Enzo Maresca has faced criticism following his recent comments during press conferences, describing last week as the “worst 48 hours” of his Chelsea tenure due to a lack of “support.” However, he refrained from clarifying the source of his frustrations when pressed further, only denying speculation regarding fan discontent, which has largely contributed to the scrutiny he faces.
Despite this turbulent backdrop, the focus shifts back to the pitch where a tangible response is necessary. Chelsea’s recent victory against Everton provided a much-needed boost, ending a four-match winless streak. Building on this success, Chelsea will take on Cardiff City, the current leaders of League One, in the quarterfinals of the League Cup—a crucial match that presents an opportunity to advance further in the tournament.
The match is scheduled for Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Cardiff City Stadium, kicking off at 20:00 GMT. The referee for the encounter will be Tony Harrington, and there will be no VAR in use. Conditions for the game are expected to be cold and calm.
Cardiff City, having struggled last season and finishing last in the Championship, appears set for a swift return to higher tiers, currently leading League One with an impressive five consecutive wins. Chelsea loanee Omari Kellyman has been pivotal for the Bluebirds’ potent attacking form this season. However, Chelsea has opted to deny his participation in this match, unlike typical Premier League rules that require clubs to allow loanees to face their parent club.
Cardiff will be without key players including midfielder Rubin Colwill, who recently suffered a serious ankle injury, as well as defender Gabriel Osho and goalkeeper Jak Alnwick, who is dealing with a long-standing hamstring issue. The situation on Cardiff’s roster puts them at a disadvantage, but their current form demonstrates resilience.
Chelsea, on the other hand, will also miss some important players. Roméo Lavia and Liam Delap are unlikely to feature due to injuries, and goalkeeper Robert Sánchez will make way for Filip Jörgensen to step into the goal. Additionally, Levi Colwill remains sidelined, continuing a tough recovery from a recent setback.
As the festive fixture list looms with challenging matches in the Premier League and Champions League ahead, this League Cup tie serves as a vital opportunity for Chelsea to build momentum and re-establish a winning mentality, striving to reach the semi-finals and capitalize on the positive vibes from their recent victory. Historically, Chelsea has performed well against Cardiff, securing victories in their last two encounters in the Premier League, as well as in a past FA Cup clash.
This match represents an important chance for both clubs to solidify their respective campaigns, with Chelsea aiming to maintain their upward trajectory in the cups amidst ongoing challenges in the league.