Cardiff City vs Chelsea prediction, match preview, betting tips and odds on December 16, 2025
EFL Cup (Carabao Cup)
In the quarterfinals of the English League Cup on December 16, 2025, Cardiff City will face Chelsea. The visitors are coming to Wales aiming for victory.
Our Prediction for Cardiff City vs Chelsea
The Welsh side still remember their climb to the Premier League. However, last season they finished in last place, 24th, in the Championship, ignominiously relegated. Still, they are now confidently fighting for leadership in League One and, accordingly, aiming for a quick return. Their opponents from London claimed the Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup this year. At the same time, Maresca has lifted his squad to fourth place in the Premier League and now is contending to be Arsenal’s main pursuer, while also progressing well, though not flawlessly, through the Champions League group stage.
In this competition, Barry-Murphy’s side started in August, beating Swindon 2-1 and Cheltenham 3-0. Then they faced much tougher opponents in Burnley but managed to win 2-1 away. A month later, they repeated this scenario on the field of Championship newcomers Wrexham.
The capital club joined the competition only in September, narrowly defeating modest Lincoln City 2-1. Next came an even more spectacular clash with Wolverhampton, where they managed a 4-3 victory. However, it's worth noting that Maresca, as he did a year earlier in the Conference League, is giving playing time to reserves here, from Jorgensen to George.
Cardiff City vs Chelsea: Key Stats and Trends
- Cardiff City have won two matches in a row
- Chelsea have won five of their last seven matches
Cardiff City vs Chelsea: Probable Starting Line-Ups
Cardiff City (probable): Trott – Bagan, Chambers, Fish, Kpakio – Ashford, Colwill, Wintle, Colwill, Kelliman – Saleh
Chelsea (probable): Jorgensen – Hato, Adarabioyo, Achimpong, Gusto – Santos, Lavia, Gittens, Buonanotte, Estevao – George
Previous Meetings: Cardiff City vs Chelsea
All five head-to-head encounters played this century have ended in defeat for the Welsh club.
Free Prediction for Cardiff City vs Chelsea
The favorite is more than obvious, as is the fact that the visitors will once again use their reserves. We predict "both teams to score" (odds – 2.25).
Place your bets on the upcoming match and follow your team’s position in the English League Cup standings
