Joe Rodon Ruled out as Leeds Weigh Bard and Bahoya Debuts for Chelsea Cup Tie
Leeds United visit Chelsea in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday, 9 September with Joe Rodon ruled out for up to 10 weeks and Daniel Farke managing a quick turnaround. Fans of online slot games and keen betting fans may be interested in this fixture for a midweek flutter with huge changes anticipated from both managers leading to some potentially good value in the market.
Gabriel Gudmundsson’s return strengthens the left side, while Melvin Bard and Jean-Mattéo Bahoya await debuts. Article: Leeds United face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge at 8pm BST on Wednesday, with the match being shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and streamed via Sky Go for subscribers.
Farke’s side arrive unbeaten in four competitive matches, with two wins and two draws across the Premier League and Carabao Cup. The cup run began with a 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest, where Daniel James and James Justin scored in the second half.
The fixture also starts a demanding spell. Leeds return to Premier League action against Newcastle United at Elland Road on Monday, 14 September, another 8pm BST kick-off, giving Farke a strong reason to manage minutes carefully in west London.
Rodon absence reshapes defence
Rodon remains the major confirmed absentee after injuring his hamstring in the 1-1 draw with Brentford on Sunday, 30 August. Farke said last week the Wales centre-back faces eight to 10 weeks out, calling it ‘a big blow’ because of his importance to the team.
Nico Elvedi replaced Rodon against Brentford and started Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion, where Leeds led through Jayden Bogle before Luka Vuskovic equalised. Tarik Muharemović and Ethan Ampadu also give Farke central defensive options, while Justin may again be needed inside if Leeds protect their wing-back depth.
That is where Bard becomes relevant. The 25-year-old France defender joined on loan from OGC Nice on deadline day, with Leeds holding an option to make the move permanent. He was an unused substitute at Brighton, as was Bahoya.
Gudmundsson’s condition will also guide selection. The Sweden international made his first start of the season at the Amex and completed 90 minutes after a disrupted pre-season, later saying his body felt fine but that he still needed to build rhythm.
Bahoya offers pace from the bench
Bahoya, 21, arrived on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt with an option to buy and could give Leeds United a different attacking route if Farke rotates Noah Okafor, James or Harry Wilson. The France Under-21 international made 37 appearances for Frankfurt last season, including eight in the UEFA Champions League, and Leeds highlighted his Bundesliga-record sprint speed of 37.16km/h when confirming the deal.
Chelsea enter the tie after their first defeat under Xabi Alonso, a 2-1 loss at Arsenal on Sunday despite Morgan Rogers giving them an early lead. The Blues reached this round by beating Luton Town 2-0 at Stamford Bridge, with Danny Welbeck scoring on debut before Hakeem Odoffin’s own goal.
Jarred Gillett has been appointed referee, with Neil Davies and Steven Meredith as assistants. VAR will not be in use at this stage of the competition.
