Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Turning their attention back to EFL Cup action on Tuesday night, Chelsea will look to punch their semi-final ticket as they travel to Cardiff.
Cardiff City
Starting with the hosts, coming under a huge amount of scrutiny last season as they lost their Championship status with a whimper, it is no secret that Cardiff have their sights entirely focused on clinching an immediate second-tier return. Last seen over the weekend clinching a stunning 4-3 victory against Doncaster, Brian Barry-Murphy’s men have skyrocketed their way to the top of the League One standings. Rightfully installed as a landslide promotion contender this year, the Bluebirds find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Relishing what is a famous EFL Cup quarter-final showdown on Tuesday night, Cardiff have won all of their previous five consecutive League One appearances. Despite facing what will be a monumental challenge in midweek, Barry-Murphy’s side will be hoping to ask some potential questions on home soil.
Cardiff City Team News
All still dealing with respective long-term injury issues, Cardiff will once again be without the trio of Eli King, Ollie Tanner and one-time Rangers goalkeeper Jak Alnwick. However, returning to Barry-Murphy’s squad last month, former Arsenal youngster Chris Willock could be handed a full recall.
Finding the net against Doncaster over the weekend and registering 11 goals across all competitions so far this season, Danish marksman Yousef Salech will lead the line on Tuesday night. Completing a loan switch from Copenhagen ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, ex-West Ham shot-stopper Nathan Trott will start between the sticks.
Chelsea
As for the visitors, claiming what was an essential boost over the weekend as they secured a 2-0 victory at home against Everton, Chelsea will be desperate to now find some much-needed stability. Getting December underway with a shock 3-1 loss away at relegation scrappers Leeds, Enzo Maresca’s men have registered just a sole win from any of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Watching their outside title dreams get handed a major blow since returning from November’s International break, the former Leicester boss has faced some mounting criticism. Despite travelling to Wales on Tuesday night rightfully installed as a landslide favourite, Chelsea have shown some extended inconsistencies away from Stamford Bridge. Suffering a Champions League collapse away at Italian outfit Atalanta last week as they fell to a 2-1 defeat, Maresca’s side have recorded just a sole away victory since back on November 1st.
Chelsea Team News
Yet to make a single appearance so far this season, England International Levi Colwill remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee injury. Ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Wales, Maresca will certainly make a string of alterations.
While Cole Palmer might have marked his full Premier League return with a goal against Everton over the weekend, the England international won’t be risked here. All handed a potential opportunity in midweek, the likes of Marc Guiu, Benoit Badiashile, Filip Jorgensen and summer recruit Jamie Gittens should feature from the start.
Cardiff City vs Chelsea Key Factors to Consider
- The last time Chelsea travelled to Wales back in March 2019, the Premier League heavyweight collected a 2-1 victory.
- In fact, Chelsea have won all of their previous five meetings against Cardiff by an aggregate score of 16-5.
- Chelsea have registered just a single win from any of their last five showdowns away from Stamford Bridge.
- Cardiff have won all of their previous five consecutive League One appearances.
- Each of Cardiff’s last six straight home fixtures have finished with over 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
While Cardiff might be enjoying what has become a sensational League One romp, the third-tier leaders will be more than aware that they face a monumental challenge here. Watching Chelsea claim an essential boost over the weekend as they secured a 2-0 victory at home against Everton, the Premier League giants are rightfully installed as a landslide favourite on Tuesday night. Looking to punch their EFL Cup semi-final ticket with a routine statement, Chelsea’ fringe attacking superstars should also be relishing a chance to shine.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
