The Round of 32 match of the English League Cup 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 overcame Harrogate Town (3:1) and Burton Albion (1:0). However, in last year's edition, the club was knocked out at their first stage, losing at home to Harrogate Town 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 encounters 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 consecutive home defeats in regular time in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Lincoln (4-2-3-1)
George Wickens – Adam Ritchie, 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 English League Cup campaign in this round. The Londoners last won the trophy 10 years ago, after which they reached the final three more times. The most recent final appearance was in 2024, where 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 the Londoners' last 8 games in this tournament.
- Chelsea has 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.
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 for Lincoln vs. Chelsea
For the "Imps," reaching even the Round of 32 is already a significant achievement. Consequently, they rarely encounter Premier League teams, especially top-tier English sides. In the past five years, Lincoln has twice faced 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 against Manchester United. It's clear that Enzo Maresca will not field his strongest players in this match, instead giving playing time to the second team. Therefore, Lincoln is likely to avoid a heavy defeat. Overall, the Londoners rarely win by a large margin in the English League Cup, especially away, where they haven't achieved such victories in 12 consecutive matches.
My prediction – Chelsea with a handicap (+2.5)
* The starting lineup for each team is based on their previous match.
