Chelsea projected lineup vs. Leeds: Will Xabi Alonso chase the cup?

Chelsea suffered the first defeat of the Xabi Alonso era on Sunday, Sept. 6 but may take heart from the performance against Arsenal. Now, the Spanish manager must decide just how eagerly he wants to go after the Carabao Cup, as Leeds United visits for a third-round scrap. Cole Palmer and Morgan Roge

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What is the story about?

Chelsea suffered the first defeat of the Xabi Alonso era on Sunday, Sept. 6 but may take heart from the performance against Arsenal. Now, the Spanish manager must decide just how eagerly he wants to go after the Carabao Cup, as Leeds United visits for a third-round scrap.

Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers have connected well in attack to start the season, with Rogers scoring early to give Chelsea a lead it couldn't protect in a 2-1 loss to the Gunners. Things at the back are taking form as well, with Maxence Lacroix showing the potential to be the defensive anchor Chelsea hoped for when it wooed him from Crystal Palace.

The manger knows he'll be without Ecuador midfielder Moises Caicedo, who is recovering from a knock. Italian wingback Marco Palestra

also is on the injury list, while Jordan Henderson is working to fully recover from his strange wrist injury suffered during the World Cup.

Still, this is a Chelsea team with plenty of depth, and Alonso may consider giving some players who have been early regulars a bit of a break - though Leeds presents a good test, currently undefeated with a win and a pair of draws in the first three rounds of the Premier League season.

Here's how the Blues may line up against Leeds: