8
Sean Longstaff
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22
Ao Tanaka
Forwards
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11
Brenden Aaronson
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10
Harry Wilson
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14
Lukas Nmecha
Prediction
Chelsea's firepower at Stamford Bridge should finally break Leeds's stubborn resistance. Expect goals. It's almost guaranteed given both teams' abysmal defensive records lately, but Xabi Alonso's men have that extra bit of elite quality upfront to comfortably pull away. Honestly, I can't see the Whites keeping João Pedro quiet for ninety minutes. Leeds will definitely fight and snatch a consolation goal, but a 3-1 Chelsea victory feels like the smartest bet here.
Four reasons we expect over 2.5 goals in this game
- Six of the last eight meetings between Chelsea and Leeds produced over 2.5 goals.
- Leeds United finished only one of their last eight games without conceding.
- Chelsea are without a clean sheet in their last eight competitive games.
- Six of the last seven games of Chelsea finished with three or more goals.
Main prediction Chelsea - Leeds United
Over 2.5 goals
Best Odds: