Former Premier League star’s son, 16, handed full Chelsea debut as Xabi Alonso names experimental side vs Leeds

THE son of former Premier League star Ben Watson, Reggie, has been handed his full Chelsea debut ahead of their Carabao Cup clash with Leeds United. Blues boss Xabi Alonso has named an experimental lineup which contrasts the strong eleven who faced Luton in the previous round. Ben Watson’s son Reggie has been handed a full debut for tonight’s clash with Leeds Credit: Getty His dad was a Wigan cult hero who scored the winner against Man City in the 2013 FA Cup final Credit: EPA Chelsea face off against old rivals Leeds in tonight’s Carabao Cup third-round tie, you can follow the action on SunSport’s match blog. And Alonso has made NINE changes to the side who narrowly lost out to Arsenal on Sunday. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Most notably, 16-year-old Watson has been given his full Chelsea debut – he joins Valentin Barco in the centre of midfield. He’s the son of former Prem midfielder and FA Cup hero Ben Watson, and will become the fourth youngest Chelsea player ever. Alonso has previously suggested that Watson is someone that can help the team, after the Blues failed to replace new Man City man Enzo Fernandez. But tonight’s lineup will act as an opportunity for numerous players to give a good account of themselves. Jamie Gittens starts for the first time under the new gaffer, with his only other appearance coming in the previous round, as he replaced Estevao in the 80th minute. The others making up the completely changed front three are veteran striker Danny Welbeck and Brazilian Estevao. Most read in Sport BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Both players scored for the Blues in the 2-0 win over Luton. Josh Acheampong and Maxence Lacroix are the only pair to survive after the Arsenal game as Levi Colwill returns to the back three. Penders comes in again, this time for new man Emi Martinez, while Malo Gusto and new left-back Pep Chavarria return to the cup side. Meanwhile, Leeds boss Daniel Farke has followed suit, handing out two debuts and making EIGHT changes to his starting eleven. Comment now