QUARTER FINAL ARRIVES AS CHELSEA COME TO THE CCS

ccfcinsider
Dec 15, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Dec 16, 2025

Cardiff City remain in the Welsh Capital as they host Enzo Marseca's Chelsea in the Quarter Final of the Carabao Cup.

The Opposition:

Enzo Marseca's first season at Chelsea could be deemed as a successful one. The Blues finished fourth in the league securing Champions League football, as well as winning the Europa Conference League.

Chelsea's heavy spending continued this summer, adding Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund, Jorrel Hato from Ajax, Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United, Dario Essugo from Sporting Lisbon, João Pedro from Brighton and Hove Albion, Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, Estêvão from Palmeiras and Facundo Buonanotte from Brighton and Hove Albion. The Blues also recruited Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg and Kendry Páez from Independiente, but both have been loaned out since their summer moves.

Enzo Maresca's focus is on fluid, possession-based football with structured build-up from the back, often using an inverted fullback to create central overloads and dominate possession through short, quick passes, aiming for verticality and exploiting spaces, all while maintaining defensive solidity and quick transitions.

The Bluebirds:

Cardiff come into this one on the back of a dramatic 4-3 win over Doncaster Rovers. Omari Kellyman, Cian Ashford, Yousef Salech and Joel Bagan were on the scoresheet as City solidified their place at the top of League One.

City could look to counter Chelsea by pressing aggressively to disrupt their build-up and force mistakes when they invert full-backs. They can then attack quickly into wide spaces and behind the high defensive line before Maresca’s structure resets.

Opposition Player to Watch:

Chelsea boast several world class players, but naturally one of the best and most expensive midfielders in the world, Moisés Caicedo is essential for Chelsea. Caicedo is a relentless, high-intensity defensive midfielder who excels at winning the ball, covering large spaces, and quickly recycling possession under pressure.

The Ecuadorean began his career with Independiente del Valle before moving over to the England in 2021, joining Brighton and Hove Albion. After a loan spell to Beerschot, Caicedo became a regular at The Seagulls, showing his world class ability. A move to Chelsea in 2023 followed for a fee of £115M.

Last Meeting:

Cardiff City 1-2 Chelsea (2019)

Cardiff City's last meeting with Chelsea is unforgettable for all the wrong reasons from a City point of view. The main talking point of the game was the refereeing performance of Craig Pawson.

Victor Camarasa gave City the lead with a stunning strike from the edge of the box. Cesar Azpilicueta equalised for the visitors, despite being in an obvious offside position. Antonio Rudiger then yanked Kenneth Zohore who was in on goal, and only escaped with a yellow card. Ruben Loftus-Cheek headed in from close range to secure a controversial three points for Maurizio Sarri's Chelsea.

Team News:

Cardiff City - Omari Kellyman ineligible due to loan agreement. Ollie Tanner, Gabriel Osho, Rubin Colwill and Eli King out injured.

Chelsea - Liam Delap, Dario Essugo, Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill out injured for the visitors.

Preferred XI:

GK - Nathan Trott

RB - Perry Ng

RCB - Dylan Lawlor

LCB - Calum Chambers

LB - Joel Bagan

CDM - Ryan Wintle

CM - Alex Robertson

CAM - Callum Robinson