Cardiff City vs Chelsea Predictions, Lineups & Betting Tips

Cardiff City vs Chelsea Predictions, Lineups & Betting Tips

Match Details: December 16, 2025 | Cardiff City Stadium | EFL Cup | 20:00 GMT

It is Quarter-final time in the EFL Cup for the 2025/26 season (https://footballpark.com/betting/predictions), and here we head to south Wales as the lowest-ranked side left in the competition, Cardiff City prepare to host Premier League giants Chelsea, as the minnows seek a historic upset in an attempt to emulate Welsh foes Swansea City in 2013/14.

We are backing over 2.5 goals here.

Key Betting Tips: Over 2.5 Goals at 1.50 odds on BOYLESports represents excellent value based on the tip provided by our algorithm.

odds subject to change.

This match looks enticing from an over 2.5 goals outlook. The Bluebirds have been flying in recent weeks, with seven of their last eight games ending in three or more goals being scored. As for the Blues, however, they are expected to change the side heavily and they will fancy themselves to score goals regardless; there could be goals galore here, with the game expected to be very open.

Cardiff City vs Chelsea Predicted Lineups

Cardiff Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Nathan Trott; Joel Bagan, Calum Chambers, William Fish, Ronan Kpakio; Alex Robertson, Ryan Wintle; Isaak Davies, Omari Kellyman, Cian Ashford; Yousef Salech.

Brian Barry-Murphy will be without key players such as Eli King, Gabriel Osho, Jak Alnwick, Ollie Tanner, and Rubin Colwill for this clash.

Chelsea Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Filip Jorgensen; Jorrel Hato, Josh Acheampong, Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah; Andrey Santos, Enzo Fernandez; Tyrique George, Facundo Buonanotte, Estevao Willian; Marc Guiu.

As for the Blues, Enzo Maresca will have Levi Colwill, Dario Essugo, Romeo Lavia, and Liam Delap all injured.

Cardiff City vs Chelsea Current League Standings

Cardiff are enjoying life in the third tier, four points clear at the top and the football they are playing has been very entertaining. To get to the quarter-final, their path hasn’t been easy, beating Swindon at home 2-1, Cheltenham 3-0 on home soil, but then endured tough trips to both Burnley and Wrexham, winning 2-1 in each.

As for Chelsea, they are back to winning ways in the league and sit in the top four as of Sunday morning. Their path to this stage has been much easier, of course playing in two less rounds than the Bluebirds. It is three away trips in a row for Maresca’s side, having defeated Lincoln 2-1 and Wolves 4-3 in a nail-biting finish.

Cardiff City vs Chelsea Head-to-Head Timeline

Recent Head-to-Head Results:

These sides have only faced off four times, when Cardiff were in the topflight. Chelsea won both games at home 4-1, and both away games 2-1. An alternate angle on the game could be both teams to score, if you are feeling like a higher-risk bet.

Cardiff City and Chelsea Recent Matches Analysis

Cardiff Last 5 Matches:

• Cardiff 4-3 Doncaster (H)
• Cardiff 1-0 Stevenage (A)
• Cardiff 3-2 Huddersfield (H)
• Cardiff 1-5 Wimbledon (H) – EFL Trophy
• Cardiff 3-0 Mansfield (H)

The Bluebirds have been so emphatically strong so far this campaign. They have won four thrilling games in their last five, with their only defeat coming as a result of them making nine changes from their previous game.

Chelsea Last 5 Matches:

• Chelsea 2-0 Everton (H)
• Chelsea 1-2 Atalanta (A)
• Chelsea 0-0 Bournemouth (A)
• Chelsea 1-3 Leeds (A)
• Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal (H)

After a significant performance at the Bridge to glide past Barcelona, Chelsea have endured a tricky fortnight as they enter their typical December troubles. A strong 2-0 win to Everton will hopefully see confidence restored in this young side, however.

Cardiff City vs Chelsea Predictions

Our advanced algorithm analyses over 200 data points to generate these predictions with confidence in over 2.5 goals being scored. The model factors in current form, head-to-head records, player availability, and tactical matchups.

Best Cardiff City vs Chelsea Betting Tips

Football Park’s Best Bet: Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.50 - Recent form suggests confidence in a home win. At 90% chance of a high scoring game, our algorithm and recent form of both sides suggest that this looks like great value.

Key Players to Watch: Cardiff City vs Chelsea

Yousef Salech (Cardiff): The typical style of play which has led to Cardiff has been goals; lost of goals. No one has done it better this season than their Danish forward, Yousef Salech, who has bagged ten goals in just 19 appearances.

Estevao Willian (Chelsea): After only coming off the bench against the Toffees, the 18-year-old wonderkid will hope for minutes in this midweek fixture, and if he does, he will be a proper handful for the Bluebirds defence on the right flank.

Cardiff City vs Chelsea Match Facts

Referee: Tony Harrington.

Broadcast Details:

UK: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League at 20:00 GMT.

Stadium Information: Located in Cardiff, Wales, the Cardiff City Stadium can hold up to just over 33,000 supporters.

Cardiff City vs Chelsea: Final Prediction

Cardiff City 1-4 Chelsea