Cardiff City vs Chelsea: Match Preview, Latest Team News and How to Watch | OneFootball

Cardiff vs Chelsea: Carabao Cup team news, prediction and how to watch

Chelsea’s congested December schedule continues on Tuesday night with a trip to south Wales, as Enzo Maresca’s side face Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup quarter-final. On paper, it represents a clear change of pace for a squad that has spent recent weeks navigating high-intensity domestic and European fixtures. In practice, it is another examination of Chelsea’s depth, focus and ability to manage expectation.

The Blues arrive in Cardiff after a mixed run of results following their emphatic 3-0 Champions League victory over Barcelona in November. Draws against Arsenal and Bournemouth, combined with defeats to Leeds and Atalanta, briefly stalled momentum. This competition, however, offers both respite and opportunity, with a place in the final four at stake.

Cardiff City, under Brian Barry-Murphy, are unlikely to lack motivation. Currently four points clear at the top of League One, the Bluebirds have been impressive domestically, even if recent cup rotation ended in a heavy Vertu Trophy defeat to AFC Wimbledon. This occasion, with Premier League opposition and a sold-out Cardiff City Stadium, presents a different challenge entirely.

Kick-off details and venue

Cardiff vs Chelsea is scheduled for an 8pm GMT kick-off on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. The match will be played at the Cardiff City Stadium, a venue with recent history of hosting high-profile cup ties and one that traditionally offers a hostile atmosphere for visiting sides.

How to watch Cardiff vs Chelsea live

Viewers in the UK can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event. Coverage begins at 7.30pm GMT, building up to kick-off with analysis and team news.

Need a VPN to watch the match? Our preferred VPN to watch UK TV from anywhere is LibertyShield.com – they offer a 48 hour no-obligation free trial and have apps or all popular devices including Mac, Windows, FireTV, iPhone/iPad and Android.

Those with a Sky Sports subscription can also follow the game via live stream through the Sky Go app across mobile, tablet and desktop devices. For supporters preferring minute-by-minute coverage, Standard Sport will run a live blog throughout the evening with updates and on-the-ground insight.

Chelsea and Cardiff City team news latest

Chelsea travel with several absentees. Liam Delap, Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia remain sidelined through injury, while Levi Colwill continues his recovery from a long-term issue. Cole Palmer is also ruled out, removing one of Chelsea’s most creative outlets from Maresca’s options.

There is, however, positive news in midfield. Moises Caicedo is available again after completing a three-match suspension following his red card against Arsenal at the end of November. While his return strengthens the squad, there is no guarantee he will start, with Premier League commitments against Newcastle looming at the weekend.

Rotation is expected. Younger options such as Jorrel Hato, Josh Acheampong and Jamie Gittens are all in contention to feature, offering Maresca a chance to assess depth while managing workload across competitions.

Cardiff City report a clean bill of health. Barry-Murphy is expected to name a strong XI, with former Arsenal defender Calum Chambers likely to captain the side. Omari Kellyman, however, is ineligible to face his parent club and is set to miss out.

Prediction, head-to-head record and odds

Chelsea enter the tie as clear favourites, and much depends on the balance Maresca strikes between rotation and control. Even with changes, the visitors possess significant quality and should have enough to progress.

Cup competitions are rarely straightforward, particularly away from home, but Chelsea’s depth and experience suggest a professional outcome rather than a shock.

Prediction: Chelsea to win 3-1.

This will be the first competitive meeting between Cardiff City and Chelsea since 2019, when late goals from Cesar Azpilicueta and Ruben Loftus-Cheek secured a comeback victory for the London side.

Overall head-to-head record: Cardiff City wins: 15Chelsea wins: 20Draws: 10

Match odds, via Betfair and subject to change, reflect Chelsea’s status as favourites: Cardiff City to qualify: 15/2Chelsea to qualify: 1/4