Jamie Carragher predicts Leeds United to fall short of five-year first vs Chelsea

Jamie Carragher has offered his prediction ahead of Leeds United's Carabao Cup tie at Chelsea.

The Whites make the trip to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening in one of the pick of the third-round ties.

Leeds have started the season well, having so far won one and drawn two of their opening three Premier League matches.

Daniel Farke's men also overcame Nottingham Forest in the second round of the Carabao Cup to set up another all-Premier League clash with Chelsea.

The Blues were beaten 2-1 by Arsenal on Sunday, leaving them on six points from three games under Xabi Alonso.

This midweek tussle is a tough one to call as both sides aim to put together a cup run.

What has Jamie Carragher predicted in Chelsea vs Leeds?

Chelsea beat Leeds at Wembley earlier this year in the FA Cup semi-finals.

The Whites will therefore be seeking revenge at the home of their historical rivals.

Sharing his prediction for the match for Sky Sports' Super 6, former Liverpool defender Carragher went with a 2-1 Chelsea win.

That would mean Leeds falling short of reaching round four of the competition for the first time in five years.

How have Leeds fared in Carabao Cup over past five years?

The Whites were beaten 2-0 away at Arsenal the last time they reached round four in October 2021.

Since then, they have reached round three only once - in 2022-23 - having been eliminated in round two twice and round one once.

Leeds do not have the finest record in the competition in recent times, then, and this midweek clash with Chelsea is as tough as they get.

While the Premier League will always be the priority, those making the trip to the capital will hope Farke names his strongest possible XI.

As we saw last season, there is nothing quite like a deep cup run, even if it did end in heartbreak.

If that can again be balanced with Premier League survival, it will be another season to remember for the Whites.