Will the Bluebirds pose a challenge for Enzo Maresca's men in Carabao Cup: Roma vs Como Prediction, Preview & Lineups

The first quarter-final of the Carabao Cup sees League One's Cardiff City take on the Club World Cup champions. The only non-All-Premier League affair at the quarters will be a David vs. Goliath clash. Find out more about the clash between Cardiff vs Chelsea prediction, Cardiff vs Chelsea preview, Cardiff vs Chelsea injuries and Cardiff vs Chelsea predicted lineups.

Cardiff vs Chelsea Preview

Cardiff City just made it to their third quarter-final ever. They triumphed in their previous two outings and are aiming to reach a first semi-final since the 2011-12 campaign. They started their campaign in the first round and got the better of Swindon Town and Cheltenham Town in August. The Bluebirds then had their first Premier League scalp by beating Burnley. An all-Welsh round of 16 saw them triumph 2-1 against Wrexham away from home. They have a home quarter coming up against a team they last won against in the League Cup, ironically, in 1986. Brian Barry-Murphy is excited for the Chelsea encounter as his side has won three in a row. The latest victory was a 4-3 humdinger against Doncaster Rovers, which stretched their lead at the top to four points in League One. The Cardiff City Stadium will be buzzing for a high-profile encounter in full form.

Club World Cup champions Chelsea shrugged off a four-game winless run to beat Everton convincingly. However, Enzo Maresca was far from happy as he blasted his unnamed critics in the post-game press conference. The Blues were under pressure and needed a result to let some steam off. They will have yet another opportunity to reach the semis of the Carabao Cup. The Londoners will surely rotate their lineup for this clash. But their rotated lineups haven't been scintillating by any stretch. They huffed and puffed to get past Lincoln City and Wolves by one goal in the previous rounds. It will give Cardiff incredible hope as they aim to inflict a first-quarter-final loss on Chelsea in the competition since 2013.

Cardiff vs Chelsea Match Info

Match Name: EFL Carabao Cup, Quarter-final

Stadium: Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, UK

Kickoff Time: 16th December, 20:00 GMT

Cardiff City Team News

Cardiff City will be without the influential Omari Kellyman, who is on loan from Chelsea. His absence will be felt even more keenly as Rubin Colwill is out due to an injury as well. His brother Joel Colwill will return to the fold. Other injuries will force the manager to ring some changes.

Cardiff City Predicted XI(4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Trott

Defenders: Kpakio, Fish, Chambers, Bagan

Midfielders: Wintle, Robertson, Turnbull

Forwards: Ashford, Salech, Colwill

Chelsea Team News

The Carabao Cup will come as a relief to Marc Cucurella, as his yellow card-enforced suspension will come into play here. Jarell Hato will replace him at left-back. The returning Moises Caicedo will anchor the midfield as Facundo Buonanotte, Tyrique George, and Bynoe-Gittens will be vying for a spot. Cole Palmer will get a rest as he might start the game on the bench.

Chelsea Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Jorgensen

Defenders: Acheampong, Adarabaioyo, Badiashile, Hato

Midfielders: Caicedo, Santos

Forwards: Estevao, Buonanotte, Gittens; George

Cardiff vs Chelsea Injuries

These sides have injuries to some key starters and bench players. Here are details about the Cardiff vs Chelsea Injuries.

Cardiff Injury List

Here are Cardiff's injuries against Chelsea. The list includes.

Chelsea Injury List

Here are Chelsea's injuries against Cardiff. Here are details of the injuries.

Cardiff vs Chelsea Prediction

Chelsea will enter the game as the outright favourites thanks to their quality backups. But Cardiff will be backed by home advantage and form to have their shot at a superior opposition. If they can breach the Chelsea backline, we might have another huge upset on our hands.

SportsDunia's Cardiff vs Chelsea Prediction: Cardiff 1-3 Chelsea