Cardiff City vs Chelsea Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | EFL Cup 2025-26 Quarter-Final

The Blues have emerged victorious in their last five meetings against the Bluebirds.

Cardiff City are now gearing up to take on Chelsea FC for their quarterfinal fixture of the 2025-26 EFL Cup. This high-stakes contest is going to be an entertaining one, which will take place at the Cardiff City Stadium.

The Bluebirds secured a 2-1 win against Wrexham in their previous game of the English Carabao Cup. They have also performed well in their last three EFL League One games and will be keen to continue their form. However, the upcoming outing is not going to be anywhere near a walk in the park.

The Enzo Maresca-led Chelsea FC are finally back on winning ways after their 2-0 win against Everton in their Premier League outing. They will now be keen to extend their positive run of form, but it is not going to be an easy task for them either. The Blues took down Wolverhampton Wanderers in their previous round of the EFL Cup.

Kick-off:

• Location: Cardiff, Wales
• Stadium: Cardiff City Stadium
• Date: Wednesday, December 17
• Kick-off Time: 01:30 a.m. IST (Tuesday, Dec 16; 08:00 p.m. GMT/ 03:00 p.m. ET/ 12:00 p.m. PT)
• Referee: Tony Harrington
• VAR: Not in use

Form:

Cardiff City: W-L-W-W-W

Chelsea FC: D-L-D-L-W

Players to Watch

Joel Colwill (Cardiff City)

Joel Colwill will be one of Cardiff City’s main assets in their upcoming EFL Cup game. He has scored two goals in four matches of the cup competition. Colwill can control the midfield well and is also very useful in the attacking front.

With a chance or two, he might cause serious issues for the visitors.

Estevao (Chelsea)

The young Brazilian winger is going to be in action for Chelsea in their upcoming Carabao Cup game and will play an important role. He can score goals and can come up with some innovative plays, making him an absolute problem for the opponent’s defence. Estevao will be keen to engrave his name on the scoresheet.

Match Facts

• Cardiff City have won four of their last five matches.
• Chelsea have only won one of their last five games.
• The Bluebirds have faced defeat in all of their last five meetings against the Blues.

Cardiff vs Chelsea: Betting Tips and Odds

• Chelsea to win @3/13 Unibet
• Marc Guiu to score @7/4 Virgin Bet
• Goals over 3.5 @6/4 William Hill

Injury and Team News

Cardiff City FC will be without the services of Eli King, Jak Alnwick, Ollie Tanner and Rubin Colwill. They are injured. Gabriel Osho is also likely to sit out due to fitness issues.

Liam Delap, Levi Colwill, Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia are not going to be in action for Chelsea FC due to their injuries.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 45

Cardiff won: 15

Chelsea won: 20

Draws: 10

Predicted Lineups

Cardiff City predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Trott (GK); Kpakio, Fish, Chambers, Bagan; Wintle, Robertson; Ashford, Joel Colwill, Davies; Salech

Chelsea predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Jørgensen (GK); Gusto, Acheampong, Adarabioyo, Hato; Caicedo, Santos; Estevao, Buonanotte, Gittens; Guiu

Match Prediction

Both of these clubs will be aiming for a win. We predict it is going to be Chelsea FC. They are likely to come out on top and defeat Cardiff City FC in their upcoming Carabao Cup clash.

Prediction: Cardiff 1-3 Chelsea

Telecast Details

India: FanCode

UK: Sky Sports Football

US: Paramount+

Nigeria: SuperSport

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