England League Cup: Cardiff – Chelsea 16/12/2025

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Betting on goals

Cardiff are the only team outside the Premier League still competing in the League Cup quarterfinals. At this stage of the season, they are in excellent form and with five consecutive league wins have established themselves at the top of the League One standings.

In theory, the upcoming Saturday away league match against third placed Lincoln should be the priority, but the fans and possibly several players do not see it that way. Tonight’s match against Chelsea is the club’s first sold out game in several years, while a potential qualification to the two legged semifinals would generate huge revenue for the club.

Chelsea under Maresca have a congested schedule and different priorities. On Sunday they ended a poor run and returned to winning ways with a 2-0 home victory over Everton. They need rotation and rest, and it is certain they will field an alternative lineup tonight.

Cardiff’s young players will try to attract attention. At home they play very attacking football and score an average of 2.6 goals per league match. Of course, the gap in quality is huge and it will be very difficult to challenge for qualification even against Chelsea’s second string. However, a full stadium and the weight of the opponent’s name provide huge motivation. They will certainly play with enthusiasm and at the very least are capable of contributing to the score.