{"id":3729,"date":"2026-09-08T11:11:58","date_gmt":"2026-09-08T11:11:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=3729"},"modified":"2026-09-08T11:11:58","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T11:11:58","slug":"predicted-chelsea-xi-vs-leeds-estevao-willian-starts-as-xabi-alonso-changes-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=3729","title":{"rendered":"Predicted Chelsea XI vs Leeds: Estevao Willian starts as Xabi Alonso changes system"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The Chelsea Chronicle have predicted the Chelsea XI who will start against Leeds United in the EFL Cup, with a change of formation expected for the Blues.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Xabi Alonso<\/a> has been wedded to his back three system in the Premier League since taking over, however they suffered their first defeat of the season against Arsenal at the weekend.<\/p>\n

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There will be plenty of personnel changes for the Blues, however face the test of an unbeaten Premier League side in the third round of the Carabao Cup.<\/p>\n

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How can Xabi Alonso get Estevao Willian into the side? \ud83e\udd14<\/h3>\n

The Brazilian has seen very little action under his new manager\u2026<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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\"Estevao<\/div>
Photo by Darren Walsh\/Chelsea FC via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

Predicted Chelsea XI vs Leeds United<\/h2>\n

We are expecting Alonso to shift to a back four for this game, and here\u2019s who we think will start at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. <\/p>\n

Mike Penders<\/a> will replace Emi Martinez in goal. The League Cup unfortunately looks one of the few areas the Belgian will get to start this season.<\/p>\n

Playing right-back in a back four, Malo Gusto<\/a> will start and still look to get forwards and help out the attack.<\/p>\n

Wesley Fofana<\/a> will return to the right of a back two, with him looking uncomfortable on the other side when he lined up against Arsenal.<\/p>\n

This role will be filled by Levi Colwill<\/a>, who will hopefully be fit after being deemed unable to feature against the Gunners on Sunday.<\/p>\n

Pep Chavarria<\/a> has looked bright whenever given an opportunity since joining in the summer, and will come in to start in the EFL Cup.<\/p>\n

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\"Arsenal<\/div>
Photo by Marc Atkins\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Valentin Barco has been overlooked in midfield<\/a> in favour of two different right-backs recently, but will get his chance to feature in this one.<\/p>\n

He will be joined by Romeo Lavia<\/a>, who was surprisingly subbed off after just 60 minutes against Arsenal.<\/p>\n

Superstar young talent Estevao Willian<\/a> will come into the starting side. Despite being handed limited Premier League minutes so far, he looked the most dangerous player on the pitch late on at the Emirates.<\/p>\n

Joao Pedro<\/a> will move back from the striker position to start in the number 10 role, with a substitution to allow Cole Palmer to come on later in the game.<\/p>\n

Geovany Quenda<\/a> is yet to start a competitive game for Chelsea, but will be keen to make an impression as he is given a start here.<\/p>\n

Up front, Danny Welbeck<\/a> will be looking to add to his goal in the last round of this competition with another opportunity against Leeds.<\/p>\n

Chelsea predicted XI vs Leeds: Penders; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Chavarria; Barco, Lavia; Estevao, Joao Pedro, Quenda; Welbeck<\/strong><\/p>\n

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