The English League Cup Round of 16 match between Lincoln and Chelsea will take place on September 23 at the LNER Stadium. Lincoln vs. Chelsea: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Lincoln
The team has already played two rounds in the tournament, both away. Nevertheless, the "Imps" comfortably defeated Harrogate Town (3-1) and Burton Albion (1-0). However, in the previous edition, the club was eliminated in their first stage, losing at home to Harrogate Town with a score of 1-2. It's worth noting that Lincoln typically doesn't progress beyond the September matches in the English League Cup, with their best achievement this century being a Round of 16 appearance in 2022, where they lost to Southampton (1-2).
- The "Imps" have not lost in regular time in 8 of their last 11 matches in this tournament (5 wins and 3 draws).
- At least 3 goals have been scored in 90 minutes in 11 of Lincoln's last 15 League Cup games.
- The club has a streak of 4 regular-time losses at home in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Lincoln (4-2-3-1)
George Wickens – Adam Ritch, Sonny Bradley, Adam Jackson, Tendayi Darikwa – Tom Bayliss, Conor McGrandles – Francis Okoronkwo, Ben House, Rico Hackett-Fairchild – James Collins.
Chelsea
Enzo Maresca's side begins their League Cup campaign at this round. The Londoners last won this tournament's trophy 10 years ago and have since reached the final three more times. The most recent occasion was in 2024, when they lost to Liverpool in extra time (0-0, extra time 0-1). Last season, Chelsea reached the Round of 16, where they were defeated by Newcastle away, 0-2.
- At least one team failed to score in regular time in 6 of Chelsea's last 8 matches in this tournament.
- Chelsea have not lost in 90 minutes in 15 of their last 18 League Cup matches (9 wins and 6 draws).
- No more than two goals have been scored in regular time in 14 of the club's last 17 matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Chelsea (4-3-3)
Robert Sanchez – Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Jorrel Hato – Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Facundo Buonanotte – Pedro Neto, Joao Pedro Jesus, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.
Match Prediction: Lincoln vs. Chelsea
For the "Imps," reaching even the Round of 16 is already a significant achievement. Consequently, they rarely face Premier League sides, especially top English teams. In the last five years, Lincoln has played twice against opponents from the lower half of the Premier League table, losing by a one-goal margin to West Ham (0-1) and Southampton (1-2).
Chelsea has had a tough week with matches in the Champions League against Bayern and in the Premier League with Manchester United. Undoubtedly, Enzo Maresca will not field his strongest players in this match, giving playing time to the secondary lineup. Therefore, it is likely that Lincoln will avoid a heavy defeat. Moreover, the Londoners rarely win by a large margin in the League Cup, especially away, where they haven't secured such victories in 12 consecutive matches.
My prediction – Chelsea with a handicap (+2.5)
* The starting lineup for each team is based on their last match.
