The English League Cup Round of 32 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 of the tournament, both away. Nevertheless, the "Imps" easily overcame Harrogate Town (3-1) and Burton Albion (1-0). However, in the previous edition, the club was eliminated at their first stage, losing at home to Harrogate Town 1-2. It is worth noting that Lincoln usually does not 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 11 of Lincoln's last 15 League Cup games at the end of 90 minutes.
- 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 Rich, 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 in this round. The Londoners last won this tournament's trophy 10 years ago and have since reached the final three more times. The last time was in 2024, when they lost in extra time to Liverpool (0-0, extra time 0-1). Last season, Chelsea reached the Round of 16, where they lost to Newcastle away 0-2.
- At least one team failed to score in regular time in 6 of Chelsea's last 8 games in this tournament.
- Chelsea has not lost in regular time 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.
Referee
Matt Donohue (England)
Matches – 29 (Championship and English League Cup, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 116;
Average yellow cards per match – 4;
Red cards shown – 9;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 14%.
Match Prediction: Lincoln vs. Chelsea
For the "Imps," reaching the Round of 32 is already a decent achievement. Consequently, they rarely face Premier League teams, especially the top ones. In the last five years, Lincoln has played twice against opponents from the lower half of the Premier League table and lost by a 1-goal margin – to West Ham (0-1) and Southampton (1-2).
Chelsea has played tough matches in the Champions League against Bayern and in the Premier League with Manchester United over the past week. Clearly, Enzo Maresca will not field his strongest players in this match, opting to give playing time to the second team. Therefore, Lincoln is likely to avoid a heavy defeat. Moreover, the Londoners rarely win by large margins in the English League Cup, especially away, where they have not had such victories in 12 consecutive matches.
My prediction – Lincoln with a handicap (+2.5)
