Football Preview | Lincoln City v Chelsea

Chelsea enter the Carabao Cup with a round-three trip to League One Lincoln City. 

The Stamford Bridge side are looking to start what they hope will be a successful journey to cup success. 

Author | Lewis W

Stadium | LNER Stadium

Lincoln City v Wigan Athletic

Chelsea last reached the EFL Cup final in 2024 when they were beaten by Liverpool, but they will be hoping to go one step further this time around and take a closer look at some of the exciting fringe players in their squad in the process.

Enzo Maresca is expected to make a few changes to the side that lost to Manchester United, their second loss in succession in all competitions, and will now be intent on getting back to winning ways.

Chelsea Team News

It remains unclear how seriously the Chelsea manager will approach the competition, but the squad faces a long list of absentees. Among them is Sanchez, who was sent off against Manchester United, meaning Filip Jorgensen is expected to start in goal.

Tuesday’s match comes too soon for midfielder Romeo Lavia and centre-back Benoit Badiashile. Maresca may pair Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah at the heart of defence, with Andrey Santos joining Enzo Fernandez in a double pivot.

Chelsea are also without long-term injured players Liam Delap and Levi Colwill, who continue their rehabilitation following thigh and knee injuries. Cole Palmer could feature, though he is set to be assessed due to a recurring groin problem.

View from the away end at Old Trafford

How did Lincoln get to this stage?

Chelsea and the other clubs involved in UEFA competitions entered the tournament at this stage, while Lincoln City progressed with a 3-1 win at Harrogate Town, followed by a 1-0 victory at Burton Albion. This will be their first home tie of the campaign.

History between the two sides?

This is the ninth-ever meeting between the two clubs and a first in this competition since it began in 1960. The Imps become their 71st different opponent in the competition.

The only previous knockout tie between the clubs came in the first round of the 1906–07 FA Cup. After a goalless draw at Sincil Bank, Lincoln pulled off a shock 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge four days later.