Cardiff vs. Chelsea—Carabao Cup: Preview, Predictions and Lineups

Chelsea are aiming to book their place in the Carabao Cup semifinal when they lock horns with Cardiff City on Tuesday night.

The Blues have reached the Carabao Cup final in three of the last seven seasons, but have been beaten in every Wembley trip. Enzo Maresca, who has already guided Chelsea to Europa Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup glory, will be keen to end the club’s wait for domestic silverware.

Maresca’s remarkable outburst after the weekend victory over Everton has highlighted the pressure felt by the Italian at Stamford Bridge, with anything but a convincing victory against League One opposition on Tuesday only intensifying scrutiny.

Chelsea have already beaten Lincoln City and Wolverhampton Wanderers on the road in the Carabao Cup, but they have made hard work of narrow one-goal wins. Their in-form hosts, who currently lead the third tier, will be aiming to make things similarly challenging for the Blues.

Cardiff reached the 2011–12 EFL Cup final despite being in the Championship, eventually losing to Liverpool on penalties. Repeating the feat this season, though, would prove an even greater achievement; it’s extremely unlikely, but anything is possible.

Here is Sports Illustrated’s guide to the quarterfinal showdown.

What Time Does Cardiff vs. Chelsea Kick-Off?

Location: Cardiff, Wales
Stadium: Cardiff City Stadium
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 16
Kick-off Time: 8 p.m. GMT / 3. p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
Referee: Tony Harrington
VAR: Not in use

Cardiff vs. Chelsea Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Matches)

Cardiff: 0 wins
Chelsea: 5 wins
Draws: 0

Last meeting: Cardiff 1–2 Chelsea (March 31, 2019)—Premier League

Current Form (All Competitions)

Cardiff	Chelsea
Cardiff 4–3 Doncaster - 13/12/25	Chelsea 2–0 Everton - 13/12/25
Stevenage 0–1 Cardiff - 09/12/25	Atalanta 2–1 Chelsea - 09/12/25
Cardiff 3–2 Huddersfield - 06/12/25	Bournemouth 0–0 Chelsea - 06/12/25
Cardiff 1–5 Wimbledon - 02/12/25	Leeds 3–1 Chelsea - 03/12/25
Cardiff 3–0 Mansfield - 29/11/25	Chelsea 1–1 Arsenal - 30/11/25

How to Watch Cardiff vs. Chelsea on TV, Live Stream

Country	TV Channel/Live Stream
United Kingdom	Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, SKy Ultra HD, Sky GO, Sky GO Extra, NOW TV
United States	Paramount+
Canada	DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada
Mexico	ESPN2 Mexico, Disney+ Premium Mexico

MORE: Full list of Carabao Cup broadcasters around the world

Cardiff Team News

🔢

Your @Carabao_Cup Quarter Final #Bluebirds! 🏆#CityAsOne pic.twitter.com/5raTcwiqHN
— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) December 16, 2025

Chelsea Team News

Tonight's XI. 🫡#CFC | #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/Ra3ppvRc2h
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 16, 2025

Cardiff vs. Chelsea Score Prediction

Even with sweeping alterations to the team that beat Everton, Chelsea should waltz to victory. The Blues boast an incredible supporting cast and are battling a team 41 places below them in the football pyramid.

Cardiff have plenty of confidence as they enjoy a resurgent campaign in League One and they will fancy their chances of scoring against a much-changed XI. Still, they will need a miracle to make it into the last four.