Cardiff vs Chelsea Prediction - EFL Cup Round

Match context

Cardiff City will host Chelsea at Cardiff City Stadium at 3:00 AM on December 17, 2025, in the EFL Cup. The match promises to be exciting, as Cardiff boasts an impressive winning streak, while Chelsea holds a clear advantage in recent head-to-head encounters.

Current form

Cardiff, the home team, is having a perfect start to the season with a streak of 4 consecutive wins. In those 4 matches, they scored 9 goals (an average of 2.3 goals per game) and conceded only 3, demonstrating a good balance between attack and defense.

On the other side, Chelsea also showed consistency by winning both of their matches in the tournament. The Blues scored 6 goals but their defense also showed weaknesses, conceding 4 goals (an average of 2 goals conceded per game).

History of confrontations

Recent head-to-head history completely favors the away team. In the last four encounters, Chelsea have won every time against Cardiff. This shows that The Blues always know how to overcome this opponent, whether playing at home or away.

• March 31, 2019: Cardiff 1 - 2 Chelsea
• September 15, 2018: Chelsea 4 - 1 Cardiff
• May 11, 2014: Cardiff 1 - 2 Chelsea
• October 19, 2013: Chelsea 4 - 1 Cardiff

Force information

According to sources, neither Cardiff nor Chelsea have any injury or suspension issues. Both managers will have their strongest squads available for this crucial match.

Analysis and predictions

Despite a poor head-to-head record, Cardiff's impressive current form gives them confidence in securing a favorable result. Based on statistical analysis, the home team is considered likely to win or draw.

The predicted odds for the match outcome are as follows:

• Cardiff win: 45%
• Draw: 45%
• Chelsea win: 10%

Team lineup updated at 02:23 on December 17, 2025

Official lineup

Cardiff

Diagram: 4-2-3-1

CoachBrian Barry-Murphy

Starting lineup:

• 13. Nathan Trott (G)
• 38. Perry Ng (D)
• 48. Dylan Lawlor (D)
• 12. Calum Chambers (D)
• 3. Joel Bagan (D)
• 6. Ryan Windle (M)
• 14. David Turnbull (M)
• 27. Joel Colwill (M)
• 39. Isaak Davies (M)
• 45. Cian Ashford (M)
• 47. Callum Robinson (F)

Substitutes:

• 41. Matthew Turner
• 49. Luey Giles
• 2. William Fish
• 28. Dakarai Mafico
• 18. Alex Robertson
• 16. Chris Willock
• 29. Tanatswa Nyakuhwa
• 31. Axel Donczew
• 22. Yousef Salech

Chelsea

Diagram: 4-2-3-1

CoachEnzo Maresca

Starting lineup:

• 12. Filip Jørgensen (G)
• 34. Josh Acheampong (D)
• 4. Tosin Adarabioyo (D)
• 5. Benoît Badiashile (D)
• 21. Jorrel Hato (D)
• 25. Moisés Caicedo (M)
• 17. Andrey Santos (M)
• 32. Tyrique George (M)
• 40. Facundo Buonanotte (M)
• 11. Jamie Gittens (M)
• 38. Marc Guiu (F)

Substitutes:

• 1. Robert Sánchez
• 29. Wesley Fofana
• 27. Malo Gusto
• 23. Trevoh Chalobah
• 24. Reece James
• 7. Pedro Neto
• 8. Enzo Fernández
• 20. João Pedro
• 49. Alejandro Garnacho