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

[(Cardiff City) Strength]:
1. This marks the third time in Cardiff City's history that they have reached the quarter-final of the EFL Cup, having successfully advanced to the semi-final on both previous occasions.
2. Cardiff City have performed outstandingly in the recent matches, achieving three consecutive victories and winning six of the last seven games. Currently, they are at the top of the EFL Championship table.
3. Cardiff City won 6 of their last 7 games in AH.

[(Cardiff City) Neutral]:
1. In addition, Rubin Colwill will be out for several months due to an ankle injury, and his brother Joel Colwill could revert to a forward role.
2. Gabriel Osho (toe) and Ollie Tanner (ankle) will also be absent, but the latter has resumed full training and is expected to return in the New Year.
3. Cardiff City's last victory over Chelsea F.C. in the EFL Cup was in 1986.

[(Cardiff City) Weakness]:
1. Cardiff City will be without the loanee Omari Kellyman, as Chelsea F.C. have refused to grant him permission to feature in this match.
2. The two sides have met a total of five times, and Cardiff City have lost all of them, being at a comprehensive psychological disadvantage.

[(Chelsea F.C.) Strength]:
1. Chelsea F.C. ended their four-game winless streak with a 2-0 victory over Everton in the last Premier League match.
2. In the last five encounters between the two sides, Chelsea F.C. scored 16 goals and conceded only five, holding an advantage in both offensive and defensive statistics.

[(Chelsea F.C.) Neutral]:
1. Chelsea F.C.'s performance in this EFL Cup was rather thrilling, with a 2-1 victory over Lincoln City F.C. and a 4-3 win over the bottom-ranked team in the Premier League, Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
2. In his post-match press conference following the recent victory, Chelsea F.C. head coach Enzo Maresca expressed his dissatisfaction with the past 48 hours, labeling them as the worst since he took charge at Chelsea F.C., and criticized unspecified critics.
3. Marc Cucurella is suspended due to accumulated yellow cards and will be replaced by Jorrel Hato.

[(Chelsea F.C.) Weakness]:
1. Liam Delap (shoulder), Dario Essugo (thigh), Romeo Lavia (thigh), Mykhaylo Mudryk (disciplinary suspension) and Levi Colwill (knee) are still out due to injuries, while Marc Guiu is ineligible for this fixture due to his prior EFL Cup appearance for Sunderland A.F.C.
2. Chelsea F.C. have only won one of their last five games across all competitions, and the team's recent form is not at its best.
3. Chelsea F.C. lost 3 of their last 4 official games in AH.

[Tips]:
Chelsea F.C. are giants in the Premier League. In this match against Cardiff City, who are from the EFL Championship, Chelsea F.C. are naturally determined to win.

Cardiff City have performed outstandingly in recent matches and have achieved three consecutive victories. On the other hand, Chelsea F.C. have only won one of their last five games across all competitions.

Judging from the head-to-head record between the two sides, Chelsea F.C. have the upper hand.

The AH line is -1.75 for the away side.

Given Chelsea F.C.'s strong strength, it is advisable to expect a big win for the visitors in this match.

[Recommended]:
Chelsea F.C. (-1.5/2)