Chelsea's winning start ended at Arsenal, but their earlier attacking output still gives them an edge at Stamford Bridge.

Leeds arrive unbeaten and fresh from an away cup victory, so their defensive discipline is the main obstacle to the home selection.

Quick Picks

Our Pick: Win-Draw-Win: Chelsea

Same Game Multi (our combination): Win-Draw-Win: Chelsea + Over/Under 1.5 Goals: Over 1.5 Goals

Alternative Pick: Both Teams To Score: Yes

A cup test with no second chance

This EFL Cup third-round tie is settled on the night, and both clubs reached it with 2-0 wins.

Chelsea controlled Luton at Stamford Bridge before Danny Welbeck's header broke the deadlock and a late own goal completed the result. Leeds also had to wait until after half-time at Nottingham Forest, where two second-half goals earned their place in the draw.

Before a 2-1 loss at Arsenal, Chelsea had scored nine goals in three wins. Leeds have conceded only twice during an unbeaten four-match start, giving the visitors a credible route into the tie.

Date: Thursday 10 September 2026

Kick-off: 5:00 am AEST

Local Kick-off: 8:00 pm BST, Wednesday 9 September 2026

Venue: Stamford Bridge, London

How Chelsea and Leeds could line up

Chelsea’s projected starting squad uses a 4-2-3-1: Mike Penders, Malo Gusto, Josh Acheampong, Levi Colwill, Pep Chavarría, Reece James, Valentín Barco, Estêvão, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Danny Welbeck.

Leeds are projected in a 3-5-2 with James Trafford, James Justin, Nico Elvedi, Tarik Muharemović, Daniel James, Anton Stach, Ethan Ampadu, Brenden Aaronson, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha.

Please, keep in mind that as of the time of publishing these are predictions, not confirmed team sheets.

How to watch Chelsea vs Leeds in Australia

Chelsea vs Leeds can be streamed live on Sportsbet, although the 5:00 am AEST kick-off calls for an early alarm.

Log in through the app or website, make sure your account has a positive balance or that you have placed a bet in the previous 24 hours, open the match betting page and select the Watch Live icon.

Sportsbet's guide lists the sports available to watch live on Sportsbet and explains the process in full. Streaming availability can change.

Chelsea vs Leeds Prediction

Win-Draw-Win: Chelsea is our choice because their early attacking output and controlled previous-round performance offer more substance than home reputation alone.

Leeds have already shown they can manage a difficult away cup assignment, and their unbeaten start should keep Chelsea honest.

Even so, the hosts have demonstrated more ways to create and finish chances, which can make the difference in a one-off tie.