Chelsea host Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge in the Quarter-Finals of 2023-24 Carabao Cup.
Victory would see Chelsea advance to the semi-finals for the second time in three seasons, whilst Newcastle are chasing a second consecutive appearance in the final four.
Team News
Chelsea have no fresh injury concerns to report coming into this game after their win over Sheffield United, with Noni Madueke set to be available following his return to training after recovering from a knock but won’t be risked unless match fit.
Marc Cucurella (ankle), Lesley Ugochukwu (knock), Trevoh Chalobah, Ben Chilwell, Reece James (all hamstring), Wesley Fofana (ACL), Romeo Lavia (fitness), Robert Sanchez and Carney Chukwuemeka (both knee) remain ruled out.
Newcastle could welcome Alexander Isak back into contention after he missed their win over Fulham with a minor groin injury.
Kieran Trippier (calf) is a doubt but Fabian Schar and Joelinton are both unlikely to feature as they await results on respective hamstring injuries.
Elliott Anderson (back), Matt Targett (hamstring), Nick Pope, Jacob Murphy (both shoulder), Sandro Tonali (suspension), Joe Willock (Achilles), Harvey Barnes (foot) and Javier Manquillo (groin) remain absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Chelsea host Newcastle in a 8pm GMT kick-off on Tuesday 19 December at Stamford Bridge, live on Sky Sports in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Chelsea have won four of their five previous League Cup meetings against Newcastle (W4, L1).
- Newcastle have won one of their three previous League Cup ties away to Chelsea (W1, L2).
- Both teams have scored in two of their three previous League Cup meetings at Stamford Bridge, except for Chelsea’s 1-0 win in December 2001.
- Chelsea have avoided defeat in four of their last five League Cup ties at home to top-flight rivals excluding penalty shootouts (W2, D2, L1).
- Newcastle have lost just one of their last five League Cup ties away to top-flight opposition, excluding penalty shootouts (W4, D1, L1).
Prediction
Although their form is inconsistent, Chelsea seem to have found their feet at home with one loss in their last six in all competitions, and were absolutely dominant against a toothless Sheffield Utd team but they can’t afford to waste chances here like they constantly did against the Blades.
Newcastle meanwhile have struggled on the road lately but have done well in recent away trips to Premier League opposition, which should give them some belief after they stunned both Manchester City and Man Utd to get to this stage.
Their injury crisis however is their Achilles heel this season akin to Chelsea so I do expect rotation but they will fancy their chances, especially after a dominant yet clinical win over Fulham where they looked comfortable and able to hold their intensity throughout.
Now if both teams play like they did at the weekend then I do expect a cagey contest and as much as it would be nice to see Newcastle progress to the semi-finals again, I do feel that Chelsea could have the edge in attack.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle
Result: Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle (Chelsea win 4-2 on penalties)
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