Carabao Cup: Chelsea hand 16-year-old Watson debut against Leeds

By Adegboyega Adeleye

Chelsea have handed 16-year-old Reggie Watson his senior debut against Leeds United in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup third-round clash at Stamford Bridge.

Manager Xabi Alonso has made nine changes from the side that lost 2-1 to Arsenal on Sunday, with Watson named in the starting XI for the 8pm kick-off.

Watson, the son of former Wigan captain Ben Watson, impressed during Chelsea’s pre-season and now makes his first competitive appearance for the Blues.

Mike Penders replaces first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, while Levi Colwill returns to the defence. Valentin Barco makes his first start for Chelsea, with Pep Chavarría also coming into the side.

Estêvão Willian and Jamie Gittens start in attack, while Danny Welbeck leads the line.

Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and João Pedro have been rested and are among the substitutes, alongside Reece James, Jorrel Hato and Pedro Neto.

Chelsea XI: Mike Penders; Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix, Levi Colwill; Malo Gusto, Reggie Watson, Valentin Barco, Pep Chavarría; Estêvão Willian, Jamie Gittens; Danny Welbeck.

Subs: Emiliano Martinez, Wesley Fofana, Jorrel Hato, Reece James, Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Geovany Quenda, Morgan Rogers, João Pedro.

Meanwhile, Leeds have made eight changes from their 1-1 draw with Brighton, with new signings Michael Zetterer and Melvin Bard making their debuts.

Leeds XI: Michael Zetterer; Melvin Bard, James Justin, Tarik Muharemović, Jaka Bijol; Ethan Ampadu, Sean Longstaff; Dan James, Josh Wilson, Brenden Aaronson; Lukas Nmecha.

Subs: James Trafford, Junior Firpo, Albert Gudmundsson, Maxence Lacroix, Ao Tanaka, Anton Stach, Noah Okafor, Largie Ramazani, Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

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