Enzo Maresca has named a rotated XI for Chelsea to take on Cardiff City for a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
The Blues already have a mountain of fixtures to come as we approach 2026, but won’t mind adding two more if they can beat the League One side in the quarter-finals tonight.
It was already known that the boss was going to change things around. Maresca is keen to protect Cole Palmer, who returned to the scoresheet for the Blues against Everton.
How Chelsea reached the EFL Cup quarter-finals
Who will Maresca be relying on to deliver the goods against Cardiff?
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The Blues reached this stage after narrow wins against Lincoln City and Wolves in the previous two rounds.
Confirmed Chelsea XI vs Cardiff City
Despite the changes, it is still a Chelsea side that should have too much for their opponents. Let’s take a look at the starting XI tonight:
CONFIRMED: Chelsea XI to face Cardiff!
Too many changes here?
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Maresca will certainly be feeling the pressure tonight as he looks to book his place in his third semi-final since taking over as Chelsea manager.
The past few days have been dominated by talk surrounding the manager, and his ongoing feud with some of the higher ups at Stamford Bridge.
Silverware is the best way for the Italian to do his talking, and a win tonight would take them one step closer to a third trophy with the club.
However, he will understand he has taken a chance with the team selection tonight, and will hope his players can stand up for him in Wales.
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