Melvin Bard in circular inset in Leeds kit with Daniel Farke smiling and fist pumping

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Leeds predicted XI vs Chelsea: Melvin Bard gets debut as another new signing on bench in six changes

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:

07 Sep 2026, 10:10 am

Leeds United are quickly back in action on Wednesday evening as they travel to take on Chelsea.

It's been a great start to the season for the Whites, who remain unbeaten in all competitions.

Draws against tricky opposition in Brentford and Brighton followed the impressive 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

Now, it's back to Carabao Cup action at Stamford Bridge on 9 September.

Leeds return in the third round against Chelsea after beating Forest 2-0 at the City Ground earlier in August.

With games coming thick and fast before the new extended international break, Daniel Farke will make changes.

Melvin Bard to get full debut at Chelsea?

Farke has previously used the cup competitions to rotate his squad smartly, with no silly changes expected.

James Trafford, Jayden Bogle, James Justin and Tarik Muharemovic could keep their spots in the back six, with that in mind.

Around them, Jaka Bijol may come in for Nico Elvedi, with fresh legs and rotation smart.

Given Gabriel Gudmundsson's injury issues this summer, he could drop out days after returning for a full 90 minutes at Brighton.

That could mean that Melvin Bard gets his full Leeds debut after arriving on deadline day on loan from OGC Nice.

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

Big changes come in midfield and attack at Leeds

While the defence is somewhat easy to figure out, it could and likely will be all change further forward.

Ethan Ampadu is the anchor of this squad as captain, and he likely starts again in the heart of midfield.

Next to him could be Sean Longstaff, with Ao Tanaka getting a much-deserved break after an outstanding performance at Brighton.

Further forward, Brenden Aaronson could come into the front three, with the American's workrate also helping off the ball.

Harry Wilson is yet to find his feet at Elland Road, and should get another opportunity to prove himself, and where better to that than at Stamford Bridge?

It means that new signing, Jean-Matteo Bahoya is likely to start on the bench, but should make his debut in a cameo.

Lukas Nmecha could finish off the starting side, with plenty of firepower behind him if needed off the bench.

Leeds predicted starting XI vs Chelsea: Trafford, Bogle, Justin, Bijol, Muharemovic, Bard, Ampadu, Longstaff, Aaronson, Wilson, Nmecha

Ao Tanaka