Xabi Alonso looking straight with concerned Daniel Farke ahead of Stamford Bridge background

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Chelsea vs Leeds United: How to watch, TV channel and kick-off time for Carabao Cup clash

Assistant Editor AUTHORITY Senior editor responsible for daily news flow, sub-hub management, and maintaining editorial standards across the site network. FOCUS Editorial oversight, newsroom workflow, and verified reporting. THE BRIEF Former Leeds United correspondent Mark has risen through the ranks at Breaking Media Limited to manage the network’s daily output. He works between the reporters and the experts to ensure the data and the news are applied correctly to every story.

Published on:

09 Sep 2026, 5:30 am

Leeds United return to Carabao Cup action against Chelsea on Wednesday evening.

The Whites are down south again after drawing 1-1 against Brighton on Saturday in the Premier League.

This time, it's the third round of the cup for Daniel Farke.

Leeds are unbeaten in four games to start the season, including their 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest in the previous cup round.

Stamford Bridge is next up, in what could be the toughest task of a tricky start to the season already.

Leeds are thriving in the difficulty though, and continue to receive plaudits each week at Elland Road.

When is Chelsea vs Leeds kicking off?

The Whites will be heading to West London on 9 September.

Leeds and Chelsea are the standout of the round, and will be the only Carabao Cup fixture taking place that night, with five the night before.

Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm as the showpiece event of the night.

Three Leeds United players who will miss Chelsea showdown in Carabao Cup

How to watch Chelsea vs Leeds United

With the standalone fixture of the night in the Carabao Cup, comes specialised coverage for fans.

Sky Sports Main Event will cover the game, with coverage usually starting an hour before kick-off for build up and team news.

Early Leeds team news vs Chelsea

Thankfully, there were no fresh injury worries picked up at the AMEX Stadium against Brighton.

Dan James was on the bench but didn't come on, with a back issue cited as the issue for the Welshman.

Another couple of days rest should see him available again at Stamford Bridge.

It means that Joe Rodon should be the only big loss, with Ilia Gruev stepping up his recovery at Thorp Arch.

Leeds have come through some difficult tests against Forest, Brentford and Brighton already, and another one is coming here.

A win against Chelsea, even in the Carabao Cup, would make this a near-perfect start to the season.

In a repeat of the FA Cup semi-final from last season at Wembley, Leeds will want to put that disappointment behind them in their push for more domestic success outside of the Premier League.

Now is the time to do just that.

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