Cardiff vs Chelsea: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

Explore Ladbrokes' detailed preview for Cardiff vs Chelsea in the League Cup. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 20:00 GMT match.

• Fixture: Cardiff vs Chelsea
• Date: Tuesday, 16 December 2025
• Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
• Venue: Cardiff City Stadium

Cardiff's recent form in this season's Carabao Cup has been impressive, with four consecutive wins, including a couple of away victories against Wrexham and Burnley. They've shown they can grind out results, often by the narrowest of margins, which suggests a solid defensive structure and an ability to capitalise on limited chances.

Facing Chelsea, who've also been in fine fettle with back-to-back wins in the competition, Cardiff will need to be at their best. The Blues have shown they can score freely, as seen in their 4-3 thriller against Wolves, but they've also conceded, which could give Cardiff hope.

Chelsea's attacking flair could be the deciding factor in this match, especially with players like Estêvão and George leading the line. However, their defensive frailties, evident in the Wolves game, might be exploited by Cardiff's resilient attack. Expect a closely contested affair, with both teams looking to assert their dominance. Cardiff's home advantage and recent form could make this a tricky encounter for Chelsea, but the Blues' quality might just see them through.

Cardiff will be confident after their four consecutive victories in the competition, showcasing their ability to win both at home and away. Their recent results, including a 2-1 win against Wrexham and a 3-0 thrashing of Cheltenham, indicate a team in good spirits and form.

This run of form could give them the confidence to take on a strong Chelsea side, especially with their knack for winning tight games. However, they'll need to be wary of Chelsea's attacking prowess and ensure their defence remains as solid as it has been.

Recent League Cup Results:

• Win: 2-1 vs Wrexham (A)

• Win: 2-1 vs Burnley (A)

• Win: 3-0 vs Cheltenham (H)

• Win: 2-1 vs Swindon Town (H)

Chelsea have been in fine form in the Carabao Cup, securing back-to-back wins against Wolves and Lincoln. Their 4-3 victory against Wolves highlights their attacking capabilities, but also a potential vulnerability at the back. This could be a concern against a Cardiff side that has shown they can score in every game of their recent run.

Chelsea will need to balance their attacking flair with a more disciplined defensive approach if they are to come away with a win from this match.

Recent League Cup Results:

• Win: 4-3 vs Wolves (A)

• Win: 2-1 vs Lincoln (A)

The head-to-head record between Cardiff and Chelsea shows a clear dominance by Chelsea, with the Blues winning all four of their most recent encounters. In these matches, Chelsea have scored a total of 12 goals to Cardiff's four, with the most recent clash in March 2019 ending in a 2-1 victory for Chelsea. This historical advantage could give Chelsea a psychological edge, but Cardiff's recent form suggests they might be ready to challenge this record.

Recent Results

• Cardiff 1-2 Chelsea (31 Mar 2019) - Premier League

• Chelsea 4-1 Cardiff (15 Sep 2018) - Premier League

• Cardiff 1-2 Chelsea (11 May 2014) - Premier League

• Chelsea 4-1 Cardiff (19 Oct 2013) - Premier League

• Isaak Davies (Hamstring) - Out

• Perry Ng (Muscle) - Out

• Gabriel Osho (Knee) - Out

• Mykhailo Mudryk (Suspended) - Out

• Dário Essugo (Thigh) - Out

• Levi Colwill (Knee) - Out

• Liam Delap (Shoulder) - Out

• Roméo Lavia (Thigh) - Out

• Predicted lineup: Trott (GK), Ng (DF), Fish (DF), Chambers (DF), Bagan (DF), Ashford (MF), Turnbull(MF), Wintle (MF), Robertson (MF), Colwill (MF), Salech (AT)

Cardiff's predicted lineup suggests a focus on maintaining a solid defensive structure with Ng, Fish, Chambers, and Bagan at the back, while relying on the creativity and energy of Colwill, Wintle, and Ashford in midfield to support Salech up front.

• Predicted lineup: Jorgensen (GK), Gusto (DF), Acheampong (DF), Adarabioyo (DF), Hato (DF), Caicedo (MF), Santos (MF), Buonanotte (MF), Gittens (MF), Estêvão (MF), George (AT)

Chelsea's lineup emphasises attacking play, with Estêvão, Buonanotte, Gittens, and George likely to pose a significant threat to Cardiff's defence, while relying on Gusto, Acheampong, Adarabioyo, and Hato to provide a solid foundation at the back.

• Salech vs Acheampong: This will be a crucial battle between Cardiff's forward Youssouf Salech and Chelsea's young defender Josh Acheampong, with Salech looking to exploit any defensive lapses.

• Robertson vs Buonanotte: The midfield duel between Cardiff's Alex Robertson and Chelsea's Facundo Buonanotte could be pivotal, with both players known for their creativity and work rate.

• Ashford (Cardiff): Cardiff will look to Cameron Ashford's energy and versatility in midfield to drive their attacks and support the forward line.

• Gittens (Chelsea): Jamal Gittens' ability to control the midfield and contribute to Chelsea's attacking play makes him a key player to watch in this match.

Cardiff vs Chelsea at 20:00 GMT on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, will be broadcast live for viewers in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Ultra HDR.

Ladbrokes is predicting that the score will be Cardiff 1-2 Chelsea.

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