{"id":3877,"date":"2026-09-09T10:00:08","date_gmt":"2026-09-09T10:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=3877"},"modified":"2026-09-09T10:00:08","modified_gmt":"2026-09-09T10:00:08","slug":"mike-penders-or-emi-martinez-hint-dropped-on-instagram-as-chelsea-prepare-for-leeds-united","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=3877","title":{"rendered":"Mike Penders or Emi Martinez? Hint dropped on Instagram as Chelsea prepare for Leeds United"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Xabi Alonso is expected to make a few changes to his side on Wednesday night as Chelsea look to end Leeds United\u2019s unbeaten start to the 2026-27 campaign.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Despite two away games at Nottingham Forest and one more at Brighton, as well as a home clash against Brentford, Leeds have remained unbeaten. Beating Liam Delap\u2019s Forest twice, they drew the other two.<\/p>\n

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What did you make of Emi Martinez\u2019s debut? Is he the missing piece for Chelsea to win the league?<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Leeds came within an inch of beating Brighton on Saturday, when Ao Tanaka\u2019s goal was ruled out. Chelsea<\/a> must not underestimate the battle on their hands, with Leeds just as impressive on the road as at home.<\/p>\n

Alonso <\/a>will make changes following Sunday\u2019s defeat to Arsenal, though it is still likely to be a strong side that battles Leeds. Players like Valentin Barco, Danny Welbeck, Estevao and others could be given a start.<\/p>\n

Mike Penders or Emi Martinez? Penders drops Instagram hint<\/h2>\n

The Chelsea squad will know the starting line-up due to face Leeds tonight, with a place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup up for grabs. Daniel Farke and Alonso have shared a touchline twice before<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A win and a draw for Alonso, scoring five goals but conceding four goals in the process. Whoever Alonso picks to start in goal will have plenty to do, with everything suggesting goals will be scored tonight.<\/p>\n

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\"Emiliano<\/div>
Photo by Catherine Ivill \u2013 AMA\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Martinez<\/a> has started against Brighton and Arsenal, but on Wednesday night, Penders<\/a> may return to the starting XI after his clean sheet against Luton. He hinted on Instagram<\/a> that he will start against Leeds.<\/p>\n

The Belgian posted an image of himself and the details of tonight\u2019s clash between Leeds and Chelsea. It suggests Penders has been given the nod to start against Leeds, officially becoming the Cup goalkeeper.<\/p>\n

What other changes could Alonso make tonight?<\/h2>\n

Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Reece James all started against Luton and the chances are, they will remain in the starting XI. Danny Welbeck is likely to come in for Joao Pedro up front at Stamford Bridge.<\/p>\n

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

James is likely to start in midfield with Barco coming in, as the Argentine looks to repay Alonso for his nice comments<\/a> in the pre-match press conference. Pep Chavarria could also be given a second start.<\/p>\n

Marco Palestra, Moises Caicedo, Jordan Henderson and Levi Colwill are expected to miss the game through injury. But changes will be made, while key players are set to remain ahead of facing Leeds.<\/p>\n

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