Lincoln City seek a giant killing against Chelsea at Sincil Bank in the third round of 2024-25 Carabao Cup.
Victory would see the Imps reach the Fourth Round for the second time in four seasons, whilst Chelsea progressed past this stage in each of the last two seasons.
Team News
Reeco Hackett could return for Lincoln City after he missed their 3-1 win over Luton in League One due to illness.
Dom Jefferies (hip) is a doubt but Jack Moylan (ankle) is still ruled out.
Chelsea could be without Cole Palmer after he reaggravated a groin injury in their 2-1 Premier League defeat at Manchester United.
Robert Sanchez however is definitely suspended after he was sent off at Old Trafford.
Benoit Badiashile (unspecified), Levi Colwill (ACL), Dario Essugo, Romeo Lavia (both thigh), Liam Delap (hamstring) and Mykhailo Mudryk (suspension) are still sidelined.
When is Kick-Off?
Lincoln City host Chelsea at Sincil Bank on Tuesday 23 September at 7:45pm BST, live on Sky Sports Football in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Lincoln City’s first meeting against Chelsea in any iteration of the League Cup.
- Chelsea drew 2-2 in their only previous domestic cup visit to Lincoln City in the first round of 1906-07 FA Cup in January 1907, but then lost the replay 1-0 at home.
- Lincoln City are yet to beat Chelsea at home in all competitions (D2, L2).
- Three of Lincoln City’s four goals in this season’s competition were scored after half time.
- Chelsea have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last four away League Cup ties against lower-league opposition (W3, L1), having last done so in a 2-0 win at Swindon in September 2013.
Prediction
Currently flying high in League One in third and unbeaten in their last eight matches across all competitions, Lincoln City come into this game full of confidence but they kept just three clean sheets in that run so a big defensive display is needed plus a clinical final touch here.
Chelsea boss, Enzo Maresca meanwhile will surely go for a strong starting 11 after their sloppy defeat at Utd but I do expect changes and some academy youngsters to get a run out, especially given the Blues are currently in a hectic run of fixtures amidst numerous injury issues.
The first goal though feels like it will be key because if Lincoln City score first, I can see them either going on to spring a cupset in front of their home support or at least forcing penalties.
Chelsea though are yet to lose away at Sincil Bank in all competitions and I do think that they will eventually have too much for the Imps.
Prediction: Lincoln City 1-2 Chelsea
Result: Lincoln City 1-2 Chelsea