Chelsea Set to Unleash Major Squad Rotation as Cardiff Clash Looms in Carabao Cup Quarterfinal
Chelsea are moving closer to another appearance at Wembley and have the chance to take a significant step toward the Carabao Cup final on Tuesday night.
The Blues haven't secured domestic silverware since lifting the FA Cup in 2018 and have suffered through a painful series of close calls. They've been defeated in their previous six major finals at Wembley and are eager to break their trophy drought in the Carabao Cup.
A quarterfinal clash against League One side Cardiff City presents Chelsea with a prime chance to reach the semifinals and move closer to ending their wait, though Enzo Maresca is expected to rotate heavily with a significantly altered starting eleven in Wales.
The Italian manager, whose recent comments following the Everton victory have sparked discussion, appears set to give most of his usual starters a break against Cardiff, providing fringe players with a crucial chance to make their mark.
Here's how Chelsea might set up for Tuesday's important fixture.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Cardiff (4-2-3-1)
GK: Filip Jörgensen—The 23-year-old hasn't appeared since the fourth round victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers where he let in three goals during a frantic match. Things will have gone badly wrong if he concedes that many on Tuesday.
RB: Josh Acheampong—The adaptable young defender has switched between center back and right back this campaign, but looks set to take over from weekend scorer Malo Gusto against Cardiff.
CB: Tosin Adarabioyo—Tosin had a difficult evening against Leeds United in his most recent start and rarely appears solid at the center of Chelsea's defense. He'll face Cardiff's prolific Yousef Salech, who has netted seven times in his past 10 outings.
CB: Benoît Badiashile—Badiashile has shown quality when fit this season but his fitness concerns mean Chelsea cannot depend on him consistently. Nevertheless, Maresca should utilize the French defender whenever possible.
LB: Jorrel Hato—Marc Cucurella is among the Chelsea regulars who urgently need rest, which opens an opportunity for summer acquisition Jorrel Hato. The young Dutch player hasn't fully proven himself for the Blues yet.
DM: Moisés Caicedo—Among the few regular starters expected to begin, Caicedo comes into the Cardiff match refreshed after missing the last three Premier League fixtures due to suspension.
DM: Andrey Santos—With Reece James and Enzo Fernández requiring rest after heavy recent involvement, Santos should get his chance to shine in Wales. He found the net and provided an assist against Wolves in the last round.
RW: Estêvão—The talented Brazilian consistently impresses under the lights and appears ready to perform against third-division opponents. He's maintaining roughly one goal every four matches during a strong beginning in Chelsea colors.
AM: Facundo Buonanotte—Buonanotte has seen limited action for Chelsea since joining on loan, but he's participated in both Carabao Cup ties this season—including netting the decisive goal against Lincoln City in round three.
LW: Jamie Gittens—The English winger produced a spectacular goal against Wolves in the fourth round, but must demonstrate such flashes of his vast ability more consistently. Performing against Cardiff represents the minimum expectation.
ST: Tyrique George—With João Pedro probably rested, Liam Delap sidelined and Marc Guiu ineligible, young George should spearhead the attack. The 19-year-old has found the net twice and created one assist across the previous two rounds.
