Chelsea continue their impressive start to the season, coming into this Carabao Cup tie on the back of a 2-1 victory over Newcastle in the Premier League just days earlier.
Goals from Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer helped secure the win, leaving the Blues in fifth place in the league after four wins from their last six games.
Beyond domestic success, Chelsea have also shone in European competition, boasting a 100% record in the UEFA Conference League.
Maresca’s men have convincingly beaten Gent and Panathinaikos, scoring four goals against each, and smashed Barrow 5-0 in the previous round of the Carabao Cup.
The five-time League Cup winners are aiming to reach the quarter-finals and potentially lift the trophy they last won a decade ago.
Recent Form: Newcastle
Newcastle United, on the other hand, are struggling for form.
Eddie Howe’s side is winless in their last five matches, scoring only three goals across those games, and they have slipped to 12th in the Premier League standings.
The Toon Army’s League Cup journey this season has seen them narrowly overcome Nottingham Forest and AFC Wimbledon, with a penalty shootout victory over Forest, but their form has been patchy since.
Once a fortress, St. James’ Park has lost some of its aura, and Newcastle will need a significant turnaround if they hope to repeat their League Cup final run from two seasons ago.
They are chasing their first domestic trophy in 70 years, but their current performances suggest a tough test against in-form Chelsea.
Chelsea’s League Cup History :
Chelsea are no strangers to the League Cup, having won the competition five times in their history.
However, their last triumph came a decade ago, and they’ve suffered three final defeats since, most notably in February against Liverpool in extra time.
With Enzo Maresca now at the helm, the Blues have revitalized their squad, and they’ll be keen to add to their silverware collection this season.
Key Battle
The key to this match could be Chelsea’s attacking prowess against Newcastle’s struggling defense.
Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix have been in fine form for Chelsea, while Newcastle have struggled to find the net, scoring only three goals in their last five matches.
If Newcastle are to stand a chance, they will need to rediscover their scoring touch and tighten up defensively.
Anthony Gordon, who didn’t feature over the weekend, could be called upon to lead the attack against Chelsea at home.
Potential Lineups:
Newcastle: 4-3-3 – Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
Chelsea: 4-2-3-1 Jorgensen; Cucurella, Disasi, Badiashile, Veiga; Enzo, Drewsbury-Hall; Mudryk, Felix, Sancho; Nkunku.
Score Prediction: Newcastle 0-2 Chelsea
Where to watch:
United Kingdom: Sky Sports+
United States: Paramount Plus
Canada: DAZN
India: Star Sports Select 2, Disney+ Hotstar VIP
Australia: BeIN Sports
Nigeria: SuperSports.
Conclusion:
Chelsea enter this tie as favourites given their current form and attacking strength. With Newcastle’s recent struggles, especially at home, Chelsea look poised to progress to the quarter-finals.
