Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the EFL Cup match.
Lincoln City are showing signs of progress compared to last season, but against Chelsea that still looks like a drop in the ocean. Even with a heavily rotated side, the visitors should be too strong.
Lincoln City
Last season Lincoln City finished 11th in League One, but after nine rounds of the new campaign they sit third, just two points off the top. In the previous round of the EFL Cup they edged fellow League One side Burton Albion (1:0). Their last meeting with Premier League opposition came in 2023, also in the third round, when Lincoln City lost 0:1 to West Ham United. That scoreline flattered them – the opponents produced 2.15 xG but wasted numerous chances, hitting the target just three times from 14 shots.
Chelsea
Chelsea are winless in three, but context matters. A 2:2 draw with Brentford felt like two points dropped after conceding in the 93rd minute. A 1:3 defeat to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena speaks for itself, while a narrow 1:2 loss to Manchester United was more about missed opportunities. Chelsea remain a dangerous side. Next up in the league is Brighton, who themselves are weakened, partly thanks to Chelsea’s transfer raids, but still dangerous.
Lincoln City vs Chelsea Prediction
Chelsea will put in only as much effort as required here, likely fielding a line-up similar in strength to the one that carried them through the Europa Conference League. That was still more than enough to dispatch opponents with ease. Expect the same outcome here.
