Chelsea do not have long to celebrate their return to winning ways as they look to book their place in the semi-finals of the EFL Cup.
The Blues have been handed the pick of the ties, taking on League One leaders Cardiff City, the only non-Premier League opposition left in the competition.
There will be no appearance for loanee Omari Kellyman, who is off to a fine start to life in Wales, with the Blues not allowing him to face his parent club.
Chelsea’s last game against Cardiff was back in 2019
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It will be a chance for Enzo Maresca to rotate a number of his first team stars in the midst of a hectic festive schedule. Enzo Fernandez is one of those who needs a rest.
The Chelsea Chronicle have predicted the side who will take to the field and look to get the Blues within just one more round of another trip to Wembley.
Chelsea v Everton - Premier League
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Chelsea predicted XI vs Cardiff
Filip Jorgensen will make his long-awaited return to the starting side, with him desperate for minutes before next summer’s World Cup.
Right-back will see Josh Acheampong return to the starting side after he was left out when they faced Everton. Acheampong was one of the stars of the defeat to Atalanta.
Tosin Adarabioyo will be the first of the two centre-backs, as Maresca continues to protect Wesley Fofana.
He will be joined by Benoit Badiashile, with the Frenchman another who is looking to build up his fitness with sporadic appearances.
Jorrel Hato will get a rare start at left-back in favour of Marc Cucurella. The Spaniard’s regular recent minutes mean he will need a rest.
The need for rotation will also present a chance for Andrey Santos to start in midfield. He scored in the last round of the competition against Wolves.
He will be joined by Moises Caicedo, who is available for selection domestically again after his three match ban following the red card against Arsenal.
The right-wing will be occupied by Estevao Willian, who has been shining still but not being given the opportunities many believe he deserves in the side.
Facundo Buonanotte will be back in the side at last. He has not featured for Chelsea since facing Qarabag off the bench at the start of November.
Jamie Gittens will replace Alejandro Garnacho on the left wing. Both players are in a battle to nail down that place in the side.
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Up front, Marc Guiu will lead the line.
Chelsea Predicted XI: Jorgensen; Acheampong, Tosin, Badiashile, Hato; Caicedo, Santos; Estevao, Buonanotte, Gittens; Guiu
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