{"id":1194269,"date":"2026-09-09T02:16:19","date_gmt":"2026-09-09T02:16:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1194269\/"},"modified":"2026-09-09T02:16:19","modified_gmt":"2026-09-09T02:16:19","slug":"chelsea-v-leeds-united-efl-cup-predicted-xi-and-injury-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1194269\/","title":{"rendered":"Chelsea v Leeds United: EFL Cup predicted XI and injury news"},"content":{"rendered":"

Leeds United<\/a> travel to Chelsea in the third round of the EFL Cup tomorrow night, with Daniel Farke expected to name a reasonably strong side.<\/strong><\/p>\n

United consolidating Premier League status is objective number one this season. But, if we can muster up a cup run or two alongside it, that would be ideal.<\/p>\n

So, a trip to Stamford Bridge represents a big ask for Daniel Farke<\/a>, but a chance to be fearless and chase what would be a major scalp.<\/p>\n

Chelsea v Leeds United: Injury news confirmed with Dan James boost<\/p>\n

Outside of Joe Rodon\u2019s established absence, there wasn\u2019t a great deal to report from Farke\u2019s pre-match injury update.<\/p>\n

Dan James was an unused sub at Brighton due to issues with his back and hamstring. And, it\u2019s revealed by Farke that his scan has come back positive<\/a>, giving him a good chance of featuring on Wednesday evening.<\/p>\n

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\ud83d\udcac \ud835\uddd7\ud835\uddd9 \ud835\uddfc\ud835\uddfb \ud835\ude01\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddfa \ud835\uddfb\ud835\uddf2\ud835\ude04\ud835\ude00: \u201cJoe Rodon obviously has a long-term injury, a little question mark over Daniel James [back and hamstring]. If he comes through our next two sessions then we\u2019re carefully optimistic.\u201d pic.twitter.com\/tCaUonpiaT<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Leeds United (@LUFC) September 8, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Farke also noted his likelihood to make some changes alongside what will overall be a reasonably strong team in the capital.<\/p>\n

Here, I predict the Leeds lineup Farke could name as we face Chelsea in the EFL Cup\u2026<\/p>\n

Goalkeeper: Michael Zetterer<\/p>\n

In goal, there\u2019s method behind picking either \u2018keeper, and Farke said as much in his presser. <\/p>\n

However, we\u2019ve signed a backup \u2018keeper with plenty of experience, and need to get him playing really wherever possible.<\/p>\n

James Trafford has been very good, but I do want to see what Michael Zetterer<\/strong> can offer us between the sticks.<\/p>\n

Defence: James Justin, Nico Elvedi, Tarik Muharemovic<\/p>\n

In defence, the absence of much defensive depth with Rodon out means I don\u2019t think we can really make many changes while still taking this game totally seriously.<\/p>\n

So, I\u2019m expecting the same trio that started at Brighton in James Justin<\/strong>, Nico Elvedi<\/strong> and Tarik Muharemovic<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

All three demonstrated their quality and will feel gutted they didn\u2019t come away with a clean sheet for their efforts.<\/p>\n

Elvedi in particular is really impressing me already. It\u2019s currently his spot to lose over Rodon and Jaka Bijol, and he\u2019ll want to continue that here.<\/p>\n

Midfield: Jayden Bogle, Sean Longstaff, Ethan Ampadu, Melvin Bard<\/p>\n

At wing-back, I would like to see Melvin Bard make his debut, and Farke\u2019s comments indicate he\u2019d be happy to introduce him.<\/p>\n

The Leeds boss talked of Bard\u2019s experience despite being only 25, playing a lot of football in his career in France and that stands him in good stead for a debut here. Jayden Bogle<\/strong>, fresh from his goal at the AMEX, goes out on the right \u2013 but there\u2019s scope for James to get the nod if he\u2019s fit.<\/p>\n

In midfield, I would love to start Ao Tanaka again after another impressive showing, but away to Chelsea, we might need to be street-wise, so I\u2019m expecting a pivot of Ethan Ampadu<\/strong> and Sean Longstaff<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Longstaff was hard done by in the last round. He had a really poor game, but only because Farke had played him in a Brenden Aaronson-esque role off the striker, which did not suit him at all.<\/p>\n

Attack: Harry Wilson, Lukas Nmecha, Jean-Matteo Bahoya<\/p>\n

How nice is it to have options in the wide areas?<\/p>\n

To be able to relieve Noah Okafor of playing every minute humanly possible without injuring him is crucial. And, it opens the door for Jean-Matteo Bahoya<\/strong> to hopefully make his debut.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s raw and needs time to adjust to the league, but this is a great opportunity for him.<\/p>\n

Elsewhere, I want to see Harry Wilson<\/strong> start just to keep getting into a rhythm in a Leeds shirt. He\u2019s not found that yet and I still back him to in time. That said, if he wants a guaranteed starting spot, he needs to show it soon.<\/p>\n

Up front, Lukas Nmecha<\/strong> gets his chance to show that he\u2019s got what it takes to compete with Dominic Calvert-Lewin for a starting spot.<\/p>\n

Full Leeds United predicted XI to face Chelsea:<\/p>\n

Zetterer; Justin, Elvedi, Muharemovic; Bogle, Longstaff, Ampadu, Bard; Wilson, Nmecha, Bahoya.<\/p>\n

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