Chelsea XI vs Cardiff City – Predicted lineup and team news | OneFootball

Chelsea head to Cardiff City this evening with a place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals up for grabs.

The West Londoners take on the second tier side in the quarter-finals tonight, as Enzo Maresca looks to win his third trophy with the club. Having led Chelsea to Europa Conference League and Club World Cup wins, Maresca is eyeing up a first domestic trophy this season.

Chelsea head into the game after beating Everton in the Premier League at the weekend, ending a four-game winless run in the process. Cardiff, in contrast, have been in good form. The Bluebirds have won three consecutive games in all competitions.

Chelsea XI vs Cardiff City – Predicted lineup and team news

Chelsea team news

Enzo Maresca is set to rotate his squad for tonight’s tie despite a semi-final place on offer. The Blues are competing on four fronts this season and the Carabao Cup will offer a chance to fringe faces.

Reece James, Enzo Fernandez and the recently-returned Cole Palmer are all likely to step down from the side that started against Everton. In their place, Andrey Santos will hope for another chance to impress, alongside the likes of Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Josh Acheampong and Jorrel Hato.

In terms of absences, Chelsea remain without Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia, Liam Delap, Dario Essugo and the suspended Mykhaylo Mudryk. Marc Guiu is also ineligible to feature after representing Sunderland during a short loan spell at the Stadium of Light earlier this season.

Chelsea predicted lineup

Chelsea predicted XI: Jorgensen; Acheampong, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Hato; Caicedo, Santos; Estevao, Buonanotte, Gittens; George.

What time does Cardiff vs Chelsea kick-off?

The clash will take place at the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday 16th December 2025. Kick-off 8pm BST.

How to watch Cardiff vs Chelsea

You can watch the match live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.

Read – The fastest goals in the Premier League so far this season

See more – Five things we learned from the Premier League weekend

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