This is Chelsea’s predicted lineup for their Carabao Cup match against Cardiff City, the top team in League 1. Cardiff aims to escalate their challenge after previously defeating Championship teams and will be up against a rotated Premier League squad. Here’s a look at Chelsea’s recent lineups and team news as we forecast what the manager may choose for this matchup.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup & Team News vs Cardiff
Recent Lineup Insights
Rob Sanchez has consistently been in goal recently. The defense has seen several combinations, with players like Marc Cucurella, Tosin Adarabioyo, Wes Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile, Malo Gusto, Josh Acheampong, and Reece James all contributing at different times.
Reece James has also played in midfield alongside Enzo Fernandez, Andrey Santos, and Moises Caicedo, depending on injuries. The wings have seen Estevao, Jamie Gittens, Pedro Neto, and Alejandro Garnacho starting, while Cole Palmer, Enzo, or Joao Pedro have often played in a central role. Pedro has also been used as a striker when Liam Delap hasn’t featured.
Recent Form & Tactics
Coach Enzo Maresca typically sets up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, which adapts in midfield. For this match, we might see a formation closer to 3-2-4-1 or 2-2-5-1, with one full-back joining the midfield and the other supporting the attack, creating space for teammates. The positioning of the left-back will be key in determining the tactical approach.
Chelsea recently ended a poor streak with a straightforward win over Everton, marking their second clean sheet in a row and improving their form. With the opportunity to introduce fresh players, especially wingers, this match could enhance their contributions to the team’s goals.
Team News
According to Premier Injuries, five players are confirmed out: Romeo Lavia, Levi Colwill, Mykhailo Mudryk, Liam Delap, and Dario Essugo. Cole Palmer is also a concern as he’s just coming back from a groin injury. The manager is being cautious with him, prioritizing league matches for now.
Several players who recently started are also under scrutiny for their fitness. James has featured in all three of the last matches, Cucurella has played often since Qarabag, Neto has been heavily involved, and Enzo may need rest after not participating in the last international break due to a knee issue. Ideally, these players would sit this one out, but the manager can sometimes be unpredictable.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Cardiff City
The manager is likely to select a mostly new eleven, giving some players a chance to shine.
GK – Filip Jorgensen
LB – Jorrel Hato
CB – Benoit Badiashile
CB – Tosin Adarabioyo
RB – Josh Acheampong
DM – Moises Caicedo
DM – Andrey Santos
W – Jamie Gittens
AM – Facundo Buonanotte
W – Estevao
ST – Marc Guiu
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